MAZ Tokyo is a fine dining destination in Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, that opened in July 2022. It is the first overseas project of Chef Virgilio Martínez (of Central in Lima) together with his Mater Iniciativa team, realized under the kitchen direction of Santiago Fernández. From the start, it has pursued not just food, but a vision: translating Peru’s extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage into a sensory and gastronomic experience in Japan.
The restaurant is located on the third floor of the Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, at 1-3 Kioicho in Tokyo. It is very well-situated—just about a 1-minute walk from Exit D of Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, and a short walk from Nagatacho Station.
With only about 20 seats, MAZ offers an intimate and contemplative setting. The design feels sophisticated and minimal but rich in detail, reflecting both Peruvian traditions and Japanese sensitivity to nature and seasons.
MAZ’s food is served via tasting courses (multi-course menus) that traverse Peru’s ecosystems: from the coast, through the Amazon, and into the high Andes. The menu changes seasonally and emphasizes altitude (“vertical gastronomy”)—each dish is linked to a specific ecosystem or elevation, extracting flavour from native Peruvian ingredients while often combining them with Japanese seasonal produce.
Some of the course options include the Vertical Gaze (nine courses), a vegetarian version with equal ambition, and pairing options (both wine/alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that are carefully designed to match the journey of flavours.
In December 2023, MAZ was awarded two Michelin stars—a rare and significant achievement, especially for a Latin American restaurant in Tokyo.
The restaurant’s hours are dinner only, generally from about 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and it is closed on Tuesdays. Reservations well in advance are required.
Pricing is very premium. Expect the full-course dinner experiences to run ¥30,000+ (excluding service or tax), with pairing options considerably increasing the total.
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住在東京的Masako
a week agoLate last year, I had the pleasure of visiting MAZ, the Tokyo branch of the world's number one restaurant, *Central*, curated by chef Virgilio Martínez. It wasn't just a meal; it was more like a fantastical journey across Peru's vertical elevation changes. [About the Experience: A Culinary Cultural Immersion Beyond Likes and Dislikes] The cultural logic and seasoning of Peruvian cuisine are vastly different from our everyday taste buds. Rather than agonizing over whether it tasted good or not, I think "not appreciating" it is perfectly normal. [Crazy Alcohol Pairings: Chocolate Vinegar and Liqueur] Besides the food, the alcohol pairings here were also eye-opening. My friend even ordered a combination of chocolate vinegar and Peruvian liqueur—a truly bold and incredibly magical experience. 【VERTICAL GAZE Daily Menu Notes】 This journey ascended from 35 meters below sea level to an altitude of 3,680 meters, with each dish representing an ecosystem: ・Sea Floor: Three types of crab ・Valley River: Crab stew ・Cold Sea: Scallops ・Andean Highland: Beef tongue, water bamboo shoots, and pocket bread ・Fresh Water: Nameko mushrooms and trout roe ・Sea Mist: Water octopus with milt, squid ink, and mussel mousse ・Mountain Foothills: Lotus root and pork ・Highland Jungle: Grapes and ginkgo ・Amazonia: Cocoa sorbet and various chocolates 【Summary】 From the explanation of Peruvian ingredients upon entering the restaurant to the plating and performances, MAZ... Undoubtedly, it showcased the highest level of artistry. The accompanying imagery cards helped us visualize the concepts, and finally, a delicate little linen bag allowed us to take this culinary memory home. Facing the mysterious food culture of the distant Southern Hemisphere in Tokyo, I deeply felt my own ignorance and insignificance. Although many local ingredients were unavailable and substituted (for example, highland root vegetables were replaced with lotus root, and fish with Japanese river fish), the dishes still strongly conveyed the chef's love for his own culture. If you're looking for ordinary food, this might not be for you; but if you crave an adventure of imagination and senses, this place is definitely worth adding to your list.
S Lector
a month agoI don't think eating South American food as a gourmet meal suits me. It's so colorful that I think I would have been more satisfied if I hadn't paired it. I've only seen one restaurant in my life that serves delicious non-alcoholic pairings. This place operates on a two-part system, and maybe because I went late, the staff didn't ask me how it was or if it suited my taste, so I just ate without making small talk and finished it in an hour and a half. But it was so good that I was so satisfied that I wanted to check the box for wanting to dine quietly.
raldra
a month agoRachel Bailey
a month agoOur meal at MAZ was exquisite and boldly creative, fully deserving of its two Michelin stars. Each course was beautifully executed, visually striking, and thoughtfully composed, with surprising flavors and impeccable technique throughout. The pacing was flawless, service polished yet warm, and the overall experience felt both refined and imaginative. A truly memorable, boundary-pushing dining experience
Clement
a month ago