L’ Art et Mikuni | Enjoy Casual French Cuisine while Overlooking the Imperial Palace

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, carries the leading collection of modern Japanese art and is a must-visit for art lovers visiting the city, but that’s not all the museum has to offer.If you are out for a day of art there, a great choice for dining is the restaurant L’Art et Mikuni, located within the museum itself.

This restaurant was founded by the master French chef, Kiyomi Mikuni, who was previously the head chef at HÔTEL DE MIKUNI (Yotsuya, Tokyo), which unfortunately closed for renovation in December 2022.L’Art et Mikuni is known for its unique fusion of casual French and Italian cuisine, which is centered around the theme of “Art and Cuisine.” The heart of their philosophy is “The Art of Producing and Consuming Locally,” which is reflected in their careful selection of the freshest seasonal ingredients that are then arranged with an artful touch on the plate.The lunch courses are refined yet casual, and there are also a number of dinner courses that you can choose from once you arrive or reserve in advance.

The chic, monotone interior of the restaurant perfectly complements the ambiance of the modern museum. As you dine, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Imperial Palace and its lush natural surroundings, thanks to the panoramic glass windows.

In the evening, the trees surrounding the restaurant are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out. The restaurant also has a terrace that can accommodate up to 20 people with a canopy in case of light rain.

The outdoor seating is especially popular in the spring, when guests can relax and take in the view of cherry blossoms while enjoying their meal.

After a morning of taking in the exhibitions at the museum, stop in for lunch at L’Art et Mikuni, where you can enjoy the combination of “Art and Cuisine.” The food is a work of art in itself, allowing you to savor even more creativity during your visit.

L’ Art et Mikuni
〒102-8322
Inside the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
3-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30~15:00 (Lo. 14:00) / 17:30~21:00 (Lo. 19:00 Drink Lo. 20:00)
Closed: Sunday evenings and Mondays (closed the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
Website: http://lart-et-mikuni.jp

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ZEROMILE

ZEROMILE showcases a diverse range of information on Japan for intellectually curious travelers. Topics are curated by the editorial team under the theme of "Bringing psychological distance to ZERO through curiosity."

Photo by Shiho Yabe

Shiho is a photographer who specializes in portraits, live event photography, and travel imagery. She has captured numerous Japanese musicians. Her portfolio also includes extensive photography work with international artists such as BTS, BIGBANG, and Quincy Jones. Instagram @shihoyabe

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