Il Ballond’oro

The name of Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Italian restaurant, Il Ballond’oro, sounds oddly familiar on first mention. It’s a direct reference to the coveted Ballon d’Or, the award given to the best footballer every year by the sports magazine French Football — and a reminder of the career path that chef Iwata Masaki could have pursued. An aspiring football player in his youth, Chef Iwata instead turned his attentions to Italian cuisine later in life — a career decision that not only turned out for the best for him, but also to the hundreds of grateful Tokyoites who flock to his Ebisu trattoria every week for affordable, delicious Italian food. Chef Iwata’s signature dish, golden risotto, also references the golden football for which his restaurant is named: a plate of glistening saffron rice and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, best paired with the restaurant’s extensive selection of vintage reds or whites. Other highly recommended menu items are the beef offal and tomato stew, and Tuscan-style spaghetti with black truffle and lardo fatback. Michelin Guide: 2023 - Bib Gourmand