SELECTED RESTAURANT

Jfree

Shinjuku, Japan

Discover Jfree: A Culinary Gem in Kagurazaka, Tokyo's Shinjuku City District.

Nestled in the charming Kagurazaka neighborhood of Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Jfree offers an unforgettable dining adventure that celebrates the rich flavors of Japanese and French fusion cuisine. This intimate restaurant, helmed by the talented Chef Tsubasa Jinnai, blends seasonal ingredients from his native Miyazaki Prefecture with refined culinary techniques to create dishes that surprise and delight at every course.

An Intimate Dining Experience with Local Flare

Jfree welcomes guests primarily at a single-board counter where you can engage directly with the chef, providing a soft and warm atmosphere perfect for savoring each carefully crafted plate. The open kitchen design invites you to witness the passion and precision that goes into every dish, from the delicate seafood selections to the innovative use of Miyazaki's distinctive local chicken bone broth.

Signature Dishes That Capture Hearts and Palates

Among the standout offerings is the "Crepe Salé," a dessert so sublime it has been crowned Crepe of the Year by many diners. The crisp, buttery batter with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors creates a sensational finale to your meal. Other highlights include spring rolls made with whole ayu fish, Miyazaki beef with Kyoto's Manganji chili pepper, and a refreshing soup featuring Miyazaki Hinata tomatoes and Aori squid.
  • Locally Sourced Ingredients – Featuring fresh seasonal produce and proteins from Miyazaki Prefecture.
  • Expertly Crafted Omakase Course – A thoughtfully curated seven-item tasting menu delivering rich and balanced flavors.
  • Inviting Atmosphere – Spacious counter seating and a private room for a cozy, personalized dining experience.

Essential visitor information

Jfree is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, making it easily accessible for both locals and travelers exploring Tokyo. The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Saturday, welcoming guests from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM. For those seeking an exclusive experience, a private room accommodates up to four guests with a separate fee. Credit card payments are accepted, including major cards like VISA and MasterCard.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the price range for the omakase course at Jfree? The omakase course is priced at ¥19,800, excluding service charge and tax.
  • Is there a private room available at Jfree? Yes, Jfree offers a private room that can accommodate up to four people, with a separate usage fee of ¥5,000.
  • What are the operating hours of Jfree? Jfree operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and during the year-end and New Year holidays.
  • Is Jfree accessible by public transportation? Yes, Jfree is a 2-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
  • Does Jfree accept credit card payments? Yes, Jfree accepts major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club.

Community sentiment

Positive
Jfree enjoys a glowing reputation among Tokyo’s dining aficionados for its innovative approach to French-Japanese fusion, exceptional use of high-quality Miyazaki ingredients, and the cozy, personable environment created by Chef Jinnai and his team. Visitors consistently praise the attentive service, the thoughtfully balanced flavors, and the memorable omakase experience that leaves many eager to return.

Discover the story of Jfree in Kagurazaka Tokyo

Nestled in the vibrant district of Kagurazaka in Tokyo, Jfree is a shining example of contemporary French cuisine fused artfully with Japanese culinary traditions. Founded by the talented Chef Tsubasa Jinnai in December 2022, this restaurant has rapidly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking an innovative dining experience.

The beginning of a culinary gem

In 2022, Chef Tsubasa Jinnai opened the doors to Jfree in the heart of Kagurazaka, a neighborhood renowned for its rich cultural heritage and eclectic food scene. Bringing years of experience from prestigious French and Japanese kitchens, Chef Jinnai set out to create a unique gastronomic journey that honors his roots and passion for exquisite flavors. His vision quickly attracted attention for blending French culinary techniques with the delicate tastes of Japanese seasonal ingredients, especially those sourced from his hometown, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Innovative Japanese-French fusion dining

Jfree’s intimate design, featuring counter seating, offers an engaging experience where diners can witness the culinary artistry firsthand and interact with Chef Jinnai. The menu is a carefully curated omakase course that showcases seasonal delights such as Miyazaki Hinata tomatoes, Aori squid, and Miyazaki beef, combining the finesse of French cuisine with the subtlety of Japanese flavors. Highlights include a bone broth soup made from local chicken, a delicate crepe salé that has been acclaimed as a stand-out dessert, and innovative dishes like ayu fish spring rolls that display Chef Jinnai’s creative spirit.

Recognition and acclaim

Only two years after opening, Jfree earned a prestigious selection from the Michelin Guide in 2024, a testament to its exceptional quality and the chef’s dedication to pushing culinary boundaries. Critics and patrons alike praise the restaurant for its rich, balanced flavors that never overwhelm, its use of premium ingredients, and the warm, inviting atmosphere created by the chef and his sommelier wife. This rising star in Tokyo’s dynamic food scene continues to attract diners eager to discover the evolving art of French cuisine with a uniquely Japanese touch.
  • 2022 - Jfree opened in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, founded by Chef Tsubasa Jinnai.
  • 2024 - Jfree was selected by the Michelin Guide, affirming its excellence.

Discover Jfree: A Unique French-Japanese Culinary Gem in Tokyo

Located in the heart of Kagurazaka, Tokyo, Jfree offers an exceptional dining experience that beautifully blends French culinary techniques with Japanese flavors. This innovative restaurant is helmed by Chef Jinnai, a Miyazaki native whose impressive background includes training at top-tier French and Japanese establishments such as Florilège and Quintessence. The chef’s passion for seasonal ingredients shines through every dish, particularly those featuring delicacies from Miyazaki Prefecture, providing guests with a taste that is both authentic and refined.

Culinary Highlights and Atmosphere

Jfree’s intimate setting features a cozy and sophisticated space with only 11 counter seats, allowing diners to engage directly with the chef throughout their meal. This personalized atmosphere enhances the enjoyment of the meticulously crafted omakase courses, which often include standout items such as Miyazaki chicken bone broth, fresh seafood like Aori squid and conger eel, and the much-lauded dessert "Crepe Salé," praised as a top crepe experience by guests. The restaurant’s open kitchen design invites diners into the culinary process, creating a warm and engaging environment.

Advantages of Dining at Jfree

  • Innovative French-Japanese fusion cuisine that balances rich flavors with subtlety.
  • Seasonal ingredients sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture that reflect the chef’s regional pride and dedication to quality.
  • Intimate counter seating with direct interaction with the chef providing a uniquely personal dining experience.
  • Cozy yet sophisticated ambiance ideal for food lovers and those seeking a refined Tokyo dining outing.
  • Highly acclaimed by the Michelin Guide and positive customer reviews confirming its status as a must-visit destination for gourmets.

Considerations Before Visiting

While Jfree delivers an exceptional dining experience, some practical factors should be noted. The restaurant offers a limited seating capacity of only 11 seats, making it essential to book well in advance to secure a reservation. Additionally, the pricing excludes service charges and taxes, so budgeting accordingly is advised. The lack of takeout or delivery options means dining in is the only way to enjoy the menu, and there are no on-site parking facilities, which might require visitors to use public transportation or nearby parking alternatives.

Final Thoughts on Jfree

Jfree stands out as a culinary jewel in Tokyo’s vibrant dining scene, inviting food enthusiasts to savor innovative Japanese-French fusion dishes borne from expert craftsmanship and regional pride. Its intimate counter seating and warm ambiance make every visit a special occasion. Despite practical limitations such as limited seating and the need for advance reservations, the restaurant’s quality and unique flavors offer a rewarding experience for those who plan ahead. Whether you are a local foodie or a global traveler seeking authentic Tokyo dining, Jfree promises a memorable journey into sophisticated cuisine inspired by the heart of Miyazaki.

Closed

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

Closed

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Download the App