La Pioche

In May 2013 Shinya Hayashi opened the doors to this terrific French bistro in Tokyo’s business district. While a somewhat unlikely location for a natural wine bar, La Pioche has gained an instant following, thanks, in large part, to Shinya-san. An all-out Japanese Francophile, his wine list focuses on the wines of France (though it does venture into other parts of the world as well) with a particular emphasis on gamay from both Beaujolais and the Loire. In addition to the extensive wine list, the bar serves a constantly rotating menu of French-inspired chargrilled fish, meat and game, charcuterie and a wide variety of organically grown vegetables. (La Pioche,ラピヨッシュ: 中央区日本橋蛎殻町1-18-1)