Oh. My. God.

What a meal! We ate at Shunju in Tameike-Sanno last night. It is on the 27th floor, and the food was as beautiful as the view.

The amuse bouche consisted of three beautiful sets of baby octopus, spanish mackerel, and a snow pea stuffed with chicken puree, presented on a hand carved, bowed wooden tray. The restaurant design was impressive, even to this jaded New Yorker. There were two open kitchens and a separate cigar bar, and the entire space opened up to 270 degree views of Roppongi, Shinjuku and Shibuya (at least that's what I think we were looking at!).

We also had grilled seasonal vegetables with a miso or anchovy garlic dipping sauce, house made chicken sausage (including raw egg for dipping, one of four that came with our meals), fried tofu, cold udon noodles with various sauces, and amazing duck with mushrooms, radish and greens that we cooked in a pot at our table. It was all perfect and finished off with some buckwheat tea (smells just like kasha!)

This is one of several Shunju restaurants designed by Takashi Sugimoto, who has apparently "revolutionized dining in Japan."

The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, which apparently includes horsemeat tartare. (Yes, that is raw horsemeat. Kate, wanna try?)

The design was beautiful yet functional - the high backed chairs were super comfy and conducive to lingering, the lighting was atmospheric but not too dark (hate when I have to pick up the candle to read the menu!), and the service was totally attentive but not overbearing.

Better review here, cookbook is on Amazon and website is here …. I will definitely be back!