Esquisse · Restaurant · Tokyo
Two-MICHELIN-star French cooking by Lionel Beccat on the ninth floor of Royal Crystal Ginza
Esquisse is a French restaurant on the ninth floor of the Royal Crystal Ginza building in Ginza, with two MICHELIN stars in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2026. The name is French for drawing, and the cooking is rooted in French tradition and technique while drawing on Japanese ingredients and methods, a cuisine the restaurant calls progressive and gentle. It opened in June 2012.
The dining room seats 46, and a private room takes up to six. Its wall is the work of artist Naoki Kusumi, and its lighting was designed by Masanobu Takeishi.
Executive chef Lionel Beccat, born in Corsica and raised in Marseille, was sous chef at Maison Troisgros, then led Cuisine[s] Michel Troisgros in Tokyo before taking over Esquisse in 2012; chef de cuisine Yui Yamamoto has worked beside him since 2024. His cooking carries the mistral of southern France, with accents of citrus, spices and herbs. The kitchen serves one Menu spontane, eight plates at dinner and seven or eight at lunch that changes with the seasons. The autumn dessert sets roasted fig with Japanese black sugar against fermented Amazonian cacao mousse, porcini ice cream and a Banyuls reduction with cardamom. General manager Eiji Wakabayashi and chef sommelier Yudai Fujita pour four pairings: Pursuit, Source, Extreme and the non-alcoholic Fluids.
Lunch starts at 12:00 with last order at 12:30, and dinner at 18:00 with last order at 19:30. The restaurant closes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and reservations open about three months ahead.
Address: Royal Crystal Ginza 9F, 5-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Tokyo
Private dining and large groups
A private room seats up to six guests and can be requested when booking.
Private rooms are held on request rather than booked online. See every Las Vegas restaurant that takes a group.
Esquisse takes reservations through Pocket Concierge. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go in Tokyo; use the booking link on this page to reserve direct.
Hours of operation
- Monday: Lunch 12:00 - 15:00, Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
- Tuesday: Lunch 12:00 - 15:00, Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Lunch 12:00 - 15:00, Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
- Saturday: Lunch 12:00 - 15:00, Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
- Sunday: Lunch 12:00 - 15:00, Dinner 18:00 - 22:00
Frequently asked about Esquisse
How do I get a reservation at Esquisse in Tokyo?
Tables at Esquisse are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger Tokyo plan, our Tokyo partner handles the nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Esquisse?
Esquisse is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at Esquisse?
Esquisse keeps an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is Esquisse located?
Esquisse is in Tokyo, at Royal Crystal Ginza 9F, 5-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061. MyRSVP can build it into a full Tokyo itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
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