R

Review #200! Woo-​hoooo! *happy dance* — now back to my review…
I was first introduced to this place back in 2010 by a man who is now my husband; always a great time for a date night at this place. When my mother, aunt, and cousin came to visit in 2011, we decided to take them to this place for Valentine’s Day and they loved it!
The owners are a married couple and both certified wine sommeliers; because of that, we always leave it to them to choose the wine (s) to go with whatever we’re eating that night. Every time we go there, we try at least one dish we haven’t had before and so far they’ve been great; haven’t found anything I don’t like here *knock on wood* — of course, we have old favorites we almost always order. One being the gizzard confit; it sounds odd, I know, but one of my favorites; tastes like the softest piece of meat you’ve ever had. Then having a sip of wine selected by the owner compliments it perfectly. We also enjoy their salmon-​potato gratin; so light and airy with the salmon soft and flavorful, but not too overpowering.
On our last visit to this place, we tried their mussel risotto and pork sauté with ginger sauce… amazing! Mussels were cooked perfectly and went very well with the creamy, garlic goodness of the risotto. The ginger sauce with the pork was like nothing I’ve had before and enjoyed every bite! Since we leave the wine choice to the owner, every sip of wine went well with our meal — best wine bar experience ever… every time!
We’ve already made a few friends fans of this place after we suggested this place and look forward to the next visit. They even have an English menu now; limited, but have most their great dishes listed. If you want a great and intimate wine/​food experience, be sure to visit R! You’ll thank me later ;)

I am really biased on this place. I have been coming here since they opened about five years ago. I was shown this place by a friend who took me out for French topas and wine.
I never select my own wine here — I order what sounds good and have the husband and wife combo decide. They are both accredited Japanese sommelier and unlike in the USA where they only choose the most expensive choices — they always pair something good and are up front with how it will pair.
Last night the wife had 4 dishes and 2 bottles.
We started out with my favorite confi paired with a crisp Riesling (he recommended that or a Chardonnay– wife prefers sweet wine). The wine went well with the soft chicken and the stewed juices, toasted bread pieces, and wine were awesome.
We also had the lemon rissoto which just danced in our mouths– no way to really characterize it other than being refreshing.
We followed that up with salmon mashed potatoes which was an airy potato on top of a not over powering salmon.
We finished off the night with a red Syrah and the biggest surprise — a rich burgundy beef stew which just knocked my socks off.
I have been away from Japan for about three years. Having French food and well paired wine was lacking in America. If you want a true paired experience, go here!