#Japan #Minato #Mærge #HIDEYUKI SHIBATA #Modern French

Mærge: A Unique Culinary Experience in Minami Aoyama

On June 20, 2025, the new restaurant Mærge opens its doors in Minami Aoyama, promising a fresh take on modern French cuisine that focuses on Japan's lesser-known ingredients. Helmed by one-star chef Hideyuki Shibata, who gained acclaim at La Clairière in Shirokane, Mærge aims to deliver a series of 11 meticulously curated dishes that highlight the remarkable and authentic flavors of various ingredients sourced from around the world and Japan.

A Concept Rooted in Culinary Fusion

The restaurant’s name, Mærge, is derived from the French word “marge,” meaning ‘margin’ or ‘frame’, and the English word “merge.” This duality encapsulates the restaurant's mission to bridge the gap between unnamed ingredients and innovative culinary experiences. Mærge seeks to challenge the boundaries of taste and perception, creating a new dynamic between the food and its diners. Our dishes reflect a commitment to honesty in ingredients, shining a light on underappreciated flavors through chef Shibata's expertise in French cuisine.

One standout dish is the Arabana Chicken Effiloché, which takes the rarely used old hen after egg-laying and pairs it with a rich shellfish sauce, marrying traditional preparation with modern ideas. Each component tells a story, showcasing the chef's dedication to transforming lesser-known produce into haute cuisine.

Sourcing the Purest Ingredients

At Mærge, we emphasize the importance of establishing meaningful relationships with producers across Japan and beyond. Chef Shibata travels extensively, meeting with farmers and artisans, and carefully selecting each ingredient based on quality and authenticity. This unwavering commitment to truth in sourcing is reflected in every course served at Mærge. We prioritize not only taste but also safety, ensuring that all ingredients resonate with the natural rhythms of our environment. Our menu changes seasonally, reflecting the freshest local offerings and the philosophy of sustainable gastronomy.

An Enchanting Dining Space

The interior of Mærge draws inspiration from the endless beauty of nature, creating a calming dining atmosphere designed with the concept of ancient Chinese natural philosophy, known as the Five Elements. The space eschews standard geometric patterns in favor of an ‘unfinished beauty’ that invites diners to immerse themselves in the experience of dining. The design features walls crafted by plaster artisan Naoki Kusumi, alongside furniture made from Jindai Keyaki, a tree buried underground for approximately 500 years.

This thoughtfully curated environment encourages guests to relax and engage with their meals in a space that embodies harmony and tranquility.

Chef Hideyuki Shibata: A Culinary Maestro

Chef Hideyuki Shibata began his culinary journey at the renowned Restaurant Mona Lisa in Ebisu. He then honed his skills in top-tier Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Burgundy and Paris. Upon returning to Japan, he took on the role of head chef at Mona Lisa Marunouchi and its Ebisu branch before opening La Clairière in Shirokane in 2016. His accomplishments have earned him accolades, including the Goûte n’Mieux Award for Tomorrow’s Grand Chef in 2021, and recognition from the Michelin Guide Tokyo, earning a star from 2019 to 2024.

Reservation Information

Reservations for Mærge are now open for dates from June 20 to June 30 via the following platforms:

• - OMAKASE
• - TableCheck

For future reservations, new slots will be available on the first of each month for the following month’s dining period. For example, beginning June 1, you can book between July 1 and July 31.

Restaurant Overview

• - Name: Mærge
• - Address: 3-8-14 Minami Aoyama, VORT Minami Aoyama 3, 1F, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
• - Access: 8-minute walk from Omotesando Station
• - Website: maerge.tokyo
• - Hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• - Closed: Sunday and Monday
• - Seating: 30 seats (private room available)
• - Pricing: 11-course meal at ¥36,300, pairing starts at ¥22,000, non-alcoholic pairing from ¥17,600 (tax included, service fee separate)

Come and discover the vibrant, delicate flavors of Japan's culinary landscape at Mærge, where we unveil the beauty of the unfamiliar.