Located in a residential area about a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen Mae Station, "Vincero" is an Italian restaurant on the first floor of an apartment building (semi-basement?). The curved glass windows give a sense of the lively atmosphere inside the restaurant. Vincero has received a Bronze Medal on Tabelog and has been selected as one of the top 100 restaurants. The interior features a semi-private area near the entrance and a few tables further back. There is a wine cellar downstairs, and it seems that the chef, Katsuhide Saito, utilizes his connections in Italy to source wine directly from producers. After graduating from university, Chef Saito worked as a company employee at S.B. Food before honing his skills in Italy and opening this restaurant. The menu at Vincero focuses on pairing wine with food, with a glass of wine prepared for each dish served at a steady pace. The first dish was Gazpacho, where the acidity and richness of the Burrata cheese complemented the soup perfectly. The Tomato Fritti had a crispy texture and was enjoyable on its own. The Lobster Fritti, topped with caviar, was a standout dish, with a delicious corn-based sauce underneath. The Abalone, Black Cabbage, and Potatoes dish was incredibly tasty, with a finishing touch of Karasumi. The pasta dishes were also exceptional, with one featuring a sauce made with rapeseed-like vegetables and another with Porcini mushrooms, truffles, and cheese. The main course was a straightforward Sirloin dish that had a bold and hungry taste. The meal ended with a Semifreddo dessert and traditional espresso. The all-inclusive price per person was a reasonable 20,000 yen, considering the high quality and generous portions. Vincero offers a powerful and distinctive dining experience, different from nearby Italian restaurants like Il Lato. Enjoy this restaurant with friends who appreciate good food.

On this day, I visited Vincero for the first time with a friend who loves wine. The restaurant has a high rating on Tabelog (3.83 at the time of my visit, also selected as one of the top 100 Italian restaurants in Tokyo). It's a bit of a walk from the station, but still within walking distance. The restaurant is not very big, with about 5 tables, and when we went there were a total of 3 groups dining. When making a reservation, we had to choose from 3 different price ranges for the course menu in advance. This time, we chose the middle option (¥16,500 including tax) with wine pairing, which was very reasonable. Among the dishes, the two pasta dishes that came out were a bit on the rich side but well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, and delicious. On the other hand, the meat dish that came out last (no dessert) was well-cooked and flavorful, but the meat was too tough to cut with a knife. The wines for pairing were not high-end, but each had a flavor that matched the dish. However, they were served too quickly, with the next glass being placed before we had finished the previous one. If they could improve this, I believe it would enhance the overall dining experience by allowing guests to enjoy the food and wine in a more relaxed manner. It didn't quite meet my expectations, but I would recommend it for casual Italian dining with friends due to its good cost performance. However, I felt it may not be suitable for business entertaining or special occasions.

Located five minutes away from Shinjuku Gyoen, this popular Italian restaurant is known for its wine pairing. I made a reservation over the phone three weeks ago and enjoyed a variety of wines. The dishes feature acidic flavors, cheeses, and rich sauces such as burrata cheese, ricotta cheese, zucchini, mint gazpacho, deep-fried lobster with corn cream, oven-baked potatoes with sausage and black truffle, seafood (Menue) with porcini cream sauce, and sirloin tagliata. The gazpacho and fried dishes were especially delicious. It has a vibe of both a casual Italian restaurant and a bistro.

I have never had the same dish twice, other than the gaspacho in the summer. I visit this restaurant about 5 or 6 times a year, and it's amazing that I never encounter repeated dishes. Not only do they avoid repetition, but each visit leaves me surprised and delighted by the flavors. This time, the cannelloni and the main course of rib eye were exceptional.

I visit this Osteria every month for their delicious Italian cuisine and amazing wine selection. By the time I leave, I'm always a bit tipsy. The pasta on this day was exceptional. Thank you for the meal. #Shinjuku-Gyoenmae #OsteriaVinchero #Vinchero #Shinjuku-GyoenmaeGourmet

At Vincero, it was a day filled with white asparagus✨ I never knew you could enjoy white asparagus in so many different ways~♡ Chef Saito's creations are truly amazing in terms of texture and flavor. Hopefully, Chef Saito's pollen allergy gets better soon. #Vincero #OsteriaVincero #ItalianCuisine #Italian #TopRestaurant #Wine #Pairing #ShinjukuCuisine #TokyoCuisine #Foodies #WannaConnectWithFoodies

It's always delicious no matter when you eat it. However, I couldn't enjoy it with a bright feeling because something sad happened personally, but I really enjoyed it. Every dish is delicious, but I especially love the first tomato dish, pasta, and the meat. I will definitely go back. This restaurant should become more famous for its great taste.

A hole-in-the-wall kind of place located far from any station in Shinjuku, called Shinjuku Gyoenmae. The atmosphere is dimly lit, more suited for people who love good food rather than a romantic date. I saw a review mentioning that the chef was working alone, but on this day there were two female staff members assisting besides the chef. We opted for the 20,000 yen course with food and wine pairing, except for the white truffle course, which is the highest tier. The young couple next to us probably had a cheaper course as they had one dish less. The portion size was sufficient for a normal person to feel full, with each dish having a good volume and well-balanced flavors. It was clear which ingredients were used and the intention behind them, making the food very delicious. Just what I wanted from Italian cuisine. Each dish was paired with a glass of wine, about 6 glasses in total, so it seemed pretty normal in terms of quantity. Most people would finish one bottle throughout the course. The restaurant is generous with their servings, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy eating and drinking. The food was simply delicious, without any unnecessary fuss, and the billing process was transparent. Definitely a place worth revisiting.

I was curious about this Italian restaurant known for its great wine pairings. I made a reservation for a 15,000 yen course. It started with a sparkling aperitif and each dish came with a glass of wine. The total bill was 15,000 yen. As a wine lover, the cost performance was amazing! Thank you for the delicious meal!

I really like the food here. No matter what I eat, the taste is always spot on. You can tell what the chef wants to feed you. I love the first tomato. Also, I like the pasta and the last meat. The tartare was delicious today. I will come again. If you go with someone who likes wine, they will be pleased.

Osteria Vincero held a party to unveil their new sign and I was invited by the regular customers. Just like the last time we celebrated the chef's birthday, we were treated to wine pairings, and we could enjoy as much as we liked, which made me very happy. The pasta dishes were especially delicious - the pasta with asari clams had a flavorful broth and was so tasty, the pasta with karasumi (bottarga) was incredibly addictive with its generous portion of karasumi, and the cheese pasta was rich and creamy. The ramen made by the regular customers was also a hit. Overall, it was a wonderful dinner at the restaurant, where we could savor everything from appetizers to pasta to the main course. The new sign at the restaurant was also lovely!

I had the honor of attending the unveiling of the Vincero signboard! This signboard was made in Italy and brought back by Chef Saito from Italy. The dishes, which were updated in Italy for the first time in 2 years due to Corona, were all undeniably delicious. It was such a fun time getting to know the regular customers at the next table. Looking forward to hearing the truth next time! I love pasta♡ It has a rich flavor without the need to add salt!! The wine pairing is well thought out. #amazing #Vincero #Osteria Vincero #Italian cuisine #Italian #Top 100 restaurants #wine #pairing #Shinjuku gourmet #Tokyo gourmet #Want to connect with people who love gourmet.

Located a straight 6-7 minute walk north from Shinjuku Gyoenmae, you will find an Italian restaurant that is also within walking distance from Shinjuku Sanchome. It is tucked away in a quiet area, making it a hidden gem type of Italian restaurant. I made a reservation for a weeknight dinner and the place was fully booked, but it doesn't seem too difficult to make a reservation in advance. This is a wine pairing-only restaurant, offering three different price-range courses with wine pairing included. On this particular day, I opted for the 15,000 yen course. The course included gazpacho, cutlassfish, pasta 1, pasta 2, and a main dish of beef. While the number of dishes isn't large, the portions are quite generous, and the dishes are served at a leisurely pace, allowing for a satisfying dining experience. The gazpacho and cutlassfish were delicious. The pasta dishes, one tomato-based with shrimp and orecchiette, and the other with mushroom cream sauce, were both favorites of mine. The beef main dish was a thick cut, more like tagliata in texture, cooked with the center quite rare. The cut was from the rump. Personally, I would have enjoyed it more if it were cooked a bit more, closer to a traditional steak, rather than so rare. The wines were all delicious, but being a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, I struggled to finish them all. I asked for smaller pours halfway through, and still ended up quite tipsy. If you can handle a larger quantity of wine, then the value for money here is quite good considering the amount of wine you receive. Overall, a great option for wine lovers.

You can enjoy a thorough pairing of authentic Italian cuisine and Italian wine at Shinjuku Gyoen Vinchero, where the menu consists only of set pairing courses. Leave everything to Chef Saito and enjoy wonderful Italian dishes paired with wines. While the service and atmosphere of the restaurant may initially come off as a bit cold, the attention to detail and love for each dish and wine is immediately apparent upon tasting them. There may not be detailed explanations or reasons for the pairings, but the excellent pairings are easily understood once you taste them, as everything is deliciously well-matched. The dishes are not flashy or new, but rather classical and gentle, focusing on honoring the ingredients with care. The portions are quite generous, and I consumed a considerable amount of wine, yet everything was truly exquisite.

I went after a long time and was very satisfied with the food. I felt that the portion of each dish was a little large, but it was very delicious. I especially liked the tomato and cheese appetizer, pasta, and steak. I also like the oil-based pasta here, so I will request extra time. I hope this kind of restaurant will continue to do well. Good Italian food places are really rare.

The other day, Chef Saito invited me to dinner and it was amazing! Happy anniversary and birthday to the regulars at Revenge Vincello✨ The Hotaru squid rillette was phenomenal, and I finished both types of pasta perfectly! Above all, every dish paired perfectly with the Italian wines❤️The cake from the purveyor to the Imperial Household, Egurudus, was delightful with the perfect balance of raspberry tartness and cake sweetness❤️ Thank you for the souvenirs as well.

Located in front of Shinjuku Gyoen, I made a reservation for the 15,000 yen course meal with wine pairing. The pasta, prosciutto appetizer, and soup were all delicious, but the main meat dish was a bit tough and difficult to chew. It was my friend's birthday, so I requested a dessert plate when making the phone reservation, but it never came out during the course. Despite mentioning the birthday during the reservation, the dessert was forgotten and the atmosphere made it difficult to remind them. It was a bit disappointing at the end when settling the bill.

I heard rumors about Vincero-san and finally visited the restaurant after hearing that they offer a course meal featuring my favorite white asparagus! The dishes included white asparagus from Bruttobassano, white asparagus crostata, white asparagus risotto with Kumano local chicken, and white asparagus carbonara sauce. It was a truly authentic Italian dining experience with a strong taste that is not commonly found in Japan. The amount of white asparagus served was just perfect, and I was in heaven. Although I forgot to take a photo of the wine, all the wines that day were white. The restaurant has a large wine cellar in the basement with a great selection of wines waiting to be enjoyed. The owner and chef, Mr. Saito, is a friendly person, but also has his unique style, so I recommend visiting with close friends rather than for a romantic date!!

I was treated to delicious high-quality regional Italian cuisine. Tonight, the monkfish puree sauce conchiglie and roasted Kumano local chicken were excellent. It's always a challenge to finish the large amount of wine that is served for pairing each time. (^^;

#Vinchero @ Shinjuku ♡ [It's not an exaggeration to say it's an Italian course for wine]⠀ Make a reservation for dinner at Vinchero!⌚︎ The Italian restaurant where you might get turned down if you can't drink wine, known for its pairing course only. There are three course options: 12,000 yen, 15,000 yen, and 18,000 yen, and you decide when making a reservation. All prices include pairing! This time, we went for the middle course. And since it was my birthday, I added a plate (+¥2,000).⠀ ⌚︎ Holiday dinner. Is it because of the limited number of seats? Or the seating arrangement? It's a mysterious structure where there were other customers but we didn't see anyone. It's quiet, but the lack of people around allows for comfortable conversation without worrying about others hearing.⠀⠀ ★ Chef's Course ¥15,000 [Starter] Gazpacho with burrata cheese and tomato fritters. Smooth gazpacho with the richness of cheese. A perfect match with the crispy and sweet tomato fritters. Delicious! [Appetizer] Baked eggplant with Parmesan. Thick and large eggplant layered with meat sauce and pasta underneath, topped with cheese and tomato sauce. A hearty appetizer with satisfying flavors. [Pasta 1] Pasta with shrimp and anglerfish. A tomato-based pasta with rich shrimp bisque, perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce. Natural sweetness and the flavor of seafood make it delicious. [Pasta 2] Gorgonzola pasta in rodeo style. Incredibly rich and creamy Gorgonzola pasta. The penne pasta is thick and slightly al dente. This pasta is so tasty! [Main] Layered black beef rib roast with rocket arugula. The rib roast is thick and there are three pieces, each one substantial. The meat is tender, but the heavy fat content made it overwhelming by the second piece. The rocket arugula with sweet balsamic vinegar was delicious, but the rib roast felt monotonous, perhaps due to its intense saltiness. [Desert] Assortment of Catalana, chocolate tart, and pineapple. The cute strawberry chocolate message was a delightful touch. All the desserts were really tasty! The wine pairings were also very good, but they were poured generously, so the pacing with the food was off. The pasta was delicious, but the course arrangement was a bit strange. Starting from the gazpacho, to the lasagna-style baked Parmesan, then to the shrimp bisque-like pasta, and ending with the extremely rich and creamy Gorgonzola pasta seemed like an intense tomato attack. The main dish being left uneaten was a rare occurrence. Also, it was a tad unsettling that the dishes and wines were presented without much explanation. I would have liked to know more about why this wine was chosen for a particular dish. Overall, I would recommend it to those confident in their stomach capacity, wine lovers, strong drinkers, and those who want to enjoy their own time and conversation. Considering the amount of food and wine served, 15,000 yen provides great value for money. ◎

A restaurant that offers top-notch cuisine paired with wine in a casual setting. Located on the first floor of an inconspicuous building near Shinjuku Gyoen. It's a hidden gem where they serve courses without any pretension. While the prices are not cheap, the cost-performance ratio is excellent considering the taste. Located far from the station, which may make it a bit difficult to access, but that adds to its charm as a hidden gem.