Where to eat in Tokyo: Chef Michael Ryan

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 8 years ago

Where to eat in Tokyo: Chef Michael Ryan

By Julietta Jameson
Chef Michael Ryan.

Chef Michael Ryan.

Michael Ryan heads Provenance in Beechworth, now in its seventh year, and with two chefs hats for the past five years. He also co-owns Yama Kitchen & Bar in Mount Hotham (with the owners of Tani, in Bright). He runs tours to Japan with Epicurious Travel. See the provenance.com.au.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN TOKYO?

At the counter at Den in Jimbocho – Kaiseki in style and presentation, but with a sense of humour. Chef Zaiyu and his wife, Emi, are the most wonderful hosts and the food is surprising, intricate and delicious. See jimbochoden.com/en/about.

THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?

Kayanoya soy sauce shop in Nihonbashi, a stunningly designed store featuring an impressive selection of shoyu (soy sauce). Makes you realise shoyu is about more than just seasoning, it is a craft. See kayanoya.com.

WHAT IS TOKYO'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?

Not a secret to regulars of Tokyo, but if you are new to Tokyo, you may not know about Blacows, home of the best burgers in Tokyo, some say the world. With carefully sourced beef, an in-house butcher and great condiments, they elevate a burger to something very special. See kuroge-wagyu.com/bc/.

PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?

Tokyo can be quite intense, so after a more lengthy stay, it is great to get out for a bit. Hakone is only one hour from Tokyo, high in the mountains. It has beautiful scenery (on a clear day, Mount Fuji is stunning) and an amazing sculpture park that you can easily spend half a day or more exploring.

Advertisement

FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN TOKYO?

A nice way to finish (or start) an evening is a visit to one of Tokyo's many excellent cocktail bars. Some of my favourites are Gen Yamamoto, Bar High Five, Code Name Mixology, Bar Trench and Fuglen (not strictly just a cocktail bar, but such a cool venue). See genyamamoto.jp; barhighfive.com; Code Name Mixology, 3 − 14 − 3 Akasaka, 2F Minato-ku; small-axe.net; fuglen.no/japanese/.

WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN TOKYO?

Starbucks; they are everywhere, and quite popular in Japan, but the coffee scene in Tokyo is very vibrant. Sometimes you will need to plan your route to pass one of the good venues, but they are always a good detour. Favourites are Switch, Bluebottle, Cafe de L'Ambre and Little Nap.

In December this year, Michael Ryan leads an Epicurious Travel tour that includes visit to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa and Miyajima Island. See epicurioustravel.com.au.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading