le sputnik

The restaurant is named after the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth, Le Sputnik literally means “traveling companion” in Russian. If you consider this a rather odd moniker for a French restaurant in Tokyo, you are certainly not alone. But since the restaurant itself proved to be somethin...g of an anomaly, perhaps the name was quite appropriate. Appropriate indeed… and “anomaly” is something of an understatement. On the one hand, the restaurant is not only the recipient of a Michelin-star, it is also listed as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Conversely, however – and I won’t bore you with the gory gastronomic details – our dining experience was significantly less than star-worthy. The service for instance, was strictly amateur night. Our server, when asked a very simple question about the menu, stumbled & stammered, threw us a befuddled glance… then consulted his cell phone. Huh? But the food was the real disappointment. Dinner consisted of fifteen (15) courses (no, I’m not joking), which was, in my opinion, an incredible case of culinary overkill… and definitely not too much of a good thing. All the courses were very nicely (but also, it seemed to me, self-consciously) presented. The kitchen’s emphasis was quite clearly on form rather than substance, as both taste and seasoning choices were something of a mixed bag (beets with foie gras arranged in the form of Forma crimson rose is the restaurant’s one indisputable claim to fame).

Visited September 2025

This was the best part of our trip. We did the chefs lunch which was 9 courses and then ended up adding the wine pairing. Would definitely recommend the wine pairing as the wines were high quality and good vintages from all over the world. Food was beautiful, delicious and dramatic. The lunch went f...or 2.5 hours so it was relaxed and not rushed at all. The service was very attentive. I would definitely return and do the lunch option again - it’s very great value for fine dining

Visited August 2023

Le Sputnik is a Michelin 1-star French restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo. Taken from the Russian language, “sputnik”, which means “traveling companion”, signifies the adventurous and innovative cuisine Chef Takahashi creates to share with his guests. Online reservation is straightforward. Behind the chi...c and bright façade, the restaurant is a warm dining room with simple decoration. Servers are professional. There is only one omakase menu for lunch (JPY 9,000/person) and dinner (JPY 18,000/person) designed with seasonal seafood, vegetables, and meat. The 4-hour 15-course dinner is a delectable journey! Dishes are not only delicious and aesthetically presented, but the unique combination of ingredients never ceases to surprise! While the light and playful canapes capture the palate’s attention, the highlight of the meal is the signature “Rose Foie Gras”, which successfully shocks our imagination! No doubt this impressive dining experience is one of the most memorable and enjoyable in 2023!

Visited April 2023

I'm so disappointed. Notably too expensive for what I got. (Got charged additional tax, as well as expected service.) Feel ripped off.

Visited June 2023

Excellent French private kitchen fine dining with Japanese fresh ingredients and interpretation. Professional English speaking staff who were attentive. Chef Yujiro Takahshi deserves a Michelin for his search for perfection.

Visited January 2023