Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times

Robbie Swinnerton

The Japan Times

Japan

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Past:
  • The Japan Times

Past articles by Robbie:

Yoichi Sagra: Feasting in Hokkaido wine country

Despite its occasionally inhospitable climate, Hokkaido is home superb wines — as well as cuisine more than worthy of those vintages. → Read More

Eureka moments abound at sake sommelier Marie Chiba’s new bar

The acclaimed nihonshu maven hasn't lost a step — in fact, she might be better than ever before. → Read More

With borders reopened, Tokyo dining closed 2022 on a welcome high

For all the ups and downs of 2022, Tokyo's culinary scene seems poised for a big year in 2023. → Read More

A year in, Gucci Osteria is Ginza’s sharpest Italian

Chef Antonio Iacovelli’s Italian cuisine wins hearts, minds and a Michelin star. → Read More

At Akai, tranquil dining without distractions

Minutes from the sacred island of Miyajima, chef Kenji Akai's cuisine showcases its own divine simplicity. → Read More

Noma sets sights on Kyoto, and diners bite in droves

The acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant's second extended residence in Japan shifts to the country's ancient capital. → Read More

From ‘gastrobar’ origins, Tinc Gana elevates modern Spanish cuisine

Chef Jerome Quilbeuf prefers to start each meal with “the finest cured ham in the world." → Read More

At Don Bravo, creativity and wood-fired pizzas draw diners from afar

Far from the epicurean districts of Tokyo, this Chofu spot still manages to attract gourmands with omakase (chef's choice) pizza and much more. → Read More

Tokyo's new sushi shops keep focus on quality but pare back on frills

Dreaming of sushi? Having nightmares about the bill? Believe it or not, you can find a middle ground. → Read More

Nine by La Cime leads the way as Tokyo regains its dining out sheen

While Tokyo foodies may celebrate this season’s arrival of star chefs from Osaka, Peru and beyond, a few beloved restaurants also closed shop for good this summer. → Read More

Sip on sake’s unfiltered kin at Heiwa Shuzo’s new brewpub

Even from across the bar, there's no mistaking a bottle of milky doburoku for sake, its refined counterpart. → Read More

If you can’t beat the heat, savor it at Kakan

The best kept (and spiciest) secret in Kanagawa tofu dishes has finally come to Tokyo. → Read More

From the Andes to Akasaka, Maz stands apart

With Maz, Tokyo gains a stunning jewel of Peruvian cuisine. → Read More

At Tonkatsu Nanaido, perfect pork cutlets from a renowned yakitori chef

Chef Takashi Imai made his name with grilled chicken, but he also excels when it comes to deep-fried pork cutlets. → Read More

Atsuki Kuroda's new house blends style and taste

"No genre!" says chef Atsuki Kuroda of the stunning, satisfying menu at AC House. → Read More

Libushi Bashamichi: Raising the bar for casual craft beer dining

Delicate ales, hearty stouts and a sophisticated menu make a visit to this Yokohama taproom a must for any craft brew connoisseur. → Read More

Sota Atsumi brings Parisian flair back home to Tokyo

One of the most intriguing restaurant openings at the end of last year passed under the radar of many Tokyo gastronomes. That was due in part to timing: In → Read More

Every meal at Mekumi feels like an education

When it comes to sushi, what happens before the chef gets hold of the fish is just as important as his or her technique in preparing it. → Read More

A focus on crab and other Hokuriku specialties makes dining at Kataori a sublime experience

All the best chefs search out the finest ingredients, but Takuya Kataori takes this quest to the ultimate extreme. → Read More

With its newly awarded Michelin star, Est prepares a holiday feast

Chef Guillaume Bracaval's offerings at Est are mostly a local affair, and a three-day holiday special sees the establishment splurging on luxury. → Read More