The Verdict
MAZ is the Tokyo sister to Central, the Lima restaurant that topped The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. Founder Virgilio Martinez opened it in Kioicho in July 2022; it earned its first Michelin star in the 2024 Tokyo guide and has since climbed to No. 28 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.
The format is a single nine-course tasting built around altitude: each course names the elevation its key ingredient comes from, moving from Pacific coast through Amazon to high Andes. Dinner runs about ¥40,000–50,000 per person before a 10% service charge.
The Kitchen
Virgilio Martinez oversees MAZ from Lima through his Mater Iniciativa research group; Santiago Fernandez led the opening kitchen, and Yuya Nakamura stepped in as head chef in April 2026 with Karla Ferreira directing hospitality. Roughly 80% of the produce is sourced from Japanese growers, with core Peruvian items like cacao, chaco clay and dehydrated potato imported from Peru.
The Room
The 20-seat room sits on the third floor of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, a minute from Akasaka-mitsuke. It is reservation-only, with a single seating built around the tasting menu and a Peru-leaning drinks list. Dinner starts at about 5pm; the restaurant is closed Tuesdays.
Best for a Milestone Dinner
Book MAZ for a milestone — an anniversary, a once-a-year splurge, a serious food traveller's night. The nine courses run long and reward attention, so come with one or two people who want to follow the altitude theme rather than talk over it.
Not For
Not for a quick bite, a large group, or a flexible budget. There is one tasting menu at one price, the room seats 20, and tables book out weeks ahead. Diners who want a la carte or a casual pace should look elsewhere in the city.
Reservations
MAZ is reservation-only, released roughly a month ahead and often gone within hours; dinner is the single nine-course tasting at about ¥40,000–50,000 per person plus 10% service, with an optional drinks pairing. Cards only — VISA, Mastercard, JCB, Amex and Diners. Closed Tuesdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MAZ have a Michelin star?
Yes. MAZ earned its first Michelin star in the 2024 Tokyo guide and has held a star since, alongside a No. 28 placing on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and a Tabelog Bronze award. It is the Tokyo sister to Central in Lima, the 2023 World's 50 Best winner.
Who is the chef at MAZ?
MAZ is overseen by Virgilio Martinez of Central in Lima through his Mater Iniciativa research group. Santiago Fernandez led the opening kitchen, and Yuya Nakamura stepped in as head chef in April 2026, with Karla Ferreira directing hospitality. The concept and recipes trace back to Martinez's Andes-to-Amazon work.
How much is dinner at MAZ?
Dinner at MAZ is a single nine-course tasting menu costing roughly ¥40,000 to ¥50,000 per person, with a 10% service charge added separately and an optional drinks pairing on top. Tabelog lists the average spend in the ¥40,000–49,999 band. Payment is by credit card only.
Where is MAZ in Tokyo?
MAZ is on the third floor of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho at 1-3 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, one minute from Akasaka-mitsuke Station and directly linked to Nagatacho Station. The 20-seat dining room is reservation-only and serves dinner from about 5pm, closed on Tuesdays.
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