Tabelog ratingAPICIUS is a living monument to classical French cuisine in Tokyo, a true 'grand-maison' that has upheld the highest standards for decades. The experience is one of refined theatre, from servers presenting dishes under silver cloches to the famous trolleys that glide through the dining room. The restaurant is built around a magnificent 30,000-bottle wine cellar, with a sommelier team praised by guests for their expert pairings.
Diners consistently celebrate the signature dishes, which are masterpieces of old-school French technique. Favourites include a delicate cauliflower mousse topped with sea urchin and caviar, the rare sea-turtle consommé (when available), perfectly cooked Dover sole, and a decadent Wagyu Rossini. The meal's finale is a major highlight: dessert and cheese trolleys laden with so many options that many guests advise arriving with a healthy appetite. The plentiful house-made breads also receive frequent praise.
While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests have noted occasional service lapses or a brusque manner. Some also find the cuisine very traditional and heavy, a contrast to modern, lighter French styles. The dining room, while elegant, can feel tightly seated, and the noise level can rise as the evening progresses.
APICIUS is a destination for a milestone celebration, and prices reflect this. Dinner typically costs between ¥50,000 and ¥59,999 per person, while lunch is in the ¥10,000 to ¥14,999 range. Reviewers recently paid around ¥14,850 for the Déjeuner APICIUS lunch course and ¥44,000 for the top-tier PRESTIGE dinner menu. Note that a 12% service charge, wine, and items from the trolleys are additional. Most agree it offers excellent value for a grand, memorable occasion.
- Getting There: Located on the B1 floor of the Sanshi Kaikan building, a 2-minute walk from the Central West Exit of JR Yurakucho Station.
- Dress Code: A strict dress code is enforced. Jackets are required for men (loaners are available). Casual attire such as jeans, sneakers, shorts, T-shirts, and sandals is not permitted for any guest.
- Age Restriction: Guests must be of middle school age or older to be seated in the main dining room. Younger children may be accommodated in private rooms, but the restaurant cannot welcome preschool-aged children.
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for special occasions. Bookings can be made via the official website and major reservation platforms.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: The restaurant has 50 seats. Private rooms are available for an additional charge.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No dedicated parking is available.
