MAZ — Restaurant in Tokyo

I had a supposedly gastronomy experience that lacked variety of flavors. Considering the price charged, all I could say is that this is a disappointment - one that started my doubt on the standard that recently granted 2 Michelin stars to this establishment.

Built on the idea of experiencing the vast abundance that Peru's different altitudes has to offer, Maz assembled a line-up of Peruvian and Japanese ingredients. Sounded like such a wonderful experience it had.

However, such conceptual attraction is soon washed away couple of dishes into the course, mainly due to the substitution of animal ingredient that I personally take as lack of sincerity and the very same way they prepare everything. For instance, a concept of the Andes mountain (3500+ meters above sea level) dish uses Wagyu beef cheek that could not have been sourced at altitude more than 300m, and apparently fed with grain instead of what you'd found high up in the mountains. Any serious thinker would not take that for a honest interpretation. Or what about using rainbow trout to resemble an Amazonian fish? Or randomly replacing goat with boar, and just lack the whatever it takes to update the menu card, that said, GOAT on it. They don't even rhyme.

I get that sourcing fresh fish and meat from the other side of the world is difficult, and I like restaurants that combines local food with new flavors that I haven't experienced yet. But wait until you discover that almost all the seafood dishes are just a fancy twist of ceviche, and both meat dishes (beef and boar) are stewed with maximum saltiness. I almost felt a bit of curiosity with the first dish that has citrus flavored mussel with a tint of herby scent, but soon get bored by the repeat of the similar flavor profile that also applied to scallop, trout and squid. You need to drink a lot, ideally with their wine pairing menu which by the way will cost another fortune, to gobble down all the dishes that inevitably drive the sense into boredom. Besides, other smaller eats are also tend to have the same flavor. The puff that held the barnacle and the dough that contained octopus just felt the same. And the barnacle is plain compare to the puff under it.

Presentation of food is probably one of the attraction of this restaurant, but I couldn't help to notice after a year into business, the corn made object and the fish scale rack both suffered certain damage, making them a little bit off the wow experience I'd like to have.

Service is also not great, I discovered that in the end I was charged for the second bottle of water that I didn't ask for - they'll just open it for you, a 1600 yen bottle of Sanpellegrino. And the tax added to it, and the service fee added to it.

I would not recommend this restaurant. I've told all my friends who are into fine-dining to avoid here. Tokyo has too many to offer and don't...

Maz, a two-star Michelin restaurant, offers a refined and unique foray into Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, blending visual artistry and intricate flavors into an experience that delights the senses. From the moment you step inside, the attention to detail is evident, not just in the beautifully crafted dishes, but in the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The staff’s professionalism was impeccable, and their commitment to creating a memorable experience was evident in every aspect, from the service to the thoughtful approach to plating.

One of the highlights of the evening was the staff's attention to my personal needs—after noticing that I was unable to finish my dishes, they kindly offered to prepare smaller portions. This gesture, though rare in Michelin-starred restaurants, was much appreciated. Unfortunately, there was a slight oversight when they returned to offering regular portions for the next dish, which was a small inconsistency in an otherwise attentive service. However, the restaurant's accommodation of our various allergies and dietary restrictions ensured that everyone in the party was able to enjoy the experience without feeling excluded.

The food itself was expertly executed, showcasing Peru’s rich culinary heritage. That said, some of the more exotic ingredients, though well-prepared, didn’t quite resonate with me personally, though this is a subjective critique rather than a flaw in the cuisine. The restaurant remains faithful to its Peruvian roots, and while I may not have been enamored with every ingredient, the dishes were undoubtedly creative and well-balanced.

A quirky but thoughtful touch was the collection of visual papers offered throughout each course. While they were visually appealing, I struggled to see a clear purpose for them, and they ultimately felt like an unnecessary addition. I also couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed when my friends’ birthday was not acknowledged, especially since I noticed another table being celebrated in a similar manner.

In terms of the overall experience, Maz delivers on its promise, but it doesn't necessarily go beyond expectations. The food is impressive, and the design of the restaurant is undoubtedly beautiful, but nothing stood out as truly extraordinary. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore Peruvian cuisine in an elevated setting, but I left feeling like the experience didn’t quite reach the "wow" factor one might expect from a two-star...

Exceptional Food, with a Bitter Aftertaste

MAZ in Tokyo, a celebrated 2-Michelin-star Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, offers a beautifully unique dining experience—almost. Our recent 9-course meal had no shortage of highlights: each dish was thoughtfully prepared, with meticulous attention to both Japanese and Peruvian traditions. The flavors ranged from sour and tangy to umami-rich and delicately salty, all balanced perfectly in ways that were both unexpected and delightful. Each course was explained in detail and presented with exceptional care, on uniquely designed plates and cutlery that elevated the visual appeal of the dishes.

However, despite the excellence of the food, the experience was marred by the service. From the beginning, it was evident that our young host was new to the role. After seating us, the courses arrived swiftly, almost too fast, with the first dish served less than five minutes after our wine was poured. Throughout the meal, the service was intrusive, with staff clearing plates before we had finished eating, which made private conversation difficult as their hands repeatedly reached across the table. The team hovered nearby, creating a subtle but constant pressure to hurry through each course. At one point, a waitress even attempted to take my plate while I was still mid-bite, which was incredibly uncomfortable.

Additionally, although we had mentioned we were dining in celebration of our wedding anniversary, it went unacknowledged. We didn’t expect a grand gesture, but even a simple "Congratulations" would have made a difference, as other places often do for such occasions. At a 2-Michelin-star restaurant, small details in service can profoundly impact the experience, and unfortunately, this felt like a missed opportunity. Finally, after paying via the contactless system, we left without so much as a farewell from the staff, leaving an oddly abrupt end to the evening.

When visiting an establishment of this caliber, there's an expectation that the entire experience will match the quality of the food. Despite MAZ’s beautifully crafted dishes, the service left us with a disappointing aftertaste that clouded an otherwise...