The Best South American Restaurant in Tokyo

✨ HighlightExceptional Food, with a Bitter Aftertaste MAZ in Tokyo, a celebrated 2-Michelin-star Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, offers a beautifully unique dining experience—almost. Our recent 9-course meal had no shortage of highlights: each dish was thoughtfully prepared, with meticulous attention to both Japanese and Peruvian traditions. The flavors ranged from sour and tangy to umami-rich and delicately salty, all balanced perfectly in ways that were both unexpected and delightful. Each course was explained in detail and presented with exceptional care, on uniquely designed plates and cutlery that elevated the visual appeal of the dishes. However, despite the excellence of the food, the experience was marred by the service. From the beginning, it was evident that our young host was new to the role. After seating us, the courses arrived swiftly, almost too fast, with the first dish served less than five minutes after our wine was poured. Throughout the meal, the service was intrusive, with staff clearing plates before we had finished eating, which made private conversation difficult as their hands repeatedly reached across the table. The team hovered nearby, creating a subtle but constant pressure to hurry through each course. At one point, a waitress even attempted to take my plate while I was still mid-bite, which was incredibly uncomfortable. Additionally, although we had mentioned we were dining in celebration of our wedding anniversary, it went unacknowledged. We didn’t expect a grand gesture, but even a simple "Congratulations" would have made a difference, as other places often do for such occasions. At a 2-Michelin-star restaurant, small details in service can profoundly impact the experience, and unfortunately, this felt like a missed opportunity. Finally, after paying via the contactless system, we left without so much as a farewell from the staff, leaving an oddly abrupt end to the evening. When visiting an establishment of this caliber, there's an expectation that the entire experience will match the quality of the food. Despite MAZ’s beautifully crafted dishes, the service left us with a disappointing aftertaste that clouded an otherwise remarkable meal.→