Ebisu Taku

Restaurant Details

※ Ebisu Taku is permanently closed from March 31, 2025.

In a dining scene dominated by omakase, a type of course where guests leave the menu entirely to the chefs, Ebisu Taku flips the concept around. Located in Tokyo’s trendy Ebisu area, this restaurant is putting a pulse into the classic omakase playbook. Instead of chefs leading the narrative, guests take the reins, with a meal drafted based on their wishes.

It was an idea formulated by head chef Ikeda Taku, a multi-talented lightning in a bottle (or, in this case, genie in a bottle) who trained at several prestigious establishments, including the traditional Japanese restaurant Maki in Kagurazaka. After serving as head chef at Ame Nochi Hare for eight years, Ikeda went independent to develop his own concept, where the idea of "guests first" is dialed up a notch.

It’s a vision that could have easily faltered, but only a chef of Ikeda’s caliber manages to execute it impeccably every evening. Chef Ikeda accepts only one group of diners each night. Before their arrival, guests share their preferences. He approaches every meal with the mindset of "preparing the best,” down to the curating bespoke sake, whisky and tea pairings tailored to guests’ tastes.

Want plenty of nodoguro, or blackthroat seaperch, because one guest loves it? Their wish is his command. Craving more sea urchins on the sashimi to celebrate a partner’s promotion? Hoping to surprise a date with a special spiny lobster dish? Chef Ikeda will do his utmost to fulfill every request, prioritizing in seasonal ingredients along the way.

Everything is personalized down to the drink selection. Pairings include sake, wine or any beverage the guest wants. If they trust Chef Ikeda's judgement, he'll bring out top-shelf drinks he personally recommends.

The dining room’s sophistication remains — long wooden tables, fine tableware and a serene ambiance. Despite the luxurious take, those bringing young kids and coming with a wheelchair will find themselves under Ikeda’s heartfelt service. Chef Ikeda always injects a sense of warmth and life. No two nights are the same, but each is a once-in-a-lifetime nevertheless.