APICIUS (アピシウス) is a French restaurant in the basement of the Sansaikan (蚕丝会馆) building at 1-9-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo [1][3]. The name is a tribute to Apicius, the epicure of ancient Rome [1].
Overview
According to the MICHELIN Guide, the art nouveau interior is decorated with masterpieces by Maurice Utrillo and Bernard Buffet, creating the atmosphere of a salon; interior, cuisine, wine and service — the quintessential elements of a great restaurant are here in abundance. [1]
History
The restaurant opened in Yurakucho in 1983 [2]. Its founder was 森一, owner of the vending-machine operator Apex, who set out to "build the world's best restaurant" [2].
Kitchen
The first head chef was Takahashi Tokuo (高橋徳男) [2]. Turtle consommé made with Ogasawara turtles has been a signature dish since opening [2]. In August 2024, Iwamoto Manabu, the third head chef with 15 years in the role, handed the kitchen to the fourth, Moriyama Junichi, who joined the restaurant in 1998 and had been sous-chef since 2013 [3].
Dishes & Highlights
The MICHELIN Guide particularly recommends the mousse of sea urchin, caviar and vegetables, a speciality handed down from the restaurant's first chef. [1]
Accolades
Included in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo [1]. Awarded one Diamond in the 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide [4] and one Diamond in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide [5].
Practical Information
- Address: B1F, 1-9-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0006, Japan
- Hours: Mon-Sat lunch 11:30-15:00, dinner 17:30-23:00; closed Sunday
- Price: ¥¥¥¥
- Phone: +81 3-3214-1361
- Website: https://www.apicius.co.jp