Introduction to Restaurants Listed in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2021

On Thursday, December 10, 2020, the “MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2021” was released. Ahead of the book’s publication, the listed establishments were announced on December 7. In the category of dining establishments and restaurants, there are 12 three-star, 42 two-star, and 158 one-star venues, for a total of 212 starred restaurants. There is one more three-star restaurant than last year, and among the three-star establishments, three have retained their three stars for 14 consecutive years. One restaurant newly received two stars, and two restaurants were promoted from one star to two stars. Starting with MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2021, a new standard called the “MICHELIN Green Star,” which recognizes environmentally conscious initiatives, has also been introduced. Now, let us introduce the restaurants that were listed in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2021.
Creation date: 2022年3月26日
Update date: 2026年2月26日
Introduction to Restaurants Listed in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2021
Table of contents

One more restaurant was added to the top three-star rank compared with last year.

List of restaurants that have earned three stars

The following 12 establishments have been awarded three stars.
  • Kanda (Minato Ward / Japanese Cuisine)
  • Quintessence (Shinagawa Ward / French Cuisine)
  • Joël Robuchon (Meguro Ward / French Cuisine)
  • Sushi Yoshitake (Shimbashi / Sushi)
  • Usuki Fugu Yamadaya (Hiroo / Fugu)
  • Makimura (Ōmori-Kaigan / Japanese Cuisine)
  • Torashiro (Iidabashi / Japanese Cuisine)
  • Ishikawa (Kagurazaka / Japanese Cuisine)
  • RyuGin (Roppongi / Japanese Cuisine)
  • Kadowaki (Azabu-Juban / Japanese Cuisine)
In the 2021 Michelin Guide, there were two newly listed restaurants compared to 2020. Starting this year, the “Michelin Green Star” made its first appearance in the Tokyo area. Quintessence, which had already earned three stars in previous years, was awarded a Green Star. The restaurants that have continued to hold three stars for 14 consecutive years are the Japanese restaurant Kanda, the French restaurant Quintessence, and Joël Robuchon. Holding three stars for 13 consecutive years is the Japanese restaurant Kagurazaka Ishikawa.
Kanda (Minato Ward / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 3-6-34 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
    → [Relocated] 1-1-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo Toranomon Hills Residence Chaleur Tower 1F
TEL: 03-5786-0150
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/v4zqsvjL93EeyWMXpnaE
Quintessence (Shinagawa Ward / French Cuisine)
Address: 1F, Garden City Shinagawa Gotenyama, 6-7-29 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6277-0485 / Reservations only: 03-6277-0090
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/L9PE5EkAjpqLnXM52oRX
Joël Robuchon (Meguro Ward / French Cuisine)
Address: Inside Ebisu Garden Place, 1-13-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5424-1347
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/DiDuamXFayLtGWoAmhVv

Sushi Yoshitake (Ginza / Sushi)
Address: Brown Place 9F, 7-8-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6253-7331
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/WXs8eHHEk1MN35TvEy5L

Usuki Fugu Yamadaya (Hiroo / Fugu)
Address: Fleg Nishi-Azabu Vierge B1F, 4-11-14 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3499-5501
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/C7Ua4aks98bmu7t95XHd

Maki-mura (Omori Kaigan / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 3-11-5 Minami-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3768-6388
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/TnLSdh6V9DwDXzotStnG

Kohaku (Iidabashi / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 3-4 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5225-0807
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/Anrxg64z3Wbs15s1A1oG

Ishikawa (Kagurazaka / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 5-37 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5225-0173
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/Bbo9Lw6k4ykA84viDdbA

RyuGin (Roppongi / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 7-17-24 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
   → (Relocated) 7F, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3423-8006 → (Relocated) 03-6630-0007
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/HyCzoLFcZ8NoRhkJm3wv
Kadowaki (Azabu-Juban / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 1st Floor, Rose House Azabu-Juban, 2-7-2 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5772-2553
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/3CnYUgjK4bVVQRX8E85Q

Two establishments newly awarded three stars

In the 2021 Michelin Guide, the following two restaurants newly received two stars.
  • Sazenka (Hiroo / Chinese Cuisine)
  • L’Effervescence (Omotesando / French Cuisine)

Sazenka (Hiroo / Chinese Cuisine)
Address: 4-7-5 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 050-5263-9825
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/vb4Bp4XXBrPLeSzqaKWt
This Chinese restaurant has clearly proven its excellence, having earned a Michelin Tokyo 2018 star and been selected for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. With the concept of “Wakon Kansai” (Japanese spirit, Chinese talent), it brings together the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine and the delicacy of Japanese cuisine. Please enjoy the dishes crafted and presented by Chef Tomoya Kawada.
L’Effervescence (Omotesandō / French Cuisine)
Address: 2-26-4 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5766-9500
Restaurant details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/1JkToKid46NDPsgDspP1
With the guiding principle of “embodying the very essence of the tricolor, which stands for liberty, equality, and fraternity,” they place great importance not only on the food, but also on the interior design and tableware. In particular, they say they deepen their understanding of ingredients by meeting producers in person before making purchases. This is French cuisine that also places strong emphasis on a Japanese sensibility, using 99% domestically sourced ingredients and offering a selection of Japanese sake.

Two establishments were upgraded from one star to two stars

Here are two restaurants that have raised their ratings from one star to two.
  • Sushi Kanesaka (Ginza / Sushi)
  • Kyutan (Tsukiji / Japanese Cuisine)

Sushi Kanesaka (Ginza / Sushi)
Address: Misuzu Building B1F, 8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5568-4411
Details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/f79nbCrjhQx93wUH24CH

Located in the basement of a multi-tenant building in Ginza 8-chome, Sushi Kanesaka is a sushi restaurant that has consistently held two Michelin stars. The sushi crafted by the owner-chef, Mr. Kanesaka, showcases classic Edomae techniques in every piece. The marinated tuna (maguro-zuke) is especially popular and is considered a signature dish that truly embodies the restaurant’s style. The marinated tuna (maguro-zuke) is especially popular and is considered a signature dish that truly embodies the restaurant’s style.
Kyutan (Tsukiji / Japanese Cuisine)
Address: 1F, Shintomi MS Building, 2-5-5 Shintomi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 050-5487-6581
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/ym78FzGdefAQDRcsMG2S
Even ingredients not traditionally used in Japanese cuisine are incorporated into the dishes, regardless of whether they are from Japan or abroad, as long as they taste good. Centered around course meals, every dish is rich in flavor. The owner-chef, Kotaro Nakajima, who honed his skills for 10 years at the renowned Japanese restaurant “Kanda” before going independent, offers heartfelt hospitality with seasonal ingredients throughout the year.

18 establishments newly awarded one star

A total of 18 restaurants have earned one Michelin star. Even dishes that might not seem to suit Japanese cuisine at first glance are all beautifully harmonized with other ingredients. These are all renowned establishments that shine with originality.
  • Akasaka Ogino (Akasaka / Japanese Cuisine & Washoku)
  • Azabu Wakei (Nogizaka / Japanese Cuisine & Washoku)
  • Jika (Minami-Aoyama / Chinese Cuisine)
  • Estelle (Ōtemachi / French Cuisine)
  • au deco (Ebisu / French cuisine)
  • Onarimon Haru (Onarimon / Japanese Cuisine & Washoku)
  • Cuisine Katsuji (Ginza / Japanese Cuisine & Washoku)
  • Shigematsu (Ginza / Japanese Cuisine & Washoku)
  • Chinois (Shirokanedai / Chinese Cuisine)
  • Series (Roppongi-itchome / Chinese cuisine)
  • Kotobuki Kou (Ginza / Japanese Cuisine & Washoku)
  • Sushi Sugaya (Azabu-Juban / Sushi)
  • Sushi Murayama (Ginza / Sushi)
  • Sushi House (Shota Azabu-Juban / Sushi)
  • Hatou (Ushigome-Kagurazaka / Sushi)
  • Faro (Ginza / Italian)
  • Charcoal Grill Ginza (Onodera Ginza / French Cuisine)
  • L’Intemporel (Minami-Aoyama / French Cuisine)

Summary

In 2021, the “Michelin Green Star” category was added to the Michelin Guide Tokyo. Reflecting the global trend toward sustainability, this award is given to restaurants for efforts such as reducing food waste, supporting environmentally conscious producers, and protecting endangered species. Food is a familiar part of our everyday lives. Why not try experiencing cuisine from this new perspective?
Introduction example: Introduction to Restaurants Listed in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2021 | Respo