Den
Tokyo has to be one of, if not the best place in the world to eat. Literally every cuisine you can think of has been expertly created in Tokyo, one of the many reasons why it has the most Michelin stars of any city in the world (203 and counting at the time of writing this)
Den has to be one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had, tucked away in Shibuya City, we almost missed the restaurant entirely as the signage outside had the previous restaurant name still! Once inside though we were welcomed like family, a very warm environment with smiling faces across the board. Chef/Owner Zaiyu Hasegawa perfectly explains his concept of Den like so “The taste of home cooking is different for everyone, but yet it is all prepared with the same wish, which is to make others happy” I love this ethos and I definitely loved the execution of this entire meal. We were seated in a semi private room where we could sort of peer into the kitchen to see Chef Hasegawa and his team working away preparing some of the most unusual and delicious dishes I’ve ever had. Normally at this point you’d have me describe the food and dishes, but I do think for Den, it’s best to be experienced. Even the pairings are done differently, instead of ordering a set pairing menu, they simply ask you if you would like another glass as the dishes come out, giving you more control of the amount you consume. My sister in law opted for the Wine pairing, while my brother and I both did the Sake pairing, we have different preferences so they gave us different sake with each course.
I’ve talked about service, and Den again is at the top of their game with any place I’ve dined at. With plenty of jokes going around between the table and staff, Chef Hasegawa coming in to greet us, serve us dishes, and even high five us as he served one of his signature plates, it’s a meal I won’t soon forget. We were able to get a photo together as we were the last table to leave, this is the type of restaurant I would happily go to every time I visit Tokyo. If you plan a trip, I would certainly make the suggestion to go here and experience first hand one of the best restaurants in the world. With 2 Michelin stars, a world top 50 ranking, and considered the best restaurant in Asia, what I’m telling you isn’t exactly news, but damnit, you really should eat here.
Price per head: £150-£200 depending on how much you drink