Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. While my days are usually immersed in the world of digital marketing, I seize every opportunity—weekends, a break between meetings—to explore cities, both at home and abroad. I’m always on the hunt for local culture and culinary gems, and I truly enjoy sharing my firsthand experiences (and yes, sometimes lessons learned from minor mishaps!) with you, our Photomo readers.
Today, I want to take you to Hibiya, Tokyo, right after a business meeting. It was lunchtime, and while I fondly remembered my recent visit to the French bistro Buvette, I was in the mood for something new. That’s when I remembered a place I’d been meaning to check out: Drawing house of Hibiya, located on the 6th floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.
An Elegant Escape to Hibiya’s Sky Garden
I knew Tokyo Midtown Hibiya boasted a spacious garden terrace, and Drawing house of Hibiya faces this very oasis. I’d heard it was a sophisticated spot, perfect perhaps for a business lunch in Hibiya, and I was keen to see it for myself.
I took the elevator to the 6th floor. Stepping out and turning left, I was greeted by the softly illuminated sign of Drawing house of Hibiya. I imagine it looks particularly stunning at night.
A peek at the lunch menu signboard displayed outside, with its handwritten-style script, was enough to pique my interest. Even without photos, the descriptions sounded delectable. My anticipation grew as I approached the entrance.
A Harmony of Rainy Day Calm and Lively Chatter
Fortunately, I was seated quickly. It was around 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, and a bit of a rainy day. Despite the weather and it being a weekday lunchtime, the restaurant was bustling with patrons. However, the space is quite large with ample seating, so it didn’t feel crowded.
I was led to a window seat. Through the large panes, the garden terrace, glistening with rain, offered a serene view. On a sunny day, I’m sure dining al fresco here would be delightful. Nevertheless, there was a certain charm to enjoying lunch while listening to the gentle patter of rain.
The interior lived up to the expectations of anyone seeking a chic Hibiya lunch spot – elegant, yet with a warmth that made it feel inviting and comfortable.
A Culinary Journey: A Lunch Course to Delight the Senses
Now, for the best part: choosing my meal. “Pasta, or perhaps fish…” I mused, enjoying the delightful dilemma. I often opt for fish when eating out, keeping health in mind, but today, pasta was calling my name. Then, my eyes caught the words “Basque Cheesecake Tasting.” “Well,” I thought, “that’s a must!”
As I pondered, I noticed an intriguing dessert being carried to another table – something not on the à la carte menu, likely a set dessert. I decided to add that to my order as well, along with an iced coffee and a vibrant hibiscus herbal tea.
Prologue: A Salad and Bread to Build Anticipation
Shortly after ordering, the salad arrived.
Fresh, colorful greens were accompanied by two dressings. One was a sharp, well-balanced vinaigrette. The other was an oil-based dressing, not olive oil, but something with a delightful nutty fragrance. This second dressing was particularly exquisite, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables. At this point, I was pretty much convinced: this restaurant was a winner. A delicious salad always heightens expectations for the courses to follow.
Next, the bread arrived: a soft roll and a crusty, chewy artisan-style loaf. Both had a subtle sweetness and were wonderful with the accompanying olive oil and salt.
The Main Event: A Revelatory Snow Crab Fresh Pasta
And then, the moment I’d been waiting for: my main course. I had chosen the “Fresh Pasta with Snow Crab and Bottarga, Aglio Olio style.”
When the plate was set before me, an “Oooh…” almost escaped my lips. Firstly, I was struck by the generous amount of snow crab meat. Then, the first bite. …Oh, my. What IS this? The intensely rich, umami-packed crab sauce clung to the perfectly cooked fresh pasta, exploding with flavor in my mouth. The saltiness and unique taste of bottarga (cured fish roe) beautifully punctuated the dish. I was, for a moment, speechless.
The true genius of this pasta, however, lay in its sauce. Mopping up the remnants with a piece of bread elevated the experience to another dimension entirely. The bread, soaked in that incredible sauce, became a new delicacy. This dish alone made me want to write a rave Drawing house of Hibiya review and cemented my decision: I will be back! Simply outstanding.
Another Star: Pan-Seared Fresh Fish from Gifu, Perfectly Seasoned
The dish, “Poêlé of Fresh Gifu Fish with a Bright Green Hida Sansho and Seri Fondue Sauce,” perfectly represents the fusion of Japanese ingredients with French and Italian cooking in Tokyo.
I was very impressed by how masterfully this restaurant uses salt. The well-judged seasoning really brings out the best of the ingredients’ inherent flavors. I’m sure the fish was cooked with a perfectly crispy skin and incredibly moist, plump flesh. It must have balanced flawlessly with the creamy fondue sauce, which was highlighted by the bright kick of Hida Sansho pepper and the gentle bitterness of Seri.
A Sweet Finale: The Dessert Extravaganza
After the sensational main course, it was time for the much-anticipated dessert. First up: the “Basque Cheesecake Tasting.”
Three petite Basque cheesecakes were elegantly arranged on a white plate: Salt, Citrus, and Matcha, from front to back. I started with the “Salt.” The rich cheese flavor was wonderfully enhanced by a touch of saltiness – a delightful contrast. Next, “Citrus.” Its bright, tangy notes cleansed the palate, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness. Finally, “Matcha.” This one was… intense! The deep, aromatic flavor and pleasant bitterness of matcha melded perfectly with the creamy cheesecake. Personally, the matcha was my favorite. All were delicious, but the matcha left a lasting impression.
And then, the other dessert I’d added on: the “Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea) Pudding.”
In contrast to the rich cheesecake, this pudding was lighter, but no less impressive. It featured two distinct layers, offering a lovely textural play. The roasted, nutty aroma of hojicha filled my senses, and its sweetness was perfectly understated. It was one of those desserts where you just can’t stop your spoon. The accompanying scoop of pistachio ice cream was also top-notch. No shortcuts here; the chef’s dedication to quality shone through to the very end.
Sipping my iced coffee and hibiscus tea, I savored the lingering flavors. It was a truly satisfying meal.
Versatile Charm: From Business Lunches to Friendly Gatherings
As I finished, I looked around and noticed a mix of patrons: groups seemingly on business lunches, friends chatting merrily. Given the ambiance and the quality of the food, it’s no wonder this place is a good candidate for anyone searching for “Hibiya business lunch recommendations.”
The bill was conveniently settled at the table. On my way out, I noticed a chic bar corner, warmly lit and inviting.
“Ah,” I thought, “this would be a lovely spot for an aperitif before dinner, or a quiet digestif afterwards.” With that pleasant thought, I departed.
CityNomix’s Tips and Practical Info
My visit to Drawing house of Hibiya far exceeded my expectations. For those planning a visit, here are a few key takeaways:
Firstly, the restaurant is quite spacious with plenty of seating. Even during a busy weekday lunch, I was seated relatively quickly. Nevertheless, as it’s a popular spot, reservations are recommended. The good news is that you can book online, even on the same day. Check their official website (https://drawing.restaurant/) for details.
Private rooms are available if you order a course menu, making it ideal for important business meals or private celebrations. While there might be a 90-minute time limit for regular dining, course meals apparently allow for a 120-minute stay, which is great for those who want to dine at a leisurely pace.
Furthermore, takeaway is available, including alcoholic beverages. On a sunny day, imagine grabbing some delicious food and a beer to enjoy a picnic on the adjacent garden terrace – how lovely!
Among the many restaurants in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, this is one I would highly recommend. If you find yourself in Hibiya, do treat yourself to the exquisite French and Italian-inspired cuisine featuring fine Japanese ingredients at this sky-high dining destination. I’m confident it will be a memorable culinary experience.
Here’s the location:
Thank you for reading all the way to the end. Stay tuned for the next Photomo feature. This was CityNomix.