Kappo Muroi

Kappo Muroi’s name has a special origin. It's a tribute to Muroi Go's father, Muroi Masao, who ran a legendary kappo restaurant – counter-style, traditional Japanese multicourse meal – by the same name. The reopening of the namesake in Nishi-Azabu in 2023 marks the passing of the torch, with Muroi now at the helm and his father working alongside him. In Kappo Muroi, his philosophy is simple: a dish should be like "a slice of the most incredible moment." He considers every element, from the aroma to the texture, to ensure that each dish is unforgettable. It starts with him making a fresh batch of bonito flakes for every guest as they enter the restaurant and continues with a delightful journey through the flavors of Japan, from fried soft-shell turtle to charcoal-grilled eel. The closing dish is often a pot-simmered rice dish, updated with what’s in season: tiger pufferfish milt mixed in with zosui (rice porridge) during the winter; blackthroat seaperch abundantly used before fall. The omakase course is a particular highlight, offering a curated selection of dishes that showcase the chef's creativity and skill. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, Kappo Muroi offers a peaceful retreat — its humble surroundings in stark contrast to its Michelin-star status. Though the tasting menu can run up to three hours, with his father and his apprentices, Muroi handles all the cooking and plating in focused silence. Dining from start to finish feels like a serene dream. Michelin Guide: 2025 - 1 Michelin Star