Le Monde Gourmand

Imagine this scene: A chef, framed in the window of his restaurant, highlighted by warm, inviting light as he bustles around the kitchen, stirring pans and chopping vegetables. Outside, the blackboard is filled with classic delights like pate en croute (French meat pie), fish en papillote (paper-wrapped fish), and roasted lamb. But the truth is, guests don’t have to imagine. This scene is real at Jiyugaoka’s Le Monde Gourmand, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded bistro where each dish honors timeless French techniques. A seasoned traveler of France, Chef Kato Takashi brings both Provencal charm, Parisian finesse and Japanese passion to this small, residential corner of Tokyo. His menu is a mixture of both locally sourced ingredients and French imports, with impeccable Gunma roast pork served alongside aged French ham. Case in point, the signature dish — and one of the restaurant’s most popular — is a domestic wagyu beef cheek braised in French red wine. Le Monde Gourmand’s set menus include everything from delicate appetizers to mains featuring the finest meat and fish, to finely-crafted desserts, all at budget-friendly prices. Add to that the cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and expertly paired wines, and you have a recipe for a truly memorable meal. Michelin Guide: 2020 - Bib Gourmand