Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2014

Upscale supermarket chain Seijo Ishii, known for its selection of imported wine and food, has expanded on what it does the best with Le Bar a Vin 52 (2F Azabu-Juban Square Bldg, 2-2-10 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5439-6403. http://lbv52.jp). The chic wine bar in Azabu-Juban opened last month with a list of 120 different white, red, rosé and sparkling offerings. The 52 in the name is a subtle hint that customers can come in every week to try something different. Of the wines on offer, 95 percent are imported in refrigerated containers. That not only assures every bottle is kept in optimal conditions, but also keeps costs down—the Epicerie Bonheur house red is just ¥500 a glass. There are also nibbles and imported goodies, including a ham and salami plate (¥1,680) and a cheese board (three varieties ¥880).

Open Mon-Thur & hols 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat & day before hols 11:30am-5am.