Yamazaki (Nishi Azabu)

※ As of 2023, Yamazaki no longer takes bookings through third-party channels. Please contact the restaurant personally to make a reservation. The fact that the gourmets of Tokyo were already dying to book this restaurant before it even opened is a fair indicator of its quality. Chef Yamasaki-san trained at the restaurant Morikawa, in Akasaka, and became a popular face among the regulars there. When word got out that he planned to open his own place, his fans were tripping over themselves to secure a seat. The hype was justified. Now, Yamazaki is one of the best kaiseki restaurants in Tokyo, which uses ideas loaned from Western and modern gastronomy to elevate the Japanese classics. The chef is particular about his wonderful golden broths, and his rice — each batch prepared to perfection. Wildfowl including duck and pigeon are also served. Expert chargrilling gives them rustic, smoky flavor which won’t soon be forgotten. Unfortunately the high demand means that Yamazaki is invitation-only, so you’d best start networking if you want to land a seat here any time soon.