I last reviewed this place in January 2014 since when Masashi Iijima has nudged ever closer towards gaining a Michelin star. We went for lunch and dinner (on different days!). His food and care of presentation are outstanding and we probably had two of the best meals ever there. The premises are chic, clean and smart. There is no outside seating but he has about 26 covers, so booking (including for lunch) is highly recommended. The entrance faces onto a narrow pedestrian street which can be very busy in season, but you are largely unaware of that once inside. It is a small place inside so getting hold of a waitress isn't a challenge! Service is good and attentive without being pushy. You can...
This is a Restaurant for people serious about a great dining experience. It is not for: Children, picky eaters, or other food Nazis. Make a reservation or you won't get in, they have one seating for lunch and one for dinner. It is essentially a Japanese restaurant using local ingredients in an innovative way with a nod to the French cuisine. We ordered the Chef's "Surprise" Tasting menu. Throw caution to the wind and just do it, you won't be sorry. First out is the Amuse Bouche' (see photo) It is garnished with a piece of bamboo and a Japanese Maple leaf and looks like a work of art. You then get the first of two starters it has raw fish, special onion, fruit, foam and more, the second start...
Tipped off by friends who had just stayed in Collioure, we secured two seats at the kitchen counter for an evening. Though at first we'd wanted a table, we quickly changed our minds. My boyfriend has owned restaurants, and I've worked in them, and we both rank food and wine among our highest pleasures. So a front row seat to chef Masashi Iijima's work turned into a real theater for us. His quiet command of his small staff (one deputy, one prep, and a clean-up person) engaged us as he prepared the evening's set menu. We chose the higher end of the two offered, the degustation, plus paired wines, and we thoroughly enjoyed the fusion of French, Catalonian, and Japanese tastes and techniques he...
Small, intimate, expensive and little choice.The fixed menu can satisfy nearly any pallet. It is a very small restaurant and as such, you are "intimate" with the tables around you. The service is slow, but not awkwardly so. I found the food to be overly complicated, requiring me to separate each dish to understand what I was eating. It's a fusion menu, French and Japanese. I found the dishes ok to not so good.The upside for us was the couple sitting next to us being very friendly and a friendship was started.
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I spent a fantastic time in this restaurant. Japanese chef to cook on open kitchen as a some Mag. We seated close to kitchen and watch all process of preparation of the magnificent and tasty dishes. A masterpieces were born before our eyes. The chef pulled something from the different cans and boxes, something whispered, conjured, and ... voila, a new masterpiece. And how delicious! And the desserts were fantastic! Be sure to visit this restaurant. Amazing place.
Came here today, had the set menu, matched with wine. This place is incredible. If I paid twice the price in London I would have said it was great value. If you are in Collioure, you have to go. Attentive, friendly service, sublime food. What more to say? If you like fine dining in a relaxed setting you will have a fine time dining here
I am still trying to recreate the Umeshu champagne cocktail which was heavenly. Some dishes were excellent, some less overwhelming - partly because I nearly always preferred my friend's meal choices! But definitely worth checking out, and something different for this part of France
Excellent meal at this interesting restaurant. We had the "Menu Passion" and found it good from start to finish. Interesting fish dishes with an asian twist. Excellent wine list including local organic choices. Sensible portion sizes. Highly recommended
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The restaurant is run to a high standard. Basically you take the fixed menu which does not disappoint. The Japanese chef produces the food very well and achieves a super fusion of styles. Quite a sophisticated meal and a good experience.
Set Menu was excellent. €39 a head, but beautifully presented and delicious food. Very friendly staff. Highly recommended.
