Foodies Asia (en)For "foodies" who are particular about food.

 

Recently, I’ve been interested in restaurants that incorporate the bountiful gifts of rivers and mountains nurtured by rich natural environments into modern gastronomy.

In that regard, “RAVI” in Gifu Gujo-Hachiman is said to provide the highest quality French cuisine in the area, based on that concept.

 

Ave. Budget: Lunch 5,000～7,000 JPY, Dinner 7,000～10,000 JPY

make a reservation via ikkyu

 

 

Restaurant features

It can be said that the most noteworthy French cuisine in the Gifu Gujo-Hachiman area is currently being served.

I had heard rumors of an interesting restaurant using local ingredients opening (in November 2020), but during the pandemic, they were operating with limited capacity and we couldn’t find an opportunity to go. Finally, we were able to visit for lunch.

The interior of the restaurant is modern and stylish, with a cafe-like atmosphere.

It’s casual, but the blue-gray color scheme, which also reminds me of some of the best 50 restaurants in Asia such as a restaurant in Hiroo, Tokyo or another in Bali, shows a sense of sophistication.

The restaurant features an open kitchen that extends seamlessly without any partitions to the dining area, creating a lively and enjoyable cooking experience.

 

Abundant course menu

The menu consists only of courses, but there is a wide variety of dishes, ranging from about 5 to 10 plates, so there is plenty of volume.

The style is to choose dishes according to your appetite, and they use high-quality local ingredients such as game and fresh vegetables.

This time, I wanted to try it out, so I ordered the “Menu Casual”, a short course of about 5 dishes, which is only available on weekdays.

The menu was in a drawer, and cutlery was underneath.

As it was a lunch while driving, I opted for non-alcoholic drinks.

Since the non-alcoholic wine was only available in red, I started with homemade ginger ale.

 

Amuse 1

A French-style amuse-bouche made with Indian sweets called “panipuri.”

 

Amuse 2

A gratin of onions.

A gratin of Gujo onions with Gruyere cheese.

 

Something wrapped in a napkin?

It’s bread.

 

Homemade bread

There are two types of bread, sesame and plain, but both are soft baguettes.

 

 

Soup

A potage of new onions.

Topped with milk foam and drizzled with truffle oil.

 

Appetizer

Yellowtail salad.

Smoked yellowtail with udo, lettuce, and egg.

Served with herb sauce.

 

Non-alcoholic red wine.

 

Fish dish

Pan-fried sea bass.

Served with organic potatoes and curry-flavored sauce.

 

Main dish (beef or deer)

Without asking for details on the beef variety, the customer selected deer.

Comparison of leg and fillet meat.

Served with Japanese garlic, maitake mushrooms, and deep-fried leaves of bracken and dogtooth violet.

 

Dessert

Strawberry parfait served in a wine glass as a finale.

At 5000 yen per course, I think the content is more than sufficient.

 

The balance of classic and contemporary, and the harmony with nature, is what makes this restaurant unique.

Although the innovative/contemporary style seemed to dominate in the early part of the course, from the fish dish onwards, the flavor became remarkably authentic French.

I found the contrast intriguing and asked the chef about it after the meal. It turned out that he had honed his skills at one of the top modern/classic French restaurants in Tokyo and Nagoya.

It all made sense. By incorporating the latest techniques while still using traditional French cooking methods, the restaurant manages to bring out the best of the surrounding natural ingredients with a modern sensibility.

This balance of flavors is unexpectedly rare throughout Japan, which makes it a unique and special dining experience.

 

 

 

 

Menu

[Lunch]

“Menu Casual” 5,500 yen A short course where you can enjoy appetizers, main dish, dessert, etc. (weekdays only)

“Menu Chef” 8,800 yen A 10-course meal that includes 2 types of amuse-bouche, 2 types of appetizers, fish and a choice of main course.

“Menu Charmant” 11,000 yen An 11-course meal that includes 3 types of amuse-bouche, 2 types of appetizers, fish, main course, dessert, etc.

“Menu Luxe” 16,500 yen A 12-course meal that includes 3 types of amuse-bouche, 3 types of appetizers, fish, main course, and dessert, etc.

 

[Dinner]

“Menu Gourmand” 3,300 yen A 5-course meal that includes amuse-bouche, soup, choice of main course, dessert, etc.

“Menu Degustation” 4,400 yen A 6-course meal that includes amuse-bouche, fish dish, choice of main course, etc.

“Menu Racine” 5,500 yen A 7-course meal that includes 2 types of amuse-bouche, fish dish, choice of main course, dessert, etc.

“Menu Chef” 8,800 yen A 10-course meal that includes 2 types of amuse-bouche, 2 types of appetizers, fish and a choice of main course.

“Menu Charmant” 11,000 yen An 11-course meal that includes 3 types of amuse-bouche, 2 types of appetizers, fish, main course, dessert, etc.

“Menu Luxe” 16,500 yen A 12-course meal that includes 3 types of amuse-bouche, 3 types of appetizers, fish, main course, and dessert, etc.

 

*Please note that the menu and prices are for reference only. Please be aware that they may change depending on the season and availability of ingredients.

 

How to make a reservation

By phone or online. Instant web reservations are accepted at Taberu Ikkyu restaurants.

make a reservation via ikkyu

 

Map/Access

Approximately a 35-minute walk or 5-minute drive from JR Gujo Hachiman Station.

About a 3-minute drive from the Gujo Hachiman IC exit on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.