In the Photo: Harutaka (Three MICHELIN STAR), from the restaurant
The highly anticipated 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo has been unveiled, and it’s filled with exciting new additions and recognition for exceptional culinary establishments. With a total of 504 recommended restaurants, Tokyo continues to solidify its position as a global gastronomic capital. The selection features a remarkable 183 MICHELIN Star establishments, including one newly awarded Three Star restaurant, one new Two Star establishment, and an impressive 16 new One Star restaurants. Additionally, one restaurant has been recognized with a MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. Let’s delve into the highlights of this year’s guide.
The biggest news in the culinary scene is the promotion of sushi restaurant Harutaka to the coveted Three MICHELIN Star status. Located in the Ginza district, Harutaka is renowned for its authentic Edo-style sushi, meticulously crafted by chef Harutaka Takahashi. With 12 years of training at the famed Sukiyabashi Jiro, Chef Takahashi has honed his skills to perfection, offering guests an extraordinary dining experience. The sushi creations at Harutaka are known for their exceptional flavours, textures, and presentation, carefully orchestrated to provide a harmonious culinary journey.
Joining the ranks of Tokyo’s elite dining establishments, restaurant MAZ has been awarded Two MICHELIN Stars. Helmed by chef Virgilio Martínez Véliz from Lima’s celebrated restaurant Central, and led by executive chef Santiago Fernández Saim, MAZ combines the diverse cuisines of Peru and Japan. The menu at MAZ takes guests on a culinary expedition through various altitudes, showcasing the unique flavours and ingredients of both countries. With MAZ’s recognition, Tokyo now boasts a total of 33 Two MICHELIN Star restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Tokyo’s reputation as a culinary powerhouse is further reinforced by the addition of 16 new One MICHELIN Star restaurants. These establishments represent a diverse range of cuisines, including Italian, French, Chinese, and traditional Japanese. Notable restaurants among the newly recognised include Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, MONOLITH, and Ginza L’écrin. Each restaurant offers a distinct culinary experience, combining exceptional flavours, innovative techniques, and impeccable presentation.
Emphasising the growing importance of sustainability in gastronomy, the MICHELIN Green Star category recognises restaurants that demonstrate a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices. This year, one new restaurant, nôl, has been awarded the MICHELIN Green Star. Nôl showcases a sustainable approach by utilising seasonal domestic produce, collaborating with farmers practicing recycling-oriented agriculture, and minimising CO2 emissions and food waste. This brings the total number of MICHELIN Green Star restaurants in Tokyo to 11, further highlighting the city’s dedication to sustainable gastronomy.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, expressed his delight at the resumption of the Tokyo selection and praised the city’s culinary landscape. Tokyo has consistently amazed the MICHELIN Guide inspectors with its exceptional quality and refinement. The guide serves not only as a resource for local food enthusiasts but also as a global platform for showcasing Tokyo’s gastronomic achievements.
Here is a summary of the new Three, Two, and One MICHELIN Star restaurants in the 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo:
New Three MICHELIN Star Restaurant:
Harutaka – Located in the Ginza district, Harutaka is a sushi restaurant known for its authentic Edo-style sushi. Chef Harutaka Takahashi’s culinary skills and dedication have earned the restaurant its well-deserved Three MICHELIN Stars.
New Two MICHELIN Star Restaurant:
MAZ – A new gastronomic project Led by chef Virgilio Martínez Véliz from Central in Lima, Peru, and executive chef Santiago Fernández Saim, MAZ combines the flavours of Peru and Japan. It offers a unique culinary experience that showcases the diverse cuisines of both countries.
New One MICHELIN Star Restaurants:
1. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito – This restaurant serves Italian cuisine at Bulgari Hotel Tokyo and promises a delightful dining experience with its exceptional flavours and techniques.
2. MONOLITH – Known for its French-inspired cuisine, MONOLITH offers innovative dishes that delight the senses.
3. Ginza L’écrin – This French-inspired restaurant in Ginza presents exquisite and refined dishes, showcasing the artistry of its chefs.
4. TROIS VISAGES – With its French-inspired menu, TROIS VISAGES captivates diners with its creative and skillfully executed dishes.
5. Mētis Roppongi – Mētis Roppongi offers a French-inspired culinary experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques.
6. Piao-Xiang – This restaurant presents Chinese flavours with a modern twist, creating an exciting fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine.
7. Koshikiryori Koki – Offering Chinese cuisine, Koshikiryori Koki impresses with its authentic flavours and impeccable execution.
8. Ichirin – Ichirin showcases the art of Japanese cuisine, serving traditional dishes with a modern touch.
9. Ginza Kitagawa – Known for its outstanding Japanese cuisine, Ginza Kitagawa offers a memorable dining experience with its meticulously crafted dishes.
10. Mutsukari – Mutsukari specializes in Japanese cuisine, showcasing the freshest ingredients and flavours.
11. Nishiazabu Noguchi – This restaurant is celebrated for its Japanese cuisine and meticulous attention to detail in both taste and presentation.
12. Miyasaka – Miyasaka offers a range of traditional Japanese dishes, prepared with precision and expertise.
13. Hiroo Ishizaka – Hiroo Ishizaka is renowned for its superbly executed sushi, using the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.
14. Ubuka – Specializing in crab preparations, Ubuka serves exquisite dishes that highlight the delicate flavours of this seafood delicacy.
15. Kabi – Provides innovative menus that showcase a unique blend of flavours and techniques, offering a truly memorable dining experience.
16. L’Éterre – Led by Chef Yoshiaki Ito from L’Archeste, offers a culinary experience of meticulously crafted classic fare with traditional techniques, accentuating ingredient purity using firewood, charcoal, and straw, while the connection between Ito and Tagomori binds Paris and Tokyo together.
With 183 MICHELIN Star establishments, Tokyo remains the city with the highest number of starred restaurants in the world. The MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2024 selection is a testament to the city’s unrivalled culinary diversity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether you’re seeking traditional Japanese cuisine, sushi perfection, international flavours, or sustainable dining experiences, Tokyo offers an extraordinary culinary journey that is not to be missed.
Source: MICHELIN Guide
