Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010

Top-notch Napa wines with seasonal California-inspired cooking—that’s what’s on offer at Food & Wine Amandine in Ebisu (2-10-10 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku; www.elegantevita.co.jp/eng). The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere thanks to its open kitchen and jazz BGM; after 10pm, the lights are dimmed and house music fills the air—in keeping with the current trend at hip Napa restaurants. À la carte menu items include fresh oysters (from ¥350), blue cheese apple salad with arugula and walnuts (¥850), roasted quail with grape sauce and mashed potato (¥1,800), and roasted chicken breast stuffed with spinach and goat cheese (¥1,500). A five-course set menu goes for just ¥5,000 (reservation only).