Ukiyo — Restaurant in Tokyo

The location is a bit hidden, so I’ve shared some photos here to help anyone planning a visit. To get there, exit Yoyogi-Uehara Station via South Exit 1 and look to the left. Across the street, you’ll see a small uphill road, head up the hill slightly, and you’ll find Cabo, a complex on the right. Go through the small pathway on the right side of Cabo, and you’ll see Ukiyo.

Once inside, Ukiyo has an atmosphere that makes it well worth the effort to find. Though they’ve been open for less than two years, their creativity and execution clearly can earn them their Michelin star.

The 10-course tasting menu is beautifully crafted and full of inventive touches. While not every dish stood out on its own, the overall experience, the flavors, presentation, and thoughtful combinations left a strong impression. Each course brought something fresh, and the balance of small portions felt just right for a 10-course meal. I especially appreciated the mix of meats, seafood, and plant-based ingredients, all of which were skillfully handled. Ukiyo sits firmly in the “Innovative Japanese” genre, with an approach that feels more aligned with London’s fine dining scene than traditional French.

Toshi, the young head chef, puts a lot of creativity into each course, using textures and flavors that often surprise. His youthful look actually had me double-checking that he was really the chef! But after a brief conversation, it was clear how much care and imagination he pours into each dish. He knows how to take familiar ingredients and present them in ways that challenge expectations, which adds a lot of depth to the experience.

Toshi’s Canadian background is an added bonus, he speaks fluent English, which helps bring out the subtle details of the dishes that aren’t always captured on the printed menu.

A special mention also goes to Take-san, the knowledgeable and welcoming sommelier, and Shimon, the bartender. Their drink pairing added an extra creative layer to the meal, guiding me on a flavorful and aromatic journey through Japan and beyond. I had the non-alcoholic pairing, which was just as thoughtfully crafted as the menu itself, with flavors and aromas that perfectly enhanced each dish. The brioche with corn powder, for instance, was one of the best I’ve tasted outside of Paris, with a unique touch that stood out.

The desserts were enjoyable and well-executed, though the creativity in the savory courses shone more brightly for me. The decor is modern yet cozy, with a stylish bar counter that adds a relaxed charm to the experience. Sitting there allowed for engaging conversation with the staff, adding a warm, interactive touch to the evening. I’ll definitely be back for lunch and am looking forward to experiencing the alcoholic pairing and more of Take-san’s expertly...

I have read a lot about Ukiyo being an up and coming restaurant so I had to try to experience it myself. Reservations for lunch were still available a month out so I quickly jumped on it.

The restaurant is easy to get to via the train and is located a few minutes from the train station. The building it is in has another restaurant and a cafe/bar with good hand drip coffee. As I arrived early, I was able to relax at the cafe before Ukiyo opened.

We were the first of two groups for the noon reservation and were seated promptly. We got a table while the other group were sat at the table. The inside is simple and clean with a clear view of the kitchen on the side. Our host and all the servers spoke English well. The lunch course has the same seasonal ingredients but less courses. When I made the reservation, I mentioned that both my wife and I are lactose intolerant and they made sure to inform us they were aware of it and will make adjustments to accomodate.

The food was delicious and presented wonderfully. You can taste the freshness of the salad and the proteins were cooked to perfection. This is not a place that hits you hard with strong flavors. Instead, the flavors are layered with each course adding to the next. Since we were lactose intolerant, we did not get the brioche that everyone talks about. The replacement were very savory bread that were toasted (fried?). It was delicious but I would have liked to try the brioche too. We did not get the alcohol pairing and just had a beer instead.

Overall, I am delighted by my experience at Ukiyo. It checks all the right boxes with delicious food, a wonderful staff, and a decent price for lunch. Absolutely...

I’ve always loved Ukiyo-E, the Edo era woodblock prints, and their ethereal beauty. The Tokyo restaurant Ukiyo evokes similar reactions - arresting from a distance and breathtaking up close. With a blend of international experience (the brioche is beautifully buttery and completely irresistible) and Japanese techniques and produce, it’s a glorious combination and outcome. Chef Toshi and his talented team create magic. The service is exquisite and the wine list unusual, surprising and matches are perfectly paired with each dish. I’m not a huge fan of sake but the cocktail made from it was refreshingly delicious. Each dish is a dream, a floating world of flavour, texture and visual delight. Your meal is a lovely, gently-paced affair, tantalising tastebuds and awakening sleeping senses over the course of hours. We opted for the lunch session, grateful for the daylight in which to find the front door - slightly set back from the street address up a side street - and time to reflect on the intricate performance we enjoyed. An absolute...