atelier Morimoto XEX

The XEX series of restaurants could carry itself on name alone. They are the signature restaurants of superstar restaurateur and culinary master Masaharu Morimoto, the third Iron Chef Japanese and a household name with over 20 restaurants under his belt. Of these, only atelier Morimoto XEX personally bears his name. The Roppongi establishment spans three floors, with a teppanyaki counter in the basement, a sushi counter (crafted from a single piece of plain wood) and bar on the first floor, and a cigar lounge on the second. For even more exclusivity, a private teppanyaki grill is also tucked away on the second floor — perpetually in high demand for intimate gatherings and special occasions. Naturally, a restaurant with such a reputation also attracts more stars than a local supercluster. Many of Japan’s most famous celebrities regularly frequent the sushi and teppanyaki counters, as well as a slew of others from outside Japan — no small number of them drawn by the culinary prowess of head chef Takeshi Hatakeyama, who was previously sushi chef of XEX Daikanyama. A specialist in the Edomae style of sushi, Chef Hatakeyama has made a name for himself thanks to his perfect balance of reverence to sushi tradition and willingness to broaden his culinary horizons through experimentation. Who knows? Drop by atelier Morimoto XEX, and you just might spot your favorite celebrity there — the cherry on top of an already delectable evening.