5 quinto — Restaurant in Tokyo

We had a great dining experience overall. The food was excellent, every course was really well executed and delicious. The lady serving us was also really nice.

That said, a few things did take away from the overall experience:

We ordered still water (Aqua di Panna), and only realized after checking the bill halfway on the way home that two bottles cost ¥6,000 (around US$42). I’ve dined at many fine dining restaurants, but this is by far the most I’ve ever been charged for still water—especially in Japan, where pricing is typically more reasonable. It felt unexpectedly steep and I generally dislike paying for water. Honestly would have preferred to spend a little more and get a bottle of wine.

Also at the end of the meal, the chef began packing extra portions of cheesecake, brioche, and curry into gift bags for guests. We were genuinely excited and thought it was a lovely gesture, until we realized only the other Japanese guests received them. I’m not sure if they were regulars or friends of the chef, but it was disappointing to be left out, especially after such a great meal. Maybe even a slice of cheesecake to take home would have been nice.

Lastly, I found it unusual that the restaurant didn’t provide a printed wine list or a price list for their glasses of wine. While the food menu was beautifully presented and every course had its own printed message. The lack of transparency around wine pricing made things awkward. I had to ask for the price of each glass I wanted to try with every course, which felt a bit uncomfortable in such an intimate 8-seater setting.

Anyway back on the food, there were some real highlights here with the first prawn and tomato dish, the foie gras and brioche and his signature mackerel in fried bread. Overall great experience and I'd love to go back just that I'd probably skip on...

Updated review:

As you can see below, the restaurant has explained in detail the bill breakdown (which wasn’t clear to me at the time of paying). Looking at their explanation, I see now the pricing for the drinks was better than I originally thought though the water is still double what you’d pay in other restaurants. Savoy Azabujuban charges ¥800 for the same size bottle. Perhaps because this considered fine dining pricing. So because of that I’ve changed the review rating to 4 stars. I appreciate them taking the time to explain. I would suggest they make the price list for the drinks available at the time of ordering to avoid confusion and also to clearly explain the bill breakdown.

Original review: I would have given this restaurant an overall 4 star review if not for the fact that I found their charges for water and alcohol to be exorbitant. The food is well executed (though not fabulous) and for the price ¥11,000 (for 5 courses) is very worthwhile. I enjoyed the home made brioche and foie gras with onion reduction v much as well as the duck and the donabe. However I was stunned to be handed a bill for ¥18,900 when all I had added was a bottle of still water (Aqua Panna) and a glass of champagne which wasn’t even an expensive brand. They didn’t show me the price list for the drinks and in hindsight I should have asked for it. How can a bottle of water cost ¥3000 and a glass of inexpensive champagne cost ¥5900??? This is price gouging...

Cuisine That Speaks to the Heart

Located more than a 10-minute walk from the nearest station, with an exterior that’s quite easy to miss, this restaurant is nonetheless fully booked every day. Quint is known for its simple yet deeply expressive dishes that highlight the natural character of each ingredient.

The interior is dimly lit and atmospheric, with a flat counter where you can watch each dish come to life right in front of you.

There are two seatings each day — • 17:00 for the full course • 20:30 for the short course and à la carte options

I visited during the 20:30 seating and enjoyed a combination of the short course and additional à la carte dishes.

What I had

◆ Tomato salad with sweet shrimp ◆ Brioche ◆ Foie gras and onion ◆ Charcoal-grilled duck with “kabayaki” sauce ◆ Grilled ayu rice ◇ Genovese pasta (extra order) ◇ Duck broth shio ramen (extra order) ◆ Cheesecake

Each dish delivered clear, honest flavors — simple but deeply satisfying. The short course was well-balanced, both in structure and portion, leaving me fully content.

The à la carte dishes are crafted with great care as well. I asked the chef for recommendations and ordered accordingly — every plate reflected thoughtful creativity.

The way each element is deconstructed and then rebuilt into a new form results in dishes that can only be experienced here. This is a restaurant with a future I’m truly excited about.

ごちそうさまでした — thank you for a...