2026 Michelin Guide Tokyo Contemporary Cuisine: 4 establishments (all one-star)

✨ Updated for 2026 Michelin Guide Tokyo

Note: Contemporary Cuisine was previously featured within our Specialty Categories article alongside other limited-representation cuisines in 2025. Due to increased recognition (4 establishments in 2026), Contemporary Cuisine now has its own dedicated guide.

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Introduction

Contemporary cuisine represents the cutting edge of Tokyo’s culinary innovation, where chefs blend diverse culinary traditions, techniques, and philosophies to create entirely new dining experiences. The 2026 Michelin Guide Tokyo recognizes four exceptional contemporary cuisine establishments, all earning one-star recognition for their creative approaches and technical excellence.

The 2026 edition sees three establishments maintaining their one-star status from 2025, while Kibun in Minato Ward joins as a newcomer, bringing French-born chef expertise that bridges Japanese kaiseki traditions with French culinary techniques. Notably, nol continues to hold both one-star and Michelin Green Star recognition—the latter honoring restaurants committed to environmental protection and sustainable food practices, evaluating not only culinary excellence but also ecological stewardship and sustainable business principles.

Contemporary Restaurants (4 One-Star Restaurants)

TOKi(Minato-ku)

Overview

Overview: A fascinating collaboration between Nara Prefecture’s antenna shop and the acclaimed Spanish restaurant Acordu, TOKi creates a unique triangle connecting ancient Nara, modern Tokyo, and contemporary Spain. The restaurant showcases Yamato beef and Nara’s pristine ingredients through modern Spanish techniques, creating dishes that honor both regions’ culinary traditions while forging something entirely new.

Restaurant Details

Hakunei (Minato-ku)

Overview

Overview: Chef Hakunei’s philosophy centers on the pure fusion of French techniques with Japan’s exceptional seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s name reflects their approach: “haku” (white) represents pure intentions toward cuisine, while “nei” (tranquil) embodies meticulous craftsmanship. Signature techniques include straw smoking of roasted meats and incorporating katsuobushi into French sauces, with Japanese sansho pepper replacing traditional black pepper throughout the menu.

Restaurant Details

nôl(Chuo-ku)

Overview

Overview: Located in the stylish DDD Hotel, nôl represents the future of dining with their “normalize” concept—redefining what “ordinary” should be in contemporary cuisine. This isn’t just about creating delicious food; it’s about sustainability, supporting primary producers, and reducing environmental impact while maintaining exceptional taste. Their philosophy of using carefully sourced seasonal ingredients with minimal body burden has earned consistent Michelin recognition since 2022.

Restaurant Details

🆕 NEW Kibun (氣分)

Overview

Born in France and deeply engaged in exploring his native cuisine, the chef developed a fascination with Japanese food. His extensive training at a Kyoto kaiseki restaurant was driven by a desire to master Japanese techniques and culture. The course begins with Japanese-influenced dishes such as pressed sushi before transitioning to French cuisine in the latter half, where the chef focuses intensely on sauces—the essence of French cooking. This unique culinary journey creatively expresses his experiences in both countries: beginning with Japanese cuisine and culminating in French.

The French-born chef came to Japan and trained for two years at Kikunoi Honten, a three-Michelin-star Japanese restaurant in Kyoto, before serving as chef for seven years at Esquisse, a two-Michelin-star French restaurant in Ginza—a testament to his formidable skills.

Restaurant Details