Ginza Makiyaki Onodera: Innovative French Cuisine with Wood-Fire Cooking at a Michelin One-Star Restaurant
Ginza is known as a luxury commercial district located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The name "Ginza" originates from 1612 when the Edo Shogunate established a silver coin mint called "Ginza Yakusho" in this area.
Today, it has developed into one of Japan's premier districts that combines history and luxury, with world-renowned brands and long-established department stores lining the streets. In the culinary field, top-class restaurants gather here, and a sophisticated restaurant culture thrives.
Among such Ginza establishments, "Ginza Makiyaki Onodera" stands out with its unique presence, offering French cuisine cooked using firewood flames.
Makiyaki Onodera is One of Japan's Premier Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Wagyu Beef
"Ginza Makiyaki Onodera," which has earned one Michelin star, is a restaurant featuring an impressive open kitchen visible from the counter seats.
At the center of the restaurant stands a custom-made firewood oven built with white clay bricks from France. You can feel the flames right before your eyes as carefully selected ingredients such as wagyu beef and seafood are plumply grilled.
Through the chef's meticulous fire control, the flavors of the ingredients are surprisingly enhanced, creating dishes that are simple yet profound in taste.
Wrapped in the aroma of firewood and able to enjoy the cooking process up close, this immersive dining experience offers an exceptional moment even within Ginza.
5 Reasons Why I Recommend Makiyaki Onodera
The Chef's Original Cuisine Featured in the Michelin Guide for 5 Consecutive Years
Source:Official website
There are five reasons why I recommend this restaurant:
- Chef Keiichi Terada's achievements: At age 28, he earned one Michelin star in just 2 months at the restaurant where he worked, the fastest at that time in Michelin history
- Fusion of modern and classic: He creates original dishes by incorporating Japanese elements into traditional French techniques
- Makiyaki technique: The firewood flames lock in umami and impart an aromatic fragrance that cannot be obtained elsewhere
- Presentation that stimulates all five senses: You can experience the live atmosphere through the open kitchen and the scent of cypress
- Ingredient selection and wide application: There is innovation in using carefully selected ingredients both domestic and foreign, utilizing firewood from main courses to desserts
Head Chef Keiichi Terada possesses an outstanding career, having earned one Michelin star at age 28 in the fastest time in Michelin history at that time. He creates original cuisine that adds Japanese elements to a solid foundation of French cooking.
The restaurant's symbol, the firewood oven, maximizes the flavors of wonderful ingredients such as wagyu beef through the heat and aroma of the flames, providing a special flavor and deep taste that can only be experienced here.
The greatest appeal of "Makiyaki Onodera" is encountering sophisticated cuisine where traditional techniques and new sensibilities beautifully merge.
Numerous Exquisite Dishes Created by Mastering "Makiyaki" That Concentrates Umami
Source:Official website
The firewood flames grill fish and vegetables to aromatic perfection, and by slowly cooking meat over time, the inherent deliciousness of the ingredients is firmly concentrated and their flavors are maximized.
Furthermore, noodle dishes and rice dishes are prepared, further enhancing satisfaction.
And by adding the flavor of wood fire even to the final dessert, you can enjoy surprisingly original aromas and textures until the very end. It is a highly refined, exquisite full course where the depth and aroma unique to Makiyaki stimulate all five senses.
An Ultimate Experience Enjoyed Through All Five Senses Including Not Only Taste but Also Aroma and Sound
Source:Official website
At "Makiyaki Onodera," you can enjoy cuisine with all five senses, not just taste, including the fragrant aroma of firewood, the sound of ingredients being grilled, and the changes in temperature and texture the moment they enter your mouth.
Beautifully plated dishes and a calm space with subdued lighting richly create visual satisfaction.
By dining while sensing the freshness of ingredients and the exquisite fire control technique, you can fully savor an ultimate experience that transcends mere dining, where both mind and body are satisfied.
An Innovative Culinary Style That Incorporates Makiyaki Even in Desserts
Source:Official website
At "Makiyaki Onodera," they prepare firewood-grilled desserts befitting the finale of the course. Among them, the signature "Makiyaki Basque Cheesecake" enjoys particular popularity.
The cake, slowly and carefully baked over time in the firewood oven, exquisitely harmonizes the fragrant char on the outside with the moist and rich texture inside.
The yuzu added as a finishing touch refreshes the aftertaste, and it is an innovative dish where you can fully experience the aroma of firewood and the strength of fire control even though it is a dessert. This special flavor is currently available for purchase online and can be enjoyed outside the restaurant as well.
However, tasting it freshly made is still the best. If you are interested, please try the Makiyaki dessert at the restaurant.
Seats That Can Be Freely Chosen According to What You Want to Enjoy
Source:Official website
Part of the charm of "Makiyaki Ginza Onodera" is that you can freely choose your seating according to the occasion and your preferences.
- Counter seats: Enjoy powerful cooking scenes with the flames of the firewood oven and the chef's cooking techniques right before your eyes
- Table seats: Enjoy time for gathering and socializing
- Children are welcome to visit
- Private room (capacity: 6 people): With a calm atmosphere, ideal for private meals with loved ones or business entertainment
In the sophisticated space, you can experience a sense of specialness not only from the cuisine but also from the seating style, expanding the diverse ways visitors can enjoy themselves.
Two Courses to Enjoy When You Visit Makiyaki Onodera
"Makiyaki-Luxury Course" Featuring Six Supreme Dishes
Source:Tabelog
The "Makiyaki-Luxury Course" is a special course where you can fully savor firewood-grilled cuisine.
The appetizers feature premium ingredients such as caviar, abalone, and lobster, while the Kuroge Wagyu beef fillet grilled over firewood right before your eyes offers exceptional taste and aroma. Additionally, you can enjoy all six dishes with your five senses, including fish dishes, a finishing course, and firewood-grilled cheesecake.
Additional Kuroge Wagyu beef can be ordered with advance reservation, making this a course that luxuriously creates a special moment.
Course Contents:
- One-bite firewood-grilled caviar
- Lobster salad
- Firewood-grilled abalone
- Fish dish
- Firewood-grilled Kuroge Wagyu beef fillet 100g (additional meat available with advance reservation)
- Today's finishing dish
- Firewood-grilled cheesecake
- Roasted Sayama tea
- Tea sweets
"Makiyaki-Standard Course" - The Most Popular Choice
Source:Tabelog
The most popular "Makiyaki-Standard Course" is a chef's omakase full course that carefully selects and utilizes ingredients at their peak seasonal freshness.
Making maximum use of the fragrant aroma and intense heat unique to firewood grilling, you can experience the powerful charm of firewood that differs with each dish, from fish courses to the finest Kumamoto Akaushi beef "Aso-Oh" sirloin, and even seasonal meat dishes.
From the finishing dish to desserts including grilled marshmallows and the signature firewood-grilled cheesecake, you can taste the rich flavors created by the firewood throughout. This special course allows you to fully enjoy Makiyaki Ginza Onodera's rich aroma and taste unique to firewood grilling, utilizing both primitive and cutting-edge cooking methods.
Course Contents:
- One bite to enjoy the aroma of firewood
- Cold appetizer
- Vegetables from Mr. Uneda
- Warm appetizer
- Fish dish
- Firewood-grilled Kumamoto Akaushi beef [Aso-Oh] sirloin
- Seasonal meat dish
- Today's finishing dish
- Grilled marshmallow
- Firewood-grilled cheesecake
- Roasted Sayama tea
- Tea sweets
The Onodera Group Operates Many Japanese Restaurants Beyond Makiyaki Onodera
The Onodera Group operates a diverse range of Japanese restaurants based in Ginza. With high technical skills and dedication in specialized fields such as sushi, tempura, and eel, they provide high-quality Japanese dining experiences.
Sushi Ginza Onodera SOUHONTEN
Source:Official website
"Sushi Ginza Onodera SOUHONTEN"
This is a renowned authentic Edomae sushi restaurant with its main location in Ginza.
Their mission is to provide delicate and beautiful sushi using luxurious seasonal ingredients. The interior is furnished with high-quality fixtures, and features seasonally inspired dishes and warm hospitality.
The sushi chefs utilize techniques refined at the Ginza main location and value creating a "dining space" that meets customer expectations through conversation. With takeout options and seasonal limited menus available, this restaurant offers the ultimate sushi experience where you can fully enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.
Sushi Ginza Onodera SOUHONTEN
- Address: Sunlit Ginza Building III B1F/2F, 5-14-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Higashi-Ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa Line/Hibiya Line
- Business Hours: 11:00-12:45, 13:00-14:45, 17:00-22:15
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 03-6853-8878
- Official Website: https://onodera-group.com/sushi-ginza/
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera HONTEN
Source:Official website
"Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera HONTEN"
This restaurant was created to allow more people to casually enjoy the quality of Edomae sushi cultivated at "Sushi Ginza Onodera SOUHONTEN."
You can freely choose and savor sushi finished with meticulous work that spares no effort, one piece at a time. The live atmosphere where you can experience the craftsmen's skills right before your eyes is also attractive.
With its approachable atmosphere, this restaurant is recommended for those who want to casually enjoy Makiyaki Ginza Onodera's sushi. While authentic, you can casually savor the taste of Edomae sushi. With seasonal limited items and takeout options available, this restaurant is beloved by many as a place where you can easily enjoy authentic Ginza sushi.
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera HONTEN
- Address: Il Palazzino Omotesando 1F, 5-1-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
1-minute walk from Exit A1 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro
- Business Hours: 10:30-22:30 (Last entry 21:30, Last order 22:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 050-3085-1700
- Official Website: https://onodera-group.com/kaitensushi-ginza/
Tempura Ginza Onodera
Source:Official website
This is a specialty restaurant in Ginza where you can enjoy authentic tempura. "Tempura" is a traditional Japanese dish where seafood and vegetables are deep-fried after being coated with a mixture of wheat flour and eggs.
Using carefully selected seasonal seafood and vegetables, you can savor the colors, aromas, and textures of each season. The tempura combines traditional techniques with innovative sensibilities.
The counter seats are premium spots where you can enjoy the delicate skills of the artisans and conversations with them. For both lunch and dinner, you can taste exquisite tempura carefully fried to perfection. There are two locations: Higashi Ginza and Namiki Street.
The Higashi Ginza location is recommended for those who want to spend time in a calm atmosphere, as it has private rooms in addition to counter seats. The Namiki Street location has only counter seats, making it recommended for those who want to witness the artisan's techniques right before their eyes.
Tempura Ginza Onodera Higashi Ginza
- Address: Sunlit Ginza Building III 4F, 5-14-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
1-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line
- Business Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:00 (Last entry 13:00) Dinner 18:00-22:00 (Last entry 19:30)
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 03-6278-8196
- Official Website: https://onodera-group.com/tempura-ginza/
Tempura Ginza Onodera Namiki Street
- Address: Kanari Building 6F, 8-5-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
2-minute walk from Ginza Line Shimbashi Station Exit 3, 4-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station
- Business Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:00 (Last entry 13:00) Dinner 18:00-22:00 (Last entry 19:30)
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 03-6264-5738
- Official Website: https://onodera-group.com/tempura-ginza/
Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN
Source:Official website
Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN
This restaurant was supervised by Chef Keiichi Terada of Makiyaki Ginza Onodera and provided innovative eel dishes that incorporated Japanese elements based on Makiyaki French cuisine.
The una-don (eel rice bowl) and shirayaki (plain grilled eel without sauce), made with Kyushu eel, Terada's secret sauce, and finished with oak wood smoke, were loved as a one-of-a-kind famous restaurant where you could enjoy elegant aromas and deep flavors at reasonable prices.
*Closed as of October 31, 2025
If you have a local guide show you around Ginza, you can enjoy it without worrying about manners or rules
If you explore Ginza with a local guide, you don't have to worry about manners and rules that tourists often find confusing.
With local knowledge and interesting trivia, it becomes a reliable support that allows you to efficiently enjoy famous stores and spots.
Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza
This is a gourmet tour where you can fully experience the appeal of wagyu beef and sake while walking through the streets of Ginza.
Head to a local bar with your guide and first spend 30 minutes comparing various sake from Nara Prefecture. This is also time to learn about their history and brewing methods.
Then move to a teppanyaki restaurant in Ginza and enjoy A5-rank wagyu beef to your heart's content. Seasonal side dishes and sauces are also prepared, and you can order additional items as much as you like.
After the meal, enjoy walking around the city with your guide, and while savoring desserts and drinks at cafes or bars, you can fully appreciate Ginza's culture and beautiful night views.
- Meeting Point: Around Ginza Station (details provided after reservation)
- Tour Area: Around Ginza-dori, established stores area
- Start Time: 17:00
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
This is a special tour where you can taste luxurious dining experiences of sushi and tempura in Ginza, where Edomae traditions live on.
First, go to a hidden gem sushi restaurant with your dedicated guide. At the counter seats, savor omakase sushi featuring seasonal ingredients. While enjoying the skilled artisan's techniques right before your eyes, you can also learn about sushi etiquette and trivia.
After that, stroll through the streets of Ginza and head to a tempura restaurant known as a famous establishment. Taste tempura made with high-quality seafood and vegetables over the counter, and finally enjoy desserts at a cafe, where you can fully appreciate the charm of Ginza at night.
- Meeting Point: Near Ginza Station Exit A8, in front of Mitsukoshi Lion statue
- Tour Area: Around Ginza-dori, established restaurant area
- Start Time: 16:30
