Florilege (Tokyo, Japan)

Florilege
2-5-4 Jingumae B1
Shibuya 150-0001
Tokyo, Japan
Dining date: 11/9/18

On this most recent trip to Japan, Florilege was the choice for our lone fine dining meal in the country. The Michelin two-star restaurant, ranked 59th best in the world, was opened in 2009 by Hiroyasu Kawate after cooking at well-known Quintessance.

One of the unique aspects of the restaurant is that the vast majority of the seats surround an open kitchen. Diners are able to watch all of the action, and dishes are served directly by the cooks.

The restaurant is tasting menu-only, ¥13000/$115.

sweet potato

scallops, konbu

pacific saury

shiitake mushrooms

beef (sustainability)

conger eel, eggplant

yellowtail

pork loin

mandarin

tarte tatin

amazon cacao

gooseberry

We had a good meal at Florilege. Scallops with lemon curd and ginger was one of the strong early dishes showing off light and delicate flavors. The shiitake and truffle chawanmushi was excellent; the silky custard had deep, vibrant earthy tones. The ‘old beef’ dish, one of the restaurant’s signatures, was a delicious one too. The beef had a sort of ham-like depth, though it was unmistakably beef. The chocolate omelette was a noteworthy dessert too, topped with chantilly cream. I’m glad to have dined here and would return.