Tabelog ratingDen is celebrated for two things: its highly creative, modern kaiseki cuisine and the exceptionally warm, personal hospitality that turns a meal into a memorable evening. Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa and his team, including his wife Emi, create an atmosphere that feels more like a lively dinner party than a formal restaurant. The experience is interactive, fun, and built around a genuine connection with guests.
The cooking is both playful and technically precise. Guests consistently praise signature dishes like the Monaka, a crisp wafer filled with foie gras and seasonal ingredients, and the whimsical "DENtucky Fried Chicken", a single, perfectly prepared chicken wing served in a custom box. Another standout is the garden-style salad, a complex arrangement of 15 to 20 different vegetables, each prepared to highlight its unique texture and flavour. The meal often concludes with a superb donabe (clay pot) rice and deeply flavourful miso soup, with thoughtful tea and sake pairings available.
The single most common complaint from reviewers is the reservation process. The phone line is open for limited hours and is notoriously difficult to get through, with many reporting hundreds of calls to secure a spot. A few isolated reviews mention poor communication regarding severe allergies or an unexpected extra charge on the bill.
Dinner is a top-tier expense, with a typical spend of ¥30,000–¥39,999 per person. Reviewers have reported paying around ¥24,000 for a meal with three drinks, while a course with a tea pairing was quoted at about ¥35,000. Another party paid ¥63,500 including high-end wine. The menu is omakase (chef's choice) only. Most guests feel Den offers excellent value for a singular, two-Michelin-star experience that is as entertaining as it is delicious.
- Getting There: Den is located in a residential building in Jingumae, about a 7-minute walk from Gaiemmae Station.
- Reservations: Essential and extremely difficult to secure. Bookings are taken by phone only (03-6455-5433) between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, for dates up to two months ahead. Plan for persistence. Cancellations on the day of the reservation will incur the full meal cost.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Seating: The intimate space features counter seating and a few tables. The meal is a single seating lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Private Rooms: A private room for up to four guests is available for a ¥4,000 fee.
- Dietary Needs: If you have severe allergies, it is critical to discuss them in detail when attempting to book, as some reviewers noted difficulties.
- Dress Code: There is no formal dress code.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
