Fine Italian Restaurant: ESPERIA

One of the things that I love about living in Tokyo is the wealth of fine dining place scattered around the city. Working in Nishi-Azabu is definitely a plus as the finest ones seem to be popping out every once in a while at all angles of this part of town.

Take this afternoon for an example. As a tradition, everytime my long-time client from Hollywood came into town, we have a leisurely lunch date as Ted is an avid fellow foodie. We are in an informal project to build a dining out guide for Tokyo.
This time it's my turn. I searched the internet long and hard to find an authentic restaurant, with Italian being the theme.
The pendulum pointed to a restaurant called "Esperia".

Esperia was originally located in Shinjuku/Akebonobashi until recently when they moved to Nishi-Azabu area.
From the pictures that were available on their website (www.esperia.biz) the restaurant seems to have a very nouveau look to it. A few reviews for the restaurants were all raving about it and Hotpepper Minato Ward gave it a high-rated sign.

I met Ted at the corner of Nishi-Azabu crossing in the middle of a miserrable rain. We were in a good mood, despite the weather, looking forward to a fine dining experience.
When we got to Esperia, we were pleasantly surprised because the hostess were already waiting for us at the door. She quickly offered to take our coats and umbrellas and swiftly after that another person showed us to our table.
The setting inside Esperia is very chic and clean and cozy. You can immediately feel "Italy" from the interior, but unlike most restaurants which are trying very hard to induce the authenticity of their cuisines with the decor, Esperia is - on the contrary - very unpretentious.

Our waiter brought a menu for our course of choice. They come in three different variety, either JPY 1,300; JPY 1,800 or JPY 3,000.
Ted and I agree to take the biggest course, so we could have a taste of the appetizer, pasta and main dish - concluded with desert platter and some caffeine-drink. After all this is Italy we're dining now, the land of cappucino and espresso -- so they say.
The choices for the course were all amazing, it ranged from seafood (scallops, shrimps and fish), chicken, pork, quails and veals. Esperia proves itself not to be a stereotype Italian restaurant as you can see the variety of antipasti that they offer.
For my part I had scallop for appetizer, magliateli (handmade pasta) with avocado and crab and finished with crispy grilled Kyushu fish with mushroom and vinegar.
The food came in leisurely pace, all through the meal we were provided with several foccacias and Italian baguette.
For desert, I had cappuccino and a chocolate mousse cake and strawberry sherbet (I think it's actually gellato).
The hostess also came back with a platter of cheese with gorgonzola and old Italian cheese assortment which was just phenomenal.

I've been to many Italian restaurants, but I'd have to say that to date this is the finest Italian restaurant I've ever been to. I'm talking about the taste and also the quality of service that we received throughout the long lunch.
The price 3000 yen for a lunch menu, while not the cheapest by standard, it is definitely not the most expensive. And the only similar-level comparison that I can think of would be a visit to "Nobu"... and at Nobu for the same thing I recalled paying 7,000 yen per head for it and whilst I'm happy with the food and the service, I felt that the price was a rip-off.

In any case... my point is (and I do have one), please try this restaurant for a serious fine Italian dining experience. The price is right, you got your money worth.

Contact Information
Esperia
www.esperia.biz
4-11-25 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031
Tel　03-5485-1771

ps: for dinner, they have a very reasonable 3,500 yen course. With wine and grappas, you're looking at 7,000 - 10,000 yen budget.