In Shibuya's trendy Daikanyama neighborhood you can find some of Tokyo's most creative and luxurious spaces. Most places, whether they be restaurants, galleries, shops, or public spaces are of high quality designed to inspire and encourage people to explore.The culture of this neighborhood is very down-to-earth and global minded. If you so desire, you can even experience the culinary delight of gourmet food from around the globe or take a time machine back to a 1920's speakeasy.
Both of these are possible at Tableaux, a restaurant and lounge in Daikanyama. It is a gourmet restaurant with a focus on serving the best dishes from all over Europe along with special and seasonal items directly sourced from other regions of the world as well. Some of their specialties include wood-grilled meats such as lamb or duck, a 55-day aged dry sirloin steak, handcrafted cocktails, and over 200 wine stocks! The service is absolutely wonderful, on the night I went we were attended by Simone, General Manager, who could speak English, Italian, and Japanese. The food was reasonably priced and spectacular to say the least. Words won't do it justice, you have to taste it! If you are a foodie, gourmet hunter, food blogger, or wine enthusiast Tableaux is perfect for you as you can have a taste of several countries in one visit. A few of the food options include:
- Smorrebrod, or a Danish open sandwich topped with salmon, gorgonzola, beets, fig and walnuts - 800 yen
- Caprese with Burrata cheese - 1,600 yen
- Trofie Genovee sauce with prawn - 1,700 yen
- Wood burning grilled hunger steak - 1,900 yen
- Alcohol - From 380 yen
The friendly and knowledgeable sommelier was trained in France and can answer any wine questions. Guests also receive an explanation of the food's region or how it was prepared. Their dedication to serving the best is evident as their corporate director and chefs scavenge the world to find new high quality eats that have yet to be imported to Japan until it hits their menu!
There's two parts to Tableaux, the restaurant and the cigar lounge which are adjoined by an outdoor cobble street styled garden lounge with a fountain. The restaurant grounds themselves are quite famous and have been featured in several big screen titles, television shows and high fashion photo shoots. There are often talents and celebrities stopping by as well. The reason is Tableaux's grand interior, nostalgic of Moulin Rouge, is simply breathtaking. It reminded me of the Great Gatsby baroque elements along with a slight modern twist by way of colors and artwork.
You can visit just the cigar lounge as well for an intimate occasion with live Jazz performances nightly. It's more private and has a wide selection of cigars and a charming bar. There are many private seating options which you can find by the candlelight on each table flowing over the dimness. There's also a grand piano surrounded by bookshelves filled to the brim. It feels like you're spending a night where creatives and intellectuals would likely have mingled during Europe's Belle Époque.
Dom Perignon Holidays Event
This is the seventh year of the special year-end event held at Tableaux! They are offering Dom Perignon vintage 2006 at an unbelievable price. One bottle is 15,800 yen and by the glass pricing is 2,000 yen. Enjoy the greatest champagne and make your Christmas and year-end dinner gorgeous and memorable.
