The Blind Donkey, which owes its name to the writings of Ikkyu, a 15th century Zen Buddhist monk, was opened in 2017 by French chef Jerôme Waag. Although Waag was born in Paris, he spent a large part of his life in California, where he first cooked under Alice Water and later as a chef at the famous Chez Panisse. With a great deal of experience, a thirst for knowledge and an irrepressible longing for Japan, he finally moved to the mega-metropolis of Tokyo. Now Waag has been cooking French dishes in the farm-to-table concept for almost three years, alongside his business partner, Shinichiro Harakawa. In order to be able to offer their guests daily changing delicacies, the chefs are well networked with local producers. Regional and seasonal is the main focus here. The French influence can be strongly felt in the dishes, but the chefs are not shy of Japanese products. With a creative spirit and a good feeling for taste harmony, the chefs have succeeded in creating a masterly crossover of French and Japanese cuisine: matsuba crab with chicory, pumpkin soup with sesame or apple tart with kurimogi ice cream. A visit to Blind Donkey feels as if you were touring both countries simultaneously, especially when Waag and Harakawa smile at you from the open kitchen at the same time. The serene ambience, the modern, light wood furnishings and soft Japanese lantern lights complete the whole and make Blind Donkey a great restaurant all round.
3 Chome-17-4 Uchikanda
101-0047 Tokyo- Chiyoda City
phone: +81 50-3184-0529
sunday + monday closed
tues - sat 5.00 pm - 11.30 pm
