Sazenka — Restaurant in Tokyo

Beautiful experience from a chef and staff that care about all the details. From being seated to the final tea and dessert the setting, service and meal are exquisite and overall calming. While mainly seasonal, the chef takes care to tailor to each customer - we learned how much he will change the menu later.

There is less overt fanfare but still there are surprises across the 11 courses and 3 desserts - such as how they present the fish on a hot stone, bring Char siu to table on a small bbq grill, surprise with edamame stuffed Szechuan chicken wings presented in a huge bowl of chilis and spices, juxtapose cold and warm almond pudding. All are fairly traditional recipes but the approach is fun with subtle flair.

It’s a bit more pricey even by 3 Michelin star standards, but you know going in.Extras like water push the limits too. With a less is more approach you are left wanting more, maybe expecting a little more overall but you leave satisfied and totally impressed with the skill and unique flavours.

PS. Dress code is oddly managed. On their web site they say for men not to wear t-shirts, shorts, sandals. To match the ambience and style I would agree even though it was a 30 degrees … but then literally every male customer in the place was wearing t-shirts and/or shorts and/or flip flops! Make the policy clear as in this humid weather I would have loved to not have had to wear a full shirt, trousers and...

This was one of those rare dining experiences where every course felt like a quiet revelation. Sazenka, located in a tranquil corner of Tokyo’s Minami-Azabu district, fuses Chinese culinary depth with Japanese precision in a way that’s utterly unique. It’s a Michelin-starred gem, but it doesn’t scream luxury — it whispers it, with grace.

Chef Tomoya Kawada’s tasting menu follows his “Wakon Kansai” philosophy — a blending of Chinese heart and Japanese spirit. The result? Dishes that are subtle, balanced, and full of emotion. I still think about the poached chicken with Shaoxing wine and the delicate tea-infused soup that followed. Each course was served with a curated tea pairing, which sounds simple but added an unexpected layer of complexity and harmony to the meal.

The space itself is serene and minimal, almost meditative, which fits the food perfectly. Service was quiet, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable. You can tell this team loves what they do.

It’s not just a restaurant — it’s an experience. Every bite made me slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship. If you're looking for a fine dining journey that’s thoughtful, peaceful, and refreshingly original, Sazenka is in a league of its own. Five stars,...

Needless to say, super high-class Chinese food. The chef's flexible ideas, clever combinations, ways to utilize ingredients, and insatiable inquisitive spirit are what make this restaurant a three-star restaurant! !

How to make hot water, how to rehydrate pork, how to grill it, how to cook pigeons, how to pasteurize fish, etc. All of them are amazing. lol However, although it may be highly skilled and delicious, there was something so amazing about it that I couldn't appreciate the taste. . crying It's a taste of the world that I don't know about even if I'm just an ordinary food lover. . So, if you ask me if I'll go again, I won't. lol I want to enjoy food more simply. Personally, is it the same series? I absolutely prefer Tosenkaku.

However, I think it is better for people who can go for the experience! The location is a former embassy,...