To celebrate our wedding anniversary, we visited "APICIUS," a renowned French restaurant representing Japan, which is also listed among Tabelog's top 100 restaurants and has received a bronze medal.We indulged in the luxurious lunch course "Marche" (JPY 9,900, service charge not included). Since we were a party of two, we ordered different options for the appetizers and main dishes, sharing everything to enjoy the full menu.Starting with the appetizers:The "Green Asparagus and Sweetbreads with Spiced Madeira Sauce" featured a rich and flavorful Madeira sauce, with spices adding a perfect accent that enhanced the delicate umami of the sweetbreads. The other dish, "Marinated Isaki with Niçoise Salad," showcased fresh Isaki fish paired with the refreshing flavors of a Niçoise salad, creating a visually stunning plate that evoked the early summer season.Next, we moved on to the main dishes:The "Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Sepia Pasta in Saffron Sauce" had a beautifully crispy skin and tender flesh. The vibrant aroma of the saffron sauce harmonized wonderfully with the umami of the squid ink (sepia) pasta. The "Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Roasted Leg and Summer Vegetable Ratatouille" was cooked to perfection. The juicy flavor of the lamb was concentrated, and the freshness of the accompanying ratatouille further highlighted the deliciousness of the meat.For dessert, we enjoyed a luxurious style where we could choose from a dessert cart. We savored seasonal cakes, ice cream, and sorbet, paired with warm coffee (or tea) to our heart's content.The restaurant's traditional and elegant atmosphere, along with the exceptional quality of each dish, left us in awe, making it a top-tier culinary experience.However, there was one aspect that left us quite disappointed. Although we had informed them in advance that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, we did not receive any congratulatory words during our visit. Additionally, while observing other tables, we noticed that the staff offered to take photos for them, yet our table was not approached for a photo opportunity at all. Moreover, I had informed them beforehand that my pregnant wife could not have raw food, yet the marinated Isaki was served to her.Given the restaurant's prestigious reputation and the wonderful ambiance, the lack of attention to these small details and the feeling of being overlooked was quite disheartening. Everything else, from the food to the atmosphere, was perfect, making this oversight particularly regrettable. While it is a lovely establishment, I am considering exploring other options for future wedding anniversaries.Lastly, for those planning to visit, please note that the dress code is quite strict (men must wear jackets, and sneakers are not allowed for anyone). The other guests were all elegantly dressed, so I strongly recommend dressing up for a special occasion to fully enjoy the experience.It is undoubtedly a memorable restaurant where you can savor the essence of classic French cuisine in a refined setting. It was a great meal.
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