Esprit C. Kei Ginza

Esprit C. Kei Ginza, part of three-Michelin-starred chef Kei Kobayashi's expanding culinary empire in Japan, offers a striking 11th-floor vantage over Ginza's glittering cityscape. Wooden blocks drip from the ceiling like modern stalactites, setting the stage for a unique dining experience. The restaurant's relaxed ambiance is reflected in its unusual à la carte menu – a rarity for dining at this level.

Esprit C. Kei Ginza bills itself as a "gastronomic laboratory," where the chef applies French fine dining techniques – and the precision Chef Kobayashi is renowned for – to a diverse menu. The offerings range from contemporary French to elevated Japanese classics, showcasing culinary exploration beyond traditional boundaries.

The wine collection at Esprit C. Kei Ginza is as impressive as its culinary offerings, boasting approximately 8,000 bottles, with 5,000 stored on-site and the remainder in a dedicated warehouse. French wines dominate the list, comprising 90% of the selection, with a particular emphasis on Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley. The restaurant takes special pride in its extensive Rhône offerings, featuring wines from both the northern and southern regions. A hallmark of the collection is its focus on older vintages, with most wines dating from the early 2000s or earlier, including a rich selection from the 1990s. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape selection alone tends to boast around 50 different red wines, while the entire Rhône collection usually encompasses 100 varieties or so. For those preferring smaller portions, an array of half-bottles is available, all sourced from France.