Where Japanese and Italian Cuisine Meet at ‘ITALIAN SEZ AZABUJUBAN’
Hi there! This is Pan from the front desk at THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN.
Today, I’d like to introduce a restaurant just a 5-minute walk from our hotel—ITALIAN SEZ AZABUJUBAN.
This stylish spot opened in May 2024 and offers Italian cuisine with a unique Japanese twist.
One-of-a-Kind Course Menus at ITALIAN SEZ AZABUJUBAN
Tucked away in the heart of Azabujuban, SEZ offers Italian course meals inspired by traditional Japanese techniques and aesthetics. Lunch courses start at ¥7,700, and dinner courses begin at ¥17,600. There’s also an à la carte menu, so you can stop by casually and choose whatever you’re in the mood for.
In the evening, you can choose between the “Dinner Sez” course or the even more luxurious “Dinner Shifuku” course—perfect for special occasions or celebrations.
This time, one of our team members had the chance to try their full dinner course!
Starting with the appetizers
The seasonal appetizer platter looked like a work of art.
Each bite revealed a new flavor, beautifully crafted with delicate precision.
The Japanese influences gave it a soft yet memorable flair—an elegant way to begin.
A colorful spread of seasonal bites
The second course was a beautifully arranged selection of small seasonal dishes.
Each piece had its own flavor story, with the presentation just as stunning as the taste.
It was a dish that engaged all five senses from start to finish.
What’s Italian cuisine without pasta?
At SEZ, all pasta is handmade in-house.
The noodles were chewy and fresh, paired perfectly with seasonal sauces.
A touch of Japanese dashi added a subtle, savory depth—it was unlike any pasta I’ve had before.
Next up: Grilled Unagi with a Twist
The unagi (eel) was grilled slowly over charcoal until the skin was crispy and the inside soft and tender.
Then, topped with cheese—yes, cheese!—it became a surprising fusion of East and West.
It was a combination I didn’t expect, but couldn’t stop smiling about once I tasted it.
▲Before adding cheese
▲After adding cheese
Main dish: Wagyu Steak
The wagyu steak was made from a leaner cut, so it had deep, rich flavor without feeling too heavy.
You could really taste the quality of the meat in every bite. Truly unforgettable.
Housemade Focaccia at Its Finest
Although we didn’t snap a photo of it, their homemade focaccia was baked with olive oil, salt, and herbs.
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—it was so addictive, we ended up getting seconds even after we were full.
A Sweet Finish
For dessert, we were served housemade ice cream, a delicate Japanese-style sweet jelly (mizuyokan), and a warm cup of coffee.
The light, not-too-sweet flavors helped refresh the palate and ended the meal on a peaceful note.
▲Housemade ice cream
▲Mizuyokan and coffee
Meet the Team Behind the Flavors
Chef Goto blends his background in Japanese cuisine and sushi with Italian cooking, creating dishes that reflect both traditions in a way that suits Japanese palates.
Meanwhile, in-house sommelier Ikeda curates wine pairings that complement each course, making the whole experience feel even more special.
▲From left—Sommelier Ikeda and Chef Goto
Inside the Restaurant
The interior is calm and welcoming, with both table seating and private rooms available.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a quiet lunch with friends, the atmosphere is just right for any occasion.
▲Dining area
▲Private room
Restaurant Information: ITALIAN SEZ AZABUJUBAN
- Address: VENT VERT 2F, 3-10-2 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday and holidays
- Lunch: 12:00–15:00 (Last entry at 13:00)
- Dinner: 18:00–22:30 (Last entry at 20:00)
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 03-6447-1209
- Payment: Credit card, cash, e-money, QR code payment
- Official Website: ITALIAN SEZ AZABUJUBAN
THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN
THE LIVELY TOKYO AZABUJUBAN crafts a luxurious lifestyle with 62 elegant rooms and attractive facilities including a rooftop bar with a great atmosphere.
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