Discovering Tokyo's Hidden Gem: ViRTUE French Cuisine with a VIP Experience

ViRTUE, located in Tokyo's Azabu-Juban district, is the restaurant that introduced me to a whole new world of French cuisine! Not only is it a perfect spot for tourists to check out, but the surrounding streets also exude a unique charm reminiscent of Shanghai's Changle Road, making it ideal for both strolling and dining. ViRTUE boasts an impressive 4.9 rating on Google! In Japan, a rating above 4.0 is already considered top-tier, so achieving such a near-perfect score is truly exceptional. After experiencing it myself, I can confidently say the high rating is well-deserved! The restaurant has only eight seats, with one seat intentionally left empty in the middle. On the day I visited, there were just three pairs of guests, totaling six people. My friend and I were seated right in the center, giving us a feeling of being the stars of a private event! The semi-open kitchen allows diners to closely observe the chef's masterful techniques as he crafts exquisite dishes. The tantalizing aromas wafting through the air during the cooking process further heightened our anticipation for the meal—an unparalleled sensory experience! As for the service, the limited number of guests ensures an almost one-on-one level of attention, delivering a full VIP treatment! At the end of the meal, the chef personally interacts with the diners. His French cuisine cleverly incorporates Japanese flavors, making it more suited to Asian palates rather than strictly traditional French fare. The most delightful surprise was the chef's deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine and culture, which he skillfully integrates into his creations, such as a creative "roast duck" dish! This fusion has me eagerly anticipating the next menu update—I’ll definitely be back to support this gem! Additionally, all menu illustrations are hand-drawn by the chef himself, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a refined middle-aged gentleman. The taste of French cuisine is hard to put into words; each dish is a unique creation by the chef, and every French restaurant has its own signature flavors. This individuality is what makes French cuisine so captivating—you can only truly appreciate it by tasting it yourself. In short, just go for it! From the plating to the flavors, everything perfectly matched my palate. This restaurant has opened the door to a new culinary world for me, and I’ve now resolved to visit monthly to indulge in this exclusive artistic dining experience. For me, enjoying French cuisine is akin to an art lover visiting an exhibition—it’s pure pleasure! As for the cost 💰, I opted for the lunch set to save on expenses, priced at 15,000 yen plus tax, totaling 16,500 yen. Dinner is priced at 25,000 yen. The entire dining experience lasts about three hours, so I recommend setting aside ample time to savor the meal—don’t rush!