Hyperlocal Tokyo

Before joining Joël Robuchon, Chef Watanabe honed his skills at renowned French restaurants in various countries, including France and Monaco, consistently leading the French culinary scene for many years. He chose Asakusa as the location for his independent venture, a departure from the Robuchon philosophy. Chef Watanabe, who earned three Michelin stars for nine consecutive years as the Executive Chef of the renowned French restaurant 'Joël Robuchon' in Ebisu, a flagship brand of the globally acclaimed Joël Robuchon, is a culinary maestro known worldwide. He is a legend in the French culinary world, having earned the most Michelin stars globally and being recognized as one of the most celebrated chefs. His name is synonymous with excellence among food connoisseurs. When asked about his choice of location, Chef Watanabe explained, "I wanted to incorporate local traditional ingredients, Edo-era vegetables, and buckwheat flour into French cuisine. I envision a unique culinary experience that blends the deeply rooted food culture of Asakusa with the French culinary traditions I have learned over the years." At 'restaurant Nabeno-Ism,' you can savor Chef Watanabe's refined French cuisine, a testament to his commitment to preserving tradition while pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. Since its opening in 2016, 'restaurant Nabeno-Ism' achieved the remarkable feat of earning a Michelin star in 2017. The name 'Nabeno-Ism' is a combination of Chef Watanabe's nickname, 'Nabeno,' and 'Abeno,' the location of his alma mater, 'Osaka Tsuji Culinary Institute.' The '-Ism' suffix signifies a unified philosophy. Chef Watanabe explains that the name embodies his commitment to incorporating the knowledge and experiences he has gained throughout his culinary journey into a unified philosophy, creating a space where guests can enjoy a truly exceptional dining experience. The restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis. Located a short five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, it is a modern, single-story house restaurant situated on the banks of the Sumida River. Upon entering, the expansive kitchen on the first floor, visible through a glass wall, reveals the dynamic energy of the chefs at work. The dining spaces on the second and third floors, featuring both counter and table seating, offer distinct ambiances, catering to a diverse clientele, from solo diners to groups and special occasions. The restaurant boasts a prime location with stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree through large windows overlooking the Sumida River. The serene hospitality adds to the ambiance, creating an exceptional dining experience that feels truly special.

I visited this restaurant for lunch because a friend recommended it. It's run by a graduate of L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and I had seen videos of it on YouTube beforehand, so I was expecting the meticulousness and attention to detail that I saw in those videos. The food was truly artistic. I could see the Tokyo Skytree from the restaurant, and I enjoyed some wine and champagne. The bill came out to just under 30,000 yen. The ingredients were all high-quality and everything was delicious! I wasn't really interested in French food before, but this place might just change my mind. PS: To the staff, thank you for the umbrella rental! I'll be sure to return it eventually.

I visited this restaurant at the invitation of a client. The food was excellent, and the service on the floor was fantastic. However, at the end, the manager (I think, as we didn't exchange business cards) exchanged cards with my client. I had my card ready, but I was completely ignored and returned to the reception area. It was a very unpleasant experience. The positive impression of the restaurant was completely ruined, and my client's celebration became a negative memory for me. I truly feel sorry for my client. Based on this experience alone, I will never use this restaurant again.

We enjoyed a leisurely meal while watching the pleasure boats go by along the Sumida River. The food was beautifully presented and served with great care. Thank you for the delicious meal.

A renowned French restaurant in Asakusa. It's located along the Sumida River, offering a beautiful setting. I opted for a wine pairing with my meal. It was interesting to have red wine paired with fish and even a sake pairing, as I usually only drink wine. The course was generous, and I enjoyed the bread as well, leaving me quite full! I was even able to take home the small sweets served at the end. ^ ^