Hyperlocal Tokyo

I went for lunch with 3 local friends! (*´∇｀*) Esquisse, a favorite of beautiful, gourmet, and heavy-drinking friends! Lunch is more affordable and casual than dinner, so it's recommended! This was my first time visiting, so I left the reservation and course selection to them! Thank you╰(*´︶`*)╯♡ When I arrived at the reservation time, the interior was refined and simple. First, we toasted with champagne! (*^^)o∀*∀o(^^*) 5 appetizers Fish dish Meat dish Pre-dessert Dessert Petit fours And so much more! The dishes that stood out were: Appetizer, Shrimp The shrimp was plump and chewy, with a soft and fluffy inside. Delicious! (//∇//) Fish dish, Escolar Fluffy and soft, The aroma and flavor were delicate! Duck breast The outside was crispy, and each bite released a concentrated duck flavor that filled my mouth! The best! ٩(๑>∀<๑)۶

I visited this restaurant a while back. It's a place where you can enjoy delicious modern French cuisine. I ordered the lunch course with a wine pairing. The sommelier carefully selected wines and brandy that complemented the dishes, creating an unforgettable experience. I was particularly impressed by the dish featuring fruit tomatoes, where the sauce and tomatoes were a perfect match. The sommelier explained the characteristics of each dish and the reasons for their wine selections, allowing me to enjoy the meal with confidence.

I had the pleasure of visiting Esquisse, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. I made a reservation by phone and visited in December, as the weather was starting to get cold. I booked a relatively early time slot, so there were no other customers in the restaurant yet. I was seated at a window table. The first two courses featured dishes with truffles, and the entire meal consisted of 11 courses, including dessert. While the menu followed a classic French structure, it was evident that each dish was meticulously crafted with careful consideration. My personal favorites were the monkfish dish and the grilled maitake mushrooms. The monkfish had crispy, fragrant skin and tender, flaky flesh, allowing the delicate flavor of the white fish to shine through. The sauce was rich and complemented the fish perfectly, with a clean finish. The maitake mushrooms had a satisfyingly meaty texture and a robust flavor, expertly cooked to achieve a delightful crispness. As expected from a two-Michelin-starred establishment, the service was excellent. Despite its high caliber, reservations were relatively easy to secure. I believe this restaurant is an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying French dining experience, easily accessible when the craving strikes. One suggestion for improvement would be to offer a wider selection of non-alcoholic beverages for those who choose not to consume alcohol. This would enhance the dining experience for all guests.

I had the lunch course. The shima shrimp marinated was delicious. The tofu and green peas were absolutely amazing, the best dish of the day! The mirugai (surf clam) with sake lees sauce was also very tasty, coming in second. The wild boar was a Japanese-style dish with a wonderful truffle aroma. The sawaara (Spanish mackerel) was delicious, my third favorite of the day. The Ise ebi (Japanese spiny lobster) was also served. The duck was delicious. For dessert, the Hyuganatsu (Citrus hystrix) was incredibly refreshing and delicious.

Truly delicious modern French cuisine. The colors, aromas, and flavors are all exquisite. I enjoyed a lunch course for 25,000 yen. It was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate. Absolutely fantastic. I was particularly impressed by the chef's commitment to using Japanese ingredients. He incorporated fresh, local sea bream from the Noto Peninsula, which was affected by an earthquake, and creatively transformed it into a French-style dish, a feat I never thought possible. The French server was wonderful, engaging in just the right amount of conversation to create a lively atmosphere while providing detailed descriptions of the dishes. The chef himself came out to greet us at the end, and I was surprised to see how young he was. I will definitely be returning!