$$$$Price: Very Expensive • French • Nakano / Ogikubo
Essence is a casual restaurant that serves French cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Chef Shiro Naito opened the restaurant in 2010 to provide dishes that celebrate the essence of each season. Essence is conveniently located next to Inokashira Park and Ghibli Museum. Its spacious dining area provides tables for guests and a private room for special occasions.
The menu at Essence offers themed seasonal courses. The restaurant uses organic, pesticide-free vegetables from Yoko Farms, has its fish and shellfish delivered directly from Hakodate and uses chemical-free fertilizer from Tokorozawa to grow some of its own ingredients.