XEX Daikanyama – Tokyo, Japan: XEX Daikanyama is one of the more unique restaurants that I have been to in Tokyo, as well as anywhere in the world. It is divided into three areas, each with its own theme. The main dining area is Salvatore’s, a traditional Italian restaurant designed like an upscale trattoria in Napoli, serving authentic Italian slow food. The second area is designed like a swanky New York bar, simply named “The Bar,” where cocktails, wines and sushi are served while live piano music plays in the background. The third area, which was also my favorite, was an Aman Resort-styled terrace; if I didn’t know better I could have sworn I was in Bali.

We started the evening with a quick cocktail at The Bar, and felt completely transported to a New York hotspot. The crowd and the ambiance were chic, trendy and full of life. Drink prices were also in line with a happening New York club, high!

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After cocktails, we headed over to Salvatore’s for a traditional Italian dinner. While we wanted to dine at their beautiful terrace, the night was just too cold for that. We had to make do with eating inside the traditionally Italian decorated dining room, which was actually not so bad.

The restaurant was absolutely packed. After our shared appetizers of White wine steamed mussels flavored with Lemon and Pepper, and Caprese—mozzarella cheese and cherry tomato, I completely understood why the place was so busy.

For dinner we had the Carbonara—spaghetti with cream, bacon and egg, and the Arrabbiatta—Penne with hot tomato sauce with grilled chicken (the chicken was a special request). Both dishes were generous and deliciously satisfying. Dessert was a homemade Tiramisu, which was perfectly light and a great way to end our dinner.

The wine list was heavy on Italian wines (no complaints) and had a good variety of both New World and Old World wines as well. We went with a beautiful Brunello from Tuscany which, while a bit heavy for the appetizers, went perfectly well with our pastas.

After our perfect Italian dinner we headed out to the Balinese deck for an after dinner drink. As it was cold, they were quick to turn on the outdoor heaters and bring us heavy wool blankets to keep us warm and comfortable. I could not have thought of a better way to end the evening. Sitting out under the bright stars alongside the small fountain and pool was perfect.

Our whole experience at XEX Daikanyama was simply bombastic. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and want a night to remember, head over to XEX, you won’t be disappointed.

What I liked: the food, the atmosphere, the service.

What I didn’t like: the prices, as like most everything in Tokyo, prices are high.

Rating: Bombastic
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