The story
In the quiet residential streets of Minami Aoyama, NéMo offers a French dining experience that feels both personal and deeply connected to the seasons. Since opening in 2021, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its high-quality cooking, a recognition that reflects the precision and care behind every dish.
Chef-owner Kenichi Nemoto traces his culinary roots to the “delicious memories” of his childhood: the wide sea, rustling young leaves, clear air, and the smiles shared with family and friends over food. “The origin of my cooking lies in those memories,” he writes. “I want guests to feel the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, the blessings of nature, and the passion of our producers and team.” His path took him from NARISAWA and Aimé Vibert in Tokyo to Le Sergent Recruteur in Paris, and finally to Quintessence, before he opened his own restaurant in June 2021.
NéMo’s menu is a chef’s omakase course, changing with the seasons. The lunch and dinner courses are built around the best available ingredients, allowing Nemoto to express his philosophy both boldly and delicately. The dining room seats 26 guests, with a private room for up to six, creating an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. The service is attentive but unhurried, and the wine list is carefully chosen to complement the French cuisine.
The Michelin star awarded in 2026 is a natural fit for NéMo’s understated ambition: to create new “delicious memories” for each guest, one plate at a time.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
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