#Japan #Tokyo #Dining 33 #LA LISTE #Game Changer

Dining 33 Presented with the Game Changer Award in LA LISTE 2026

On October 22, Dining 33, situated on the 33rd floor of the Mori JP Tower in Azabudai Hills and managed by Transit Hospitality Management, was awarded the prestigious Game Changer Award at a reception hosted by the French Ambassador in Japan. This recognition, granted by the LA LISTE 2026 culinary guide, celebrates innovative establishments making significant impacts in the gastronomic landscape.

What is LA LISTE?

LA LISTE is a distinguished culinary guide that originated in France in 2015. Unlike other well-known guides such as the Michelin Guide or the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, it prides itself on impartiality in showcasing dining establishments worldwide. With over 40,000 restaurants, pastry shops, and hotels from 200 countries featured, its Founder Philippe Faure’s vision of fair representation allows diners worldwide to discover exceptional local and international culinary gems.

Why Dining 33 Stood Out

Dining 33 stood out due to several key factors that contributed to its award success. Here are some highlights:

1. Large Team and Operational Training

Dining 33 boasts a seating capacity of 170, significantly larger than standard restaurant venues. The restaurant employs a robust team of 100 staff members, including chefs and service personnel who collaboratively strive for excellence in customer service. A dedicated training program ensures staff continuously pursue elevated hospitality standards, fostering professional growth, enhancing service quality, and maintaining high motivation across the board.

2. Establishment of 'Grand Bistro' Dining Style

Dining 33 has successfully introduced a unique culinary style termed 'Grand Bistro', merging the comfort of casual dining with authentic French cuisine and sophisticated service. The restaurant's design and operation bring together experts from various fields, including chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, and service personnel, creating an atmosphere that balances gastronomic quality with a relaxed ambiance.

3. Commitment to Sustainability and Regional Resources

Dining 33 actively promotes sustainability through its use of locally sourced ingredients and an ethos of 'farm-to-table'. Following the philosophy of renowned chef Seiji Nigiri, dining experiences at Dining 33 incorporate authentic Japanese elements into French cuisine. This includes utilizing regionally grown ingredients, traditional Edo-Tokyo vegetables, and seafood from the Edo area, significantly reducing food mileage, enhancing freshness, and minimizing CO₂ emissions.

Voices from the Team

Yuya Yamaji - Manager

In light of receiving the esteemed LA LISTE 2026 Game Changer Award, Manager Yuya Yamaji expressed immense joy and gratitude. He emphasized how maintaining quality in a high-capacity restaurant can be challenging, and highlighted the importance of their structured organization and systematic approach in overcoming such challenges. He noted that the recognition reflects the dedication and understanding of their staff, who are committed to the restaurant's goals.

Ippei Tsuno - Chef

Chef Ippei Tsuno considered the award a recognition of their relentless effort to maintain quality amidst a bustling service environment. With over 200 plates prepared daily, he acknowledged the technical difficulties and challenges involved in meeting high culinary standards. He expressed a commitment to not just showcasing French cuisine but leveraging Japan's rich culinary offerings.

Takuya Asai - Pastry Chef

Pastry Chef Takuya Asai mentioned that the award recognition is a testament to their accomplishment of reaffirming the essence of classic French cuisine in an approachable style. He stressed that maintaining quality across a substantial number of seats is no small feat, encapsulating the strength of their team in achieving such recognition.

Restaurant Information

Dining 33

• - Location: 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo, located on the 33rd floor of the Mori JP Tower, Hills House Azabudai.
• - Contact: 03-4232-5801
• - Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Orders 2:00 PM); Dinner 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Last Orders 10:00 PM)
• - No Regular Closure
• - Seating Capacity: 170 tables, 4 private rooms with 28 seats
• - Website
• - Reservations
• - Instagram: @hillshouse_dining33

Dining 33 remains steadfast in its commitment to providing an extraordinary culinary experience, blending Japanese influences with classic French cuisine and anticipating further evolution in the dining landscape while ensuring sustainability.