Kagurazaka Marutomi

A former geisha district to the east of Shinjuku, Kagurazaka is renowned for its high-quality kaiseki offerings — notable among them Kagurazaka Marutomi, which held a Michelin star for five years. In spite of the kaiseki scene in Kagurazaka being highly competitive, Marutomi has brought with it a loyal clientele from its original location in Akebonobashi, and its long history of Michelin stardom also ensures no shortage of clients in its new premises. When you take your seat, you’ll be given a handwritten menu detailing the dishes on the omakase set-course, which changes month after month. Quality Kyoto-style dishes can be expected, such as lotus root salad, sea urchin wrapped in beef, snow crab, and a range of other top quality wagyu dishes using meat sourced from a supplier in the owner’s hometown of Iwate. If your budget permits, consider raising the experience to the level of total perfection by opting to add the sake pairings, with a glass provided for each separate dish. Michelin Guide: 2018-2023: 1 Michelin Star 2024: Recommended