霞庭 まつばら - Kasumitei Matsubara

Situated in the middle of Tokyo's busy Roppongi area is a highly regarded kaiseki restaurant named Kasumitei Matsubara. Opened by the eponymous chef Matsubara, who has gained a decent following of regular customers from working at his former restaurant, the style of the omakase menu is not the standard, traditional Japanese cuisine. Rather, it's a creative take in which an emphasis is put on seasonal produce as well as natural flavor — chef Matsubara doesn't smother them in sauces to the point where the original essence is compromised. Dinner may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but many who are interested to get a sense of the chef's skillful techniques opt for the more affordable lunch course that consists of a complete five courses that highlight Matsubara's handiwork in action.