The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is pleased to announce that Héritage by Kei Kobayashi, the French restaurant located on the 45th floor, has been awarded its first Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2025 after just one year since its opening.
Since opening its doors, Héritage by Kei Kobayashi, led by Chef de Cuisine Teruki Murashima, has aimed to be a restaurant where every guest can enjoy cuisine that satisfies both the palate and the heart. Under the personal guidance of Chef Kei Kobayashi, everything from the dishes and service to the ingredients, tableware, and ambiance is meticulously curated to offer an exceptional dining experience.
“We are deeply grateful to have received Michelin recognition for Héritage by Kei Kobayashi,” said Chef Kei Kobayashi. “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our valued guests, the Michelin inspectors, our purveyors, and the entire team at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, including General Manager, Xavi Gonzalez. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the staff who work alongside me in this restaurant. French cuisine has been a crucial part of my personal and professional growth, and without it, I would not be who I am today. With a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to pass on the legacy of French cuisine to the next generation, we opened Héritage by Kei Kobayashi at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo in January 2024. The name ‘Héritage’ means ‘heritage’ in French, reflecting this mission.”
As Chef Kei Kobayashi continues to work together with Chef Teruki Murashima, the kitchen, service and pastry team, and Executive Chef Sandro, they are pursuing a unique ‘gastronomie française’ that blends French culinary techniques with the essence of Japanese ingredients and sensibilities. The culinary team is committed to strengthening close bonds with its team and purveyors, as the restaurant aspires for even greater heights and to deliver new and inspiring experiences to all who love French cuisine.
General Manager Xavi Gonzalez said, “We are thrilled to share the incredible news that Héritage by Kei Kobayashi has been awarded a Michelin Star. This prestigious recognition would not have been possible without the passion, dedication, and creativity that define our ladies and gentlemen. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable partnership with Kei Kobayashi, as he has played a vital role in achieving something truly special, and we look forward to continuing this journey of excellence with him.”
“We aim to express our gratitude and respect for the long-standing tradition of French cuisine, passed down through history, with a new challenge at Héritage by Kei Kobayashi. At Héritage by Kei Kobayashi, we do not merely inherit recipes and techniques; instead, while staying true to the essence of French cuisine, we adapt to the changing times, ensuring its continuity and further growth for future generations. Together with a trusted team, we continuously evolve, improve daily, and look forward to offering our guests a fulfilling and memorable experience,” said Chef de Cuisine, Teruki Murashima.
A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. To receive a Michelin Star, five universal criteria are taken into account including the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine, and consistency across the entire menu and over time.
