The ideal combination of
traditional French cuisine and pure freedom to choose.
Late at night,
gourmands after a delicious meal gather here.
There are a lot of wine bars around, and it wouldn't be too far off to call La cave de Noä a wine bar. Whatever it is, it's undoubtedly French.
It is run by Nagahide Shimamoto who once worked as chef and sommelier at the famous Georgian Club when it was located in Nishi-Azabu, and at French restaurants such as Pierre Gagnaire Tokyo and à nu.
Throughout his career he has believed that the best way to welcome customers was to build a restaurant that offered both freedom and high quality.
This restaurant is where those ideals were brought to life. Most wine bars that offer real food stop serving meals early, but here, customers can order anything off the menu from when they open, until last order is called at 3:30AM.
The menu offers classic French dishes like roast duck breast and foie gras mousse. Main dishes are all ¥2000-¥3000, and portions are big enough for two. But here they pay great care to everything, including cost, so customers dining alone can order half-portions.
One other thing that makes this restaurant special is that they have no wine list. Simply tell them your budget and preference, and Shimamoto will select the best wines to go with your meal.
He doesn't want his guests to feel uncomfortable talking about specific prices, so wines are graded in bands. For example A wines are ¥5,000-¥7000, B wines are ¥7,000-¥10,000, and so on.
You can also go the opposite way and choose your food based on your wine, or get suggestions on which dish would be a good follow-up to another. Almost anything goes, and the staff really believe that communicating with the customer is something to enjoy.
This is a relaxed place where people who love their food can be reenergized for the following day.
