Our visit to Ryu Gin, a revered 3-star Michelin establishment, was set high due to its long-standing exceptional reviews and prestigious reputation since its inception in 2003. By 2012, it had attained the coveted 3-star status. Nestled in the midtown Hibiya building on the 7th floor, the restaurant’s acclaim proceeded it.
In truth, this Japanese restaurant adheres to a strict set of guidelines (as many others do), emphasizing a no-fragrance policy to maintain the purity of their served dishes. Moreover, flash photography, menu choices, and adjustments for food allergies are not accommodated. Finding the restaurant within a mixed complex of shopping and residential spaces posed a challenge, lacking signage, causing some confusion despite inquiring with several nearby stores.
The dining area, albeit intimate, is lined with curved spacious seating along a floor-to-ceiling window. The tables are adorned with exquisite dishwater, ceramics, linens, and placemats. The option to select from a range of beautiful Japanese cut crystal glasses for sake was a luxurious touch. The ambiance exuded formality, offering guests a unique experience of choosing their box of chopsticks and oddly, being invited to take them home with a bottle of mountain water at the end of the meal.
Helmed by Chef and owner Seiji Yamamoto, renowned for his classic Kaiseki dinner with a few modern twists, the restaurant promises an elevated culinary journey. However, my experience with the food left much to be desired. The dishes, though purportedly subtly
flavored, came across as predominately bland. Regrettably, some items, such as the clams and the shark-fin soup, were excessively chewy, prompting discreet disposal into a Kleenex. The fish dishes possessed an overtly fishy taste. The only remotely innovative dish was the Halloween-themed soup.
The exorbitant cost of the evening, including the highly-priced wine and sake list, failed to match the disappointing culinary experience. Despite the establishment’s prestigious status and chef’s acclaim, the evening felt like a considerable financial and experiential letdown. It is a regrettable sentiment, but I found myself apologizing to my husband for choosing this restaurant. Therefore, I wouldn’t consider revisiting Ryu Gin or recommending it, as it fell short of our expectations and past dining encounters.
Happy dining,
Shanea
07/07/2024
