A new innovative Italian restaurant, AMANTE GINZA by ShinHarada, has opened in Ginza, Tokyo on January 19, 2026. The establishment is led by chef Shinji Harada, who spent years as head chef at Aroma Fresca, a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide Tokyo for 18 consecutive years.
Returning to Roots: Counter-Style Dining
After establishing a proven track record at a renowned establishment, Chef Harada has chosen a return to basics for his new venture. At AMANTE GINZA, he personally stands at the counter, preparing each dish in front of guests and allowing them to experience the entire cooking process - from the sounds of ingredients hitting the pan to the rising aromas and final plating.
This counter-style format is not merely for show. It represents an intentional design to bring the cooking and dining experience as close together as possible. Having earned recognition for 18 consecutive years, Chef Harada has chosen to refocus on crafting "the dish in front of me" - a deliberate step forward rather than resting on past achievements.
The Meaning Behind 18 Consecutive Years in the Michelin Guide
The 18-year recognition period is more than just longevity - it represents continued engagement with changing times and evolving food values. Chef Harada has accumulated technique, sensibility, and ingredient knowledge throughout his career while never settling for a "finished form."
This accumulated experience is precisely why the new restaurant pursues what lies beyond - an exploration and pursuit of cuisine that goes further than what came before.
Beyond Past Glory: Innovative Italian Cuisine
AMANTE GINZA does not aim to replicate previous success. While grounded in Italian culinary techniques, the restaurant challenges itself with innovative Italian cuisine that incorporates freer, more contemporary thinking in ingredient combinations, aroma construction, and the design of lingering flavors.
The 18 consecutive years of recognition serve not as a goal, but as a foundation for advancing to the next stage of culinary expression.
Restaurant Information: AMANTE GINZA by ShinHarada
Restaurant Name: AMANTE GINZA by ShinHarada
Opening Date: January 19, 2026
Location: 7F, Daigo Taiyo Building, 7-10-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Cuisine Type: Innovative Italian
Concept: Live cooking experience with the chef at the counter
View restaurant details on Tabelog
Background: Chef Harada's Previous Establishments
Shin Harada (formerly Aroma Fresca)
Restaurant Name: Shin Harada (formerly Aroma Fresca)
Cuisine Type: Italian
Location: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Notable Recognition: Featured in Michelin Guide Tokyo for 18 consecutive years
Concept: Italian cuisine emphasizing ingredient aroma and freshness
This establishment represents one of Japan's leading Italian restaurants. Chef Shinji Harada served as head chef for many years, achieving both consistent recognition and continued evolution.
View restaurant details on Tabelog
Sala Amabile
Restaurant Name: Sala Amabile
Cuisine Type: Italian
Location: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Concept: Italian restaurant carrying on the legacy of Aroma Fresca, featuring cuisine based on Italian techniques with emphasis on ingredient aroma and lingering flavors
The restaurant reflects Chef Harada's culinary philosophy of ingredient understanding, precise cooking, and aroma design in a refined dining atmosphere that values the time spent with food.
View restaurant details on Tabelog
