L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Tokyo

Black laquer, red accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows set the tone for French celebrity chef Joel Robuchon's Roppongi Hills venue, where diners at the the 44-seat counter watch black-clad chefs prepare creative dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors and the simplicty of Japanese culinary traditions. Keeping the experience casual, the menu permits diners to order a few small plates (such as crab ravioli or a cured meat plate) along with a glass or wine rather than a full meal, which might include langoustine tempura or roasted quail.