Hyperlocal Tokyo

While casual, the atmosphere was very relaxed, and the food was authentic. The interior was stylish, and the staff provided attentive service. It was a comfortable space. I definitely want to go back.

I visited for the first time! It's exactly what you'd expect from a casual French restaurant, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It's not too loud, making it a great space for adults to enjoy. I had the set menu plus some à la carte dishes this time, and everything was delicious without being too heavy. French restaurants can often be quite formal, but this one is affordable and makes French cuisine accessible, so I'll definitely be back!

We ordered a white wine for ¥1,100, spring vegetables with firefly squid and turban shell for ¥2,100, burdock and lotus root stir-fried with red wine for ¥550, homemade bread for ¥200, red wine for ¥1,200, and pan-seared Oyama chicken breast with homemade smoked flavor for ¥1,800, totaling ¥6,950. ◆ Location: ☆☆☆ Located a 3-minute walk east from Ningyocho Station. It's on the first floor of a three-story office building facing Oomon Street, a street lined with apartments and shops, two blocks in from the wide Ningyocho Street. ◆ Layout and Interior Design: ☆☆☆☆ Upon entering, there are two 4-person tables and three 2-person tables on the right, a 6-seat counter on the left, and the kitchen in front of it. The interior is visible through large glass windows from the outside, but the interior is modern and relaxing, with a white, high ceiling and white and black walls, accented by shelves and doors made of old wood. ◆ Operation and Atmosphere: ☆☆☆ The kitchen staff consists of one male chef, one young male, and two women, while the service is handled by one woman who is quite assertive in her conversations. The restaurant was bustling with customers of various ages, creating a lively atmosphere. The background music was jazz, featuring artists like Julian Lage. ◆ Food and Value for Money: ☆☆☆☆ The white wine, being German, was quite acidic, crisp, and delicious. The firefly squid was beautifully arranged in a circular shape, and the touch of fuki-no-tou (Japanese butterbur) added a springy feel. The firefly squid itself was plump and had a good texture, but this kind of appetizer with a bitter twist was unusual, raising expectations for the chef's skills. The burdock and lotus root stir-fry had a good balance of vegetable firmness and bitterness, allowing each ingredient's unique character and strength to shine through while absorbing the flavor, resulting in a dish with a Japanese feel. The chicken sauté was fragrant and flavorful, likely due to the smoking process. The crispy skin and tender meat were well-balanced and delicious. The accompanying sauerkraut (Sauerkraut in German) had an authentic French-German flavor, showcasing the chef's training at top-notch restaurants. The red wine offered a choice of three glasses, and I opted for one between full-bodied and light, which was a solid choice that paired well with the chicken. Considering the location and interior, I think the food and price offer good value for money. It's a bit pricey, but the quality of the food and the comfortable atmosphere justify it.

I recently enjoyed a Christmas dinner at "L'Etoile Ningyocho" in Ningyocho. This restaurant is known for its cuisine that utilizes seasonal Japanese ingredients, making it a very approachable and casual bistro. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a Christmas tree-shaped interior adorned with lights, but it was subtle and blended seamlessly with the surrounding atmosphere, creating a sophisticated and stylish ambiance. The interior itself had a strangely comforting and homey feel, as if I had stepped into a stylish home, making it a truly relaxing and wonderful place. The food was a complete Christmas dinner course, and while it was a bistro, it incorporated fresh Japanese ingredients that reflected the four seasons of Japan, resulting in a series of exquisite dishes with a touch of Japanese flavor. From the amuse-bouche with nutmeg, the Hokkai-san scallop with French wheat "Ebly" and lemon zest, the foie gras terrine with its tangy rhubarb jam, the pan-seared sea bream with scallion cream, to the roasted Ezo deer inner thigh with shiso sauce, each dish had a distinct and flavorful accent that enhanced the overall taste. These accents never overpowered the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in elegant and refined dishes that I personally adore. This bistro left me wanting to try more of their dishes and visit again. It was a truly satisfying experience. [Dishes I had] ● [Christmas Limited Course] 12/23, 24 Limited 6-course meal ¥8,800 per person (tax included) Course Contents ・Amuse-bouche (Appetizer) First dish: (Nutmeg, tuna, butter, potato) ・Entree 1 (First Course) Hokkai-san scallop with French wheat "Ebly" - lemon and thyme mustard ・Entree 2 (Second Course) Foie gras terrine - with "Ban de Ebisu" and rhubarb jam ・Poisson (Fish Dish) Pan-seared sea bream - with scallion cream and mixed spices ・Viande (Meat Dish) Roasted Ezo deer inner thigh - shiso and Madeira sauce ・Dessert (Dessert) Christmas-style dessert ・Cafe ou The Coffee, tea ● Draft beer ¥900 ● Glass of sparkling wine ¥1,500 ● Glass of red wine ¥1,300

I enjoyed the ¥8,000 course. From the amuse-bouche to the appetizers, fish, meat, cheese, and dessert, everything was delicious. The main dishes were mostly meat, so I'd like to try the à la carte menu next time. It also seems like a great place to have a light drink with appetizers at the counter by yourself. The staff was very attentive, explaining the wines and dishes in detail, and they even greeted me as I left. It was a wonderful experience. I'm so happy to have found another great restaurant in Ningyocho. I highly recommend it if you're in the area.