[Japan: Tokyo] Alinea at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

October 08, 2025

[Japan: Tokyo] Alinea at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Follow me to the pop-up of 3* Alinea at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo as the first international stop of the restaurant’s 20th anniversary tour! The iconic restaurant from Chicago is known for its theatrical presentations and whimsical creations that are designed to challenge the rules of fine dining. Why do we have to eat on a plate or with forks and knives? There are no rules at Alinea. Do whatever you want. And Chef Grant Achatz has certainly done that and more over the last 20 years.

Having watched the Chef’s Table episode on Alinea, I was ecstatic to finally be able to try some of the ideas featured on the show such as the Black Truffle Explosion created by the chef under his time at French Landry, the King Crab with orange osmanthus vapor, the American Apple Pie painted on the table, and of course the legendary helium Balloon dessert. Other memorable dishes included the deconstructed Chicago Style Hot Dog, the Aubergine masquerading as a sardine, and the Fear Factor where we had to stick our hand into a tube to retrieve our food. As I never made it to the restaurant in Chicago, I was grateful for the chance to experience the magic of Alinea in Tokyo - thank you Mandarin Oriental Tokyo for this rare opportunity!