Bistrot Vivienne

※ Besides its regular closure on Sundays, Bistrot Vivienne is closed on all public holidays, as well as every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Please take note before attempting to make a reservation. ——— It almost seems like owner-sommelier Saito Junko has Burgundy wine flowing through her veins. After majoring in French literature and relocating to France, she was inspired to establish a stronghold of bistro dining in Tokyo where guests could enjoy fine French wine and small plates to go with each glass. Bistrot Vivienne’s wine list rivals that of top French restaurants, featuring French wines from a variety of regions, price points, and vintages. Rotating wine recommendations begin at just ¥800 a glass, and a variety of traditional French bistro items, such as paté and bouillabaisse, are interspersed with creative dishes inspired by haute cuisine. Chef Takada calls Bistrot Vivienne’s dining style “ bistronomy”. The casual, authentic-feeling space effectively brings together many of Ms. Saito’s best memories of France: heartfelt chats over good wine, food that gives the chef a platform to express his creativity, and a feeling of easy Parisian refinement.