Both Intercontinental Osaka (where Pierre is located) and Pierre were relatively new additions in the city. But after opening in June 2013, they have already established quite a reputation around here within less than 2 years. In fact, Pierre has recently been awarded a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Kansai 2015.
The interior of Pierre boasts a modern-style open kitchen with the extensive use of marble intended to evoke a sense of divine presence. On top of that, I also love those high ceilings!
Situated on the 20th floor of the hotel, Pierre offers a nice view of Osaka city through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
One thing I love about dining in Japan is that even on special occasions like the Valentine's Day, they will still give you multiple options including the regular business menu as well as a special V-day prix-fixe menu. I just wish we have the same treatment back in Hong Kong!
Anyways, we went for the V-day prix-fixe menu and first up was a small amuse bouche of radish confit on a pool of artichoke purée with a dash of olive oil. That's a good way to wake up my taste buds.
Lunch started brilliantly with a perfectly plated dish - a chilled cream of pumpkin with Hokkaido hairy crab and red radish. Each scoop of hairy crab was adorably met with a slice of beetroot and edible flower.
The silky smooth pumpkin velouté was wonderfully complemented by the sweetness of hairy crab and beetroot. That was a stunning display from a very young and talented kitchen (8/10).
Our second dish was a seared Hokkaido scallop risotto spiced with chicory and orange flavor. The scallops were sweet and tender, exactly what we would expect from the Hokkaido scallops. The risotto was nice and fragrant. I liked the way they kept everything simple with this dish and not try to be too flashy (7.5/10).
Pan seared Nodoguro fish with smoked olive oil was our fish course of the day. The Japanese Nodoguro, also known as sea perch and rosy seabass was never my favorite fish but I liked the Japanese twist of adding some black beans, black cabbage and mochi to make it more interesting (5/10).
A small "freshener" for the taste buds before our meat course. Here's a lovely olive oil sorbet with beetroot, blueberry and strawberry. Not the best looking palate cleanser in the world but hey it worked perfectly !
Roasted duck with celeriac purée, pearl onion and red radish was another solid effort although the texture was certainly not the best we've had (5.5/10).
Dessert was a symphony of Valrhona chocolate that included a banana ice-cream, hazelnut cream and white chocolate with Valrhona chocolate coating (6/10).
A very good petite fours and cup of fruit tea wrapped up this enjoyable meal at Pierre.
I was impressed with the overall quality of French dishes the young kitchen was capable of producing but even more impressive was the impeccable service which has been heartwarming and faultless throughout the meal. This is a solid 1-star fine dining restaurant that should not be missed.
Food Rating: 7/10
Price: ￥￥￥
Address: 20/F InterContinental Hotel Osaka, 3-60 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, JapanClosest Metro Station: Umeda
Tel: +81 (0)6 6374-5700
Website: www.icosaka.com/restaurant/pierre.php
Osaka, Japan, Pierre, French, fine dining, restaurant, Michelin, view, Intercontinental, Umeda
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