Tempura Kondo

Rumor has it that this Michelin-starred tempura restaurant turned down Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and former President Obama because it was fully booked and the chef refused to cancel any of the bookings that day. Talk about making a statement, Tempura Kondo apparently needs no exposure and publicity as it's already that well-known. Chef-owner Fumio Kondo continues to push boundaries even after more than 50 years of professional artisanship. Using Kyoto-style batter for his tempura, lighter than the thick Tokyo-style batter, every technique is carefully considered so as to fully utilize the ingredients' natural aroma and essence. Tempura Kondo offers course menus but a la carte menu is also available as well. Most course menus include the standard prawns, vegetables, fishes, and miso soup. The expansive course menus will include premium dishes like kakiage. The highlight of any course is the three-type fish tempura that includes white fish and anago. To the final detail, everything is executed to perfection with no room for error. Tempura Kondo has excelled in its craft and the host of well-known people who have dined there, as well as those who wish to, are just proof of that. Michelin Guide: 2008 - 1 Michelin Star 2009 - 2 Michelin Stars