Azabujuban Fukuda

After a short walk from the Azabujuban Station, you’ll come across a set of stairs with an atmospheric orange glow, at the top of which hangs a decorative green curtain bearing the name of one of the best traditional set-course dining restaurants in Tokyo. Push the curtain aside and enter the elegant Fukuda. This 14-seat restaurant was established by a husband and wife team in 2014, and it gained a Michelin star in under a year. From the very first dish it’s clear why: everything served here is of a superior quality. Their seasonal soup starters kick things off with a bang. The particular kind varies according to the season, but examples include hamaguri clam with seaweed, and turnip and shiitake mushroom. The dining ware used here fits the seasonal themes, with some dishes served on leaf-shaped plates, and spaces presented in sleek dishes resembling droplets of water. Only two groups of diners are permitted per day, making this also one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the capital.