#Japan #Tokyo #MAZ #VERTICAL GAZE

MAZ Expands Its Culinary Horizon with Weekend Lunches

In an exciting development for Tokyo's culinary scene, MAZ, a restaurant located in Kioicho, will officially extend its operations to include weekend lunch service starting in October 2026. Known for its innovative approach, MAZ has primarily focused on dinner experiences that intertwine the region’s nature, culture, and high-quality ingredients. This new lunch option is a direct response to numerous requests from both domestic and international guests who have expressed a desire for a daytime experience of the restaurant's unique offerings.

A Continuation of the MAZ Experience

Lunch at MAZ will not be an afterthought; rather, it will mirror the thoughtful consideration and storytelling that define its dinner service. Patrons can expect the same intricate dishes, expertly curated pairings, and exceptional service that MAZ is known for during the evening. The restaurant aims to offer a seamless transition from dinner to lunch, allowing more flexibility for guests who may have found it difficult to visit in the evening due to schedule constraints.

The lunch experience will introduce the VERTICAL GAZE course, a culinary journey through nine different altitudes, showcasing the ecosystems, ingredients, and cultures associated with each elevation. This comprehensive approach ensures that the essence of MAZ's philosophy remains intact, even during the lunch hours.

Crafting a Deeper Connection to Food

With the introduction of weekend lunches, MAZ is not merely looking to expand its dining hours but to deepen its engagement with food and service. This change allows chefs and staff to dedicate more time to the preparation and careful crafting of each dish, ensuring that every element of the dining experience is refined and polished.

The restaurant’s commitment to high standards will continue with the upcoming adjustment to course and pairing prices, effective from October 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the overall experience by investing in ingredients, ambience, and service, while maintaining transparency in pricing for guests.

Exploring Unique Pairings

For those interested in complementing their meals, MAZ will offer curated pairing options as part of this new lunch experience. Guests can indulge in selections such as the MAZ PAIRING, which features wines sourced from around the world, starting with regions from Peru, or opt for EXPERIENCE AND SENSES, a non-alcoholic pairing that includes refreshing nectars and infusions designed to enhance the dining experience.

Reservation Details

Reservations for the October and November services will become available on September 1, 2026, at noon, and will be accepted monthly for subsequent months. Interested guests can secure a table through platforms like TableCheck and OMAKASE.

Embracing Innovation in Hospitality

Ever since its opening in July 2022, MAZ has gained recognition for its innovative interpretation of Peruvian biodiversity under the direction of chef Virgilio Martinez and his organization, Mater Iniciativa. The restaurant beautifully merges elements of Peru's rich culture with Japan’s culinary traditions, attracting a diverse clientele consisting of food enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs from around the world.

With the recent appointments of Yuya Nakamura as Head Chef and Carla Ferreira as Head of Hospitality and Culture, MAZ is poised to facilitate an ongoing dialogue that bridges cultural and geographical differences, enhancing the guest experience even further.

As October 2026 approaches, MAZ invites everyone to rediscover its world through the new lens of weekend lunches, ensuring that every visit is a journey into the intricate realms of taste, culture, and the culinary arts.