La Mer (ラ・メール) Shima

This is my first time giving a perfect score on Tabelog.I've wanted to visit this top-tier French restaurant in the west for decades.The tender abalone with rich butter sauce was exquisite.The whole Ise lobster, cooked to a perfect medium, was surprisingly delicious.Both the steak and soup were incredibly well thought out.These are dishes you can only experience here.While it is pricey, the quality of the food justifies the cost.The wine pairs perfectly with the dishes.Each dish is crafted with care, making for an enjoyable experience until the very end.I'm glad I came here for dinner.My entire family gives it a perfect score! Less

La Mer, a French restaurant located in the Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suite in Ise-Shima, Kanjima, offers a unique dining experience. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Hiroe Higuchi, this renowned establishment serves "evolved French cuisine featuring seafood," blending tradition with innovative techniques and sensibilities to create an unforgettable "Ise-Shima gastronomy" experience.The restaurant highlights the rich local ingredients of Ise-Shima, such as Ise lobster and abalone, presenting the beauty of nature and the region's terroir on each plate. Guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views from the spacious dining area overlooking Ago Bay.During my stay at the Shima Kanko Hotel, I was transported to The Bay Suite for dinner at La Mer on the fifth floor.Most of the seating in the restaurant is positioned by windows with views of Ago Bay, allowing diners to enjoy their meals while watching the stunning scenery change at sunset. Spending time overlooking the sunset-drenched Ago Bay is truly a luxurious experience unique to The Bay Suite.Having enjoyed a course meal at La Mer The Classic the previous day, I opted for à la carte dishes this time, considering my appetite.● Amuse Bouche A lightly marinated piece of bluefin tuna from Mie Prefecture, served with new onions, young ginger, and shiso leaves. The dish is elegantly layered over a base of carrot mousse, creating a harmonious balance. The lightly seared bluefin tuna stands out with its savory flavor, perfectly complemented by the refreshing acidity of the marinade. The addition of carrot mousse adds depth and roundness to the overall dish.The second amuse bouche featured vegetable sticks and konjac infused with seaweed, served with a sauce made from Ise soy sauce and mayonnaise. This dish, while incorporating Japanese elements, was a highly refined introduction to the course.● Seafood and Tomato Delights in Various Forms (JPY 6,000) A dish centered around tomatoes, featuring layers of tomato mousse, jelly, and sorbet. Accompanied by fresh caviar and seafood, each bite reveals different expressions of the tomato's sweetness, acidity, and refreshing qualities. The addition of abalone, shrimp, and squid enhances the fruity acidity of the tomatoes with the umami of the sea, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile. This appetizer beautifully showcases the potential of tomatoes in a multi-dimensional way.The pairing was "2024 Grüner Veltliner Ried Kloster Satz," which provided lively fruitiness and a mineral saltiness that supported the entire dish.● Ise Lobster Consommé The Bay Suite (JPY 4,300) Having enjoyed a cream soup with Ise lobster the day before, I chose the consommé this time. This dish features the meat of Ise lobster paired with a clear consommé, garnished with celery and carrot for aromatic and sweet accents. The transparent consommé is exceptionally elegant, subtly enhancing the sweetness and umami of the Ise lobster. While it may lack flamboyance, the dish is a high-quality soup that clearly highlights the ingredients.The pairing was "Famille Cordier Pouilly-Fuissé Fine Joséphine 2023," which harmonized beautifully with the sweetness of the Ise lobster through its rich fruitiness and soft acidity.● Alsatian-style Braised Abalone (JPY 20,000) Abalone is carefully braised in broth to concentrate its flavors. The thick abalone retains a firm texture while releasing its umami with each bite. Despite its simple presentation, the dish conveys both the strength and delicacy of the abalone. Unlike the previous day's beurre noisette sauce, this dish focuses on the precision of the ingredients and cooking, showcasing high culinary standards.● Dekopon Crème Brûlée with Vanilla Ice Cream (Price Forgotten) This dessert combines frozen and fresh dekopon citrus segments, creating a delightful contrast in texture and temperature. The rich crème brûlée pairs beautifully with the creamy vanilla ice cream, while the refreshing acidity and juiciness of the dekopon add balance, resulting in a well-rounded finale to the meal. The composition of richness and lightness makes it a fitting conclusion to the course.After the meal, I had the pleasure of greeting Chef Higuchi and sharing my thoughts on the dishes directly.Each course delicately highlighted the individuality of the ingredients, leaving a lasting impression of lightness and finesse that sets it apart from classical hotel French cuisine. It was a wonderful dinner that allowed me to fully appreciate the charm of Ise-Shima through all my senses, complemented by the beautiful scenery.It was a great meal. Less

I made an online reservation for 6 PM on a Saturday at the Shima Kanko Hotel, The Bay Suite, located on the 5th floor.The large glass windows offer a stunning view of the ria coastline, making the scenery absolutely breathtaking. It’s best to arrive before sunset to fully enjoy the view.**Elegance Menu: JPY 32,000** - Amuse-bouche - Seafood Coupe - Ise Lobster Cream Soup - White Fish with Sweet Citrus Flavor - Abalone with Champagne Sauce - Venison with Sansho Pepper Sauce - Dessert - Coffee - Petit Fours The seafood ingredients are truly exceptional. The Seafood Coupe, featuring abalone and Ise lobster, is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of edamame, making it incredibly delicious.I chose the classic Ise lobster cream soup, and it was flawless—definitely delicious.The abalone prepared as a sausage had a delightful texture, and when paired with the sauce, it made me want to savor every bite.The venison was moist, and the sansho pepper sauce complemented it perfectly.The restaurant offers a great view from the windows, an excellent atmosphere, and delicious food, allowing for a relaxing dining experience. Although the prices are on the higher side, it has become a place I definitely want to visit again. Less

Just a short walk from Kashikojima Station. (Shuttle service is also available)I had lunch at the Shima Kanko Hotel, which was even used for the G7 summit!Despite the rainy weather, the view was stunning, and it made me want to come back on a sunny day. It’s a wonderful location.Each dish was explained in detail, making it easy to understand and enjoy.Surrounded by beautiful scenery and a calm atmosphere, this restaurant allows you to savor your meal at a leisurely pace.I highly recommend visiting at least once! Less

This time, the accommodation cost was JPY 90,000 for one person, but you can find dinner options starting from around JPY 50,000.While there are some cheaper dishes available, you might feel unsatisfied on your way back, so I highly recommend sticking to the classics!This was my fifth visit, so I know what I'm talking about.If you skimp on the abalone, Ise lobster, or Matsusaka beef, you will truly regret it. Speaking from experience! It had been 10 years since my last visit, but the head chef came to greet us, and we enjoyed a delicious meal.It was a great meal! Less

On my day off, I visited "La Mer" in Mitaka for lunch. I was drawn in by the cozy yet stylish bistro atmosphere. The pizza I had been looking forward to was freshly made, with the dough stretched and baked to perfection after I placed my order. As soon as it arrived, the delightful aroma of wheat and the rich scent of melting cheese filled the table. I was amazed by the quality of the crust with my first bite. The edges (cornicione) were crispy, while the inside was surprisingly chewy. The fresh acidity of the tomato sauce, the perfectly salted cheese, and the refreshing hint of basil came together in perfect harmony. To enjoy such high-quality authentic pizza in the lunch price range (JPY 1,000 - 1,999) felt like a true luxury. It turned out to be a very satisfying lunch! Less

Since I was staying at Shima Kanko The Bay Suite, I decided to make a reservation at La Mer, a traditional French restaurant known for delighting world leaders at summits, despite the high prices.Guests with three or more people were prioritized for window-side tables, while we, celebrating a special occasion, were seated at a slightly elevated sofa area.As expected from the top-tier restaurant in the prestigious Shima Kanko Hotel chain, the staff provided a skilled balance of attentiveness and discretion.We ordered the traditional classical French course. When I opened the drink menu, I was taken aback by the prices starting at JPY 4,000 for a glass of wine, so I quickly closed the menu to avoid seeing it again.However, since it was a special occasion, I couldn't skip the alcohol, so I steeled myself and placed an order.The dishes featured a truly buttery classical French style that is hard to find in Tokyo, showcasing luxurious ingredients like large abalone and Ise lobster.Thanks to the quality of the ingredients, everything was delicious, but I found myself quite full afterward…That said, the restaurant offered a commemorative plate for our special occasion, and the chef personally greeted us, making it a memorable dinner.As it is a high-end French restaurant, I believe the atmosphere would improve even more if each guest paid a little more attention to their manners. Less

I visited La Mer, a Michelin one-star restaurant, to enjoy some Ise lobster. This time, I ordered the "Tradition" course."Tradition"Amuse-BoucheUni Bon Femme with CaviarAbalone Steak with Beurre Noisette SauceIse Lobster Cream SoupSeafood with Tomato DecoupageIse Lobster with American SauceMatsusaka Beef Fillet Steak with Périgueux SauceDessert or your choice of CheeseCoffee, Tea, or Herbal TeaPetits FoursEach dish crafted by Chef Higuchi was of exceptional quality and incredibly delicious. The Ise lobster with American sauce was so exquisite that it nearly made my cheeks fall off! I definitely want to visit again. Less