Designer dining: 9 luxury brand restaurants in Tokyo, from Gucci to Dior

By wazup on February 11, 2024 Comments Closed / 69 views

Who says your luxury fashion shopping trip has to end by the time you reach the checkout counter? Sure, you’ll be buzzing with your selection of new clothes, bags, and accessories, but these days, brands are diversifying the customer experience so that you can stay behind for some light bites – and tipples – long after you’ve finished your shopping spree.

The entrance to Gucci Osteria in Tokyo. Photo: Gucci

In Tokyo, Japan’s fashion and shopping capital, there are plenty of designer-owned restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from to drink and dine in style.

Here are nine of the best luxury fashion brand-run concepts to check out next time you’re in Tokyo:

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1. Bulgari’s Il Ristorante Luca Fantin

Bulgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin. Photo: Bulgari Hotels

Located on the ninth floor of Ginza Tower along with Bulgari’s flagship store and hotel, the fancy Il Ristorante Luca Fantin truly dazzles thanks to sophisticated interiors and an elegant, Japanese-inspired menu. With 15 years in the biz already under its belt, this Michelin-recommended fine diner, which is also a regular on the Asia’s 50 Best list, serves decadent dishes while staying true to the Italian fashion house’s stylish roots.

2. Gucci Osteria de Massimo Bottura

Gucci Osteria in Tokyo. Photo: Gucci

After opening successful restaurants in Florence and Beverly Hills, Gucci Osteria landed in Tokyo in 2021, and has since added a Seoul branch to its ever-expanding portfolio.

The Ginza restaurant helmed by head chef Antonio Iacoviello takes a whimsical approach to its interiors, with the light-filled space exuding a colourful and vibrant aesthetic that could have been taken straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Fusing Italian gastronomy with Japanese ingredients, the Michelin-starred venue is sure to delight the senses after you’ve embarked on a shopping expedition with the Italian brand.

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3. Ralph Lauren’s Ralph’s Coffee

Ralph’s Coffee in Omotesando. Photo: @ralphscoffee/Instagram

Bringing the preppy spirit of its iconic polo brand to Tokyo, Ralph’s Coffee is the perfect pit stop for a caffeine boost before or after browsing the store. You’ll feel like you’re in New York as you enjoy a hot latte and delicious all-American style brownie. Even better, there are numerous locations in the city to choose from, including Omotesando and Shinjuku.

4. Café Dior by Ladurée

Café Dior by Ladurée. Photo: Dior

Christian Dior fans will love the French company’s cafe in Ginza, where visitors can shop and dine inside ultra-lush retail complex Ginza Six. Having unveiled a lavish refurbishment of the brand’s largest store (spanning five floors) in Japan late last year, the flagship’s Café Dior by Ladurée spotlights a fusion-style menu. One of the highlights are the macarons, which come in flavours from almond to tonka bean.

5. Louis Vuitton’s Le Cafe V

Louis Vuitton’s Le Cafe V. Photo: Louis Vuitton

Also in Ginza, Louis Vuitton’s Le Cafe V opened in 2021, coming just a year after the launch of the house’s world-first cafe and restaurant in Osaka. Designed by architects Jun Aoki and Peter Marino, the building’s exterior features a unique rippling mirrored glass with iridescent colours. Expect to indulge in luxurious chocolates made in the shape of LV’s signature products, such as its travel trunks, while the savoury menu boasts several hearty and healthy options including salads and Wagyu beef and veggies.

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6. Chanel’s Beige Alain Ducasse

Chanel’s Beige Alain Ducasse. Photo: Beige Tokyo

Named after one of Coco Chanel’s favourite colours and with interiors inspired by the late designer’s iconic tweed textile per Luxury Japan, Beige Alain Ducasse is a collaboration between the iconic French label and the equally legendary French chef.

Perched on the 10th floor of Chanel Ginza, the two-Michelin-star restaurant takes contemporary fine dining to new heights under the vision of “the master of the French gastronomical world”, per Michelin’s description.

7. Bulgari Bar

Bulgari Bar at Bulgari Tokyo. Photo: Bulgari Hotels

The 45th floor of the new Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is home to the iconic Bulgari Bar, where guests can expect the finest Italian-style aperitivo come evening. Nearby you’ll also find the Bulgari Ginza Bar on the 10th floor of the Ginza Tower, which serves a range of delicious cocktails and snacks.

8. Armani/Ristorante

Armani/Ristorante in Armani/Ginza Tower. Photo: Armani

Sleek and upscale, the Armani/Ristorante sits on the 10th and 11th floors of the 56-metre-high Armani/Ginza Tower concept store. With dishes like the signature imperial prawn gazpacho and kue fish “acqua pazza”, this modern Italian restaurant pulls out all the stops in world-class dining. Meanwhile, for something lighter, guests can also head to the Emporio Armani Caffé Omotesando which is easy to spot when walking along Aoyama-dori.

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9. Dunhill Bar

Dunhill Bar Ginza. Photo: Dunhill

This British luxury goods company may specialise in menswear, but, as evidenced by the stylish Dunhill Bar, also does F&B rather well too. Located inside Dunhill’s Ginza boutique, the menu includes original Dunhill drinks made with seasonal fruits and flavourful ingredients. Those who are feeling peckish can also try the lunch menu and afternoon tea set.