Sazanka — Restaurant in Tokyo

Sazenka was one of the most unique and refined dining experiences I’ve ever had — and that’s saying something after visiting multiple top-tier places in Tokyo. What makes it truly unforgettable is its seamless fusion of Chinese flavors with Japanese precision and elegance. It’s a culinary philosophy I hadn’t encountered before, and honestly, it blew me away.

Tucked away in a quiet residential part of Minato, Sazenka feels more like a serene retreat than a restaurant. From the moment I entered, I knew I was in for something special. The interior is understated and elegant — muted tones, soft lighting, lots of natural wood — everything designed to help you focus on the food and your senses.

The experience is pure omakase, so I let Chef Tomoya Kawada take me on a journey. What followed was a series of dishes that felt both deeply familiar and entirely new. The techniques clearly draw from Chinese cuisine — bold broths, spices, and slow-cooked components — but the presentation, balance, and restraint are entirely Japanese.

One of the early courses was a Shark Fin Risotto, and it was simply stunning. Creamy, rich, yet incredibly light on the palate, with an umami depth that lingered long after the last bite. Another highlight was the “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” soup — a famous dish in Chinese haute cuisine — here reimagined with Japanese finesse. It was hearty, comforting, and aromatic, but never heavy.

There was also a dish of crispy-skinned duck with Sichuan pepper that I still think about weeks later. The skin was like glass — perfectly rendered and full of flavor — while the meat was tender and infused with delicate spices. It had heat, but never overwhelmed. That balance is what defines Sazenka: every flavor has its place, and nothing feels out of tune.

The service was impeccable — calm, deeply respectful, and quietly attentive. Each dish was introduced with clarity and pride, but never with pretension. I also appreciated the sommelier’s sake and wine suggestions — the pairings really elevated the experience, especially with some of the more aromatic dishes.

I’ll admit: this place is expensive. The tasting menu came out to around 45,000 yen, and with drinks and tax it was well over 50,000. But it’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just feed you — it stays with you. It felt more like art than dinner.

Sazenka currently holds three Michelin stars, and after experiencing it myself, I totally understand why. It’s not just about execution or luxury ingredients — it’s about vision, harmony, and restraint. You don’t come here to be wowed by fireworks. You come to be moved by quiet brilliance.

Highly, highly recommended — especially if you think you’ve “seen it all” in Japanese cuisine. Sazenka proves there’s still so much room for innovation,...

My visit to that restaurant left me extremely disappointed. I must say it's a real rip-off. The prices are inflated, yet during my time in Tokyo, I've dined at Michelin-starred restaurants that were far superior for the same price.

To be fair, I must admit the quality of the beef was excellent. However, the chef's salad served at the beginning of the meal was not even up to the standard of a third-rate restaurant. Thankfully, the dessert was good.

What disappointed me the most was that the staff barely spoke English. In a tourist spot like this, I expected the staff to be more proficient in English to better serve international customers.

I've come to the conclusion that too often, in restaurants with panoramic views like this one situated on the 41st floor of a tower, the cuisine is often disappointing.

I look forward to exploring other restaurants in Tokyo to erase this bad experience...

Bathe best teppanyaki in Tokyo. I have been here many times and never disappointed. This is the first time since they renovated and the view is great (moved from a closed area on 5F to 41F) and the menu got a facelift too (a bit more pricey now). But all in all, the service remain top notch, the abalone, Iseebi, steak, garlic fried rice were all great. Wine selection is okay, mostly French wine and 3X-4X retail, which is on the high side even for a fine dining like this. So if you are not a big fan of French wine then you may find the wine list underwhelm. Still, highly recommended if you are looking for a teppanyaki restaurant for a...