La Bisboccia - Shibuya City

Located a short walk from either the French Embassy or Hiroo Station, la Bisboccia is full of old world charm and could easily be the setting for a Puccini opera. The clientele is well heeled and chic. The place was packed with people in anticipation of the lifting of the "state of emergency" as if there ever was one. I was looking forward to a gourmet experience based on the recommendation of my Italian teacher. There are a couple of Italian waiters on staff for extra "authencità" though the head chef is Japanese. There are only two choices of wine by the glass, red or white, though there is an extensive selection of Italian wines. One would think that there would be a larger selection of wines by the glass for a restaurant that prides itself on its cuisine. BTW the waiter never brought the bottle to the table so I had no idea what I was drinking, only that it was a "medium bodied" wine. I guess I was supposed to be able to tell if it was a Barolo and not a Montalcino. I ordered dishes that I have never seen at any other Italian restaurant: stuffed zucchini flowers, spinach ravioli, Saltimbocca, and red snapper Acqua Pazza. To be brief, I was not impressed. Maybe I should have stayed with tried and true dishes like Antipasti Mixto and Fettucine alla Bolognese. The Saltimbocca had a gratuitous sprig of sage rather than the customary entire leaf placed on and or inside the veal slice, so there was no flavor of sage at all. The dish tasted like had been sitting in a warmer rather than made to order. I suspect that this is because la Bisboccia is a huge restaurant there have to be some compromises in order to keep service moving continually. I would be willing to give la Bisboccia a second try with my friend who has also been eager to dine there.

Food is good here, but I have to notice that they have the suspicion of swindle. There are some dishes they don’t show you in the menu but you may see their photos on the website or here( google map reviews), and if you ask the waiters they will tell you they can do the items for you. However, the price of these dishes is extremely high. For example, I ordered a spaghetti with truffles, which just has a few pieces of truffles and will cost you over 8000 yen. Maybe it’s my fault that I didn’t ask the price at first, but I still have so many reasons to consider it as a swindle. In other higher quality restaurants, a meal with full of truffles just costs 2000 yen, and I don’t think the quality of truffles here is as good as other restaurants.

Back in old days it was nice, but today there are many more fine Italian restaurants in Tokyo, so it is just an okay restaurant and is a bit overpriced (especially drinks). Beef from Ireland was good. Pastas are always well made. Many staff work here but that does not necessarily mean that service is good.

Great atmosphere in a very unique restaurant. The staffs were very friendly and fast. The food was really delicious and the quantity was perfect. This is a bit expensive place but totally worth it and I was not disappointed in a bit. This place is perfect to celebrate some event.

A real adventure in Italy, from outside the place looks amazing. Inside, it is even better. The staff is so warm, and the menu looks already amazing. A highly recommend the mozzarella with peaches. And after that, you can only fall for the al dente pasta with beef ragout, and I also recommend the raviolis. What a great night.

Great service and quality. They have a regular menu and a seasonal/daily menu where they roll a cart of the day’s ingredients for you to choose from! The main dish portions are perfect to share between two people and they bring it to you portioned for however many are in your party. The side dishes or anti pasta are family style. The lamb was the highlight!

Beautiful Italian restaurant loved by Italians and japanese! Very authentic with amazing ambiance ! Smart casual mood but I always got here dressed up as it’s gastronomy is so amazing ❤️ The dishes are very delivered and well balanced. I advice you to have it with a glass of Spumante ! I went there recommended by a friend and would definitely go back anytime and recommend it ! Anything on the menu is excellent !

Fantastic food and brilliant service:) You must book beforehand as today was fully booked:) super busy and a small table but it’s worth it! They opened in 1993, they are amazing! Fresh ingredients!!! I’m impressed!!! Want to be regular here haha