Yuji Tani

Yuji Tani is an intriguing character. Covered in tattoos, which still carry the stigma of organised crime in Japan, he quietly goes about his business producing deceptively simple and impossibly beautiful French-Japanese dishes that are as pretty to look at as the body art that adorns his arms.

Located in Tokyo’s Nishiazabu neighbourhood, ‘HOUSE’ has become a cult favourite, serving up “homestyle” dishes from its open kitchen made with love from fresh ingredients delivered daily from small-scale producers around Japan. Recent creations include ‘endive salad with shaved burdock and marinated mushrooms’, ‘steamed yellowtail with fried fava bean and Japanese pepper’ and ‘spicy charcoal grilled lamb and black soybean with sour coriander paste and mint oil’. Up next for Yuji is a hotly anticipated opening in Brooklyn, NYC. But first, Carousel, where tattoos aren’t just tolerated, they’re encouraged.