joujouka

Tradition and nods to the good old days are important facets of Joujouka, embodied in its culinary details. The restaurant is located near Tokyo Tower, separating itself from the highly trafficked fine dining restaurants of Azabudai Hills. Named after a particularly influential 1960s album by the guitarist of the Rolling Stones, Joujouka is still a relatively in-the-know venue. Despite being included in the Michelin guide, its proprietor, Kuboyama Takayuki, has kept Joujouka on a low profile since its founding in March 2024. Its address is kept hidden and only revealed upon reservation. Within the restaurant, Edison bulbs and curved designs stand out in a relatively classical Japanese dining space. The atmosphere is hushed, and the food speaks the loudest. Guests are served French cuisine at a beautifully burled wood counter. The foundations of French dining are strictly upheld, while technicalities are kept to a minimum. Sweet snapper from Uwajima is pan-fried and dressed with reduced red wine sauce. Lobster gets paired with braised cabbage and drizzled with Vin Blanc sauce. By employing relatively rustic cooking styles to roasted meat, vegetables imported from France and seasonal fish, Kuboyama evokes a sense of his own preferences and signature style. Diners at this as-of-yet-undiscovered treasure are sure to be some of the first guests at a future classic. Michelin Guide accolades: 2024 - Michelin Selected