l'élan

The story

L'Élan Tokyo: Michelin-Starred French Dining by Chef Ryoma Shida in Shibuya

L'Élan in Tokyo

Perched on the fourth floor of the GYRE building in Shibuya’s Jingumae district, l’Élan is the restaurant of chef Ryoma Shida. The name, French for “leap,” reflects a spirit of vitality and imagination that runs through every aspect of the experience. The cuisine is French, grounded in classical technique yet expressed with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

Chef Shida’s path began with top honors at the Tsuji Culinary Institute in France, followed by stages at the three-star Troisgros in Roanne and the celebrated L’Osier in Tokyo. He later worked at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and helped open the two-star ESqUISSE in Ginza, where he became sous-chef. In 2015, he represented Japan at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef world competition. He opened l’Élan in 2020.

The cooking here is built on a foundation of tradition. A ten-course menu evolves with the seasons, drawing on ingredients from trusted producers across Japan. Dishes like the delicate pomme soufflé with lardo di colonnata or kinmedai with autumn poème and fennel show a kitchen that prizes precision and clarity. Each plate is finished with a sense of balance—classic in structure, contemporary in presentation.

The dining room offers a broad view of the Tokyo skyline, a calm backdrop to a meal that moves with a quiet, assured rhythm. The restaurant has held one Michelin star since 2023, a recognition that aligns with its steady commitment to craft. A private room is available for small groups.