Tabelog ratingNARISAWA offers a dining experience built around a strong narrative: a journey through Japan’s natural landscapes, or “satoyama”. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa’s philosophy transforms hyper-seasonal ingredients from the forest, sea, and countryside into a theatrical tasting menu where each course tells a story. The restaurant is perhaps most famous for its signature “Bread of the Forest” (森のパン), a dough that ferments and bakes in a hot stone pot at your table, served with butter resembling moss.
Guests consistently praise this unique bread, along with a range of precisely executed dishes. Favourites from recent reviews include a delicate crab and sea urchin risotto, tender scallops, langoustine, and a charcoal-seared Wagyu with truffle. The thoughtful beverage pairings, which include non-alcoholic tea options alongside wine and sake, are also frequently commended, as is the polished, discreet service and the staff's fluent English.
While most diners are impressed, a minority feel the experience can seem dated or less surprising than in its earlier years. A few have noted a rushed feeling towards the end of the meal, with coffee arriving before dessert is finished. Occasional criticisms mention uneven dishes, such as a bitter fried fish or an underdone bread, and some found the beverage pairings overly sweet.
This is a top-tier dining experience, with typical lunch and dinner spends from ¥80,000 to ¥99,999. Reviewers in recent years reported tasting menus costing from ¥45,980 to ¥68,000, with one paired course for two totalling ¥161,000 (about ¥80,500 per person). These prices often include a 10% service charge. For travellers seeking a rare, idea-driven Japanese tasting dinner, most feel the creativity and execution justify the high price.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station.
- Reservations: Reservations are essential and should be made months in advance. Cancellation policies are strictly enforced.
- Age Restriction: Please note that all guests must be 18 years of age or older.
- Dress Code: The dress code is smart casual.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Service Charge: A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Seating: The restaurant has 15 seats. Private rooms are not available.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid coin parking is available nearby.
