Medusa Restaurant and Bar Lounge, Ebisu
Just steps from Ebisu station, Medusa Restaurant and Bar lounge is an elegant eatery dripping with luxurious décor, most notably the glowing tanks of jellyfish from which it takes its name.
When first stepping down into this basement restaurant, the sensation is like that of walking into a hideaway of glass and mirrors. The dim lighting sparkling off reflective tabletops and wine bottles gives the impression of candlelight, and soothing jazz and R&B create a romantic atmosphere. Fish tanks backlit by blue lights add to the dreamy illusion of solitude.
And the menu is just as impressive as the ambiance. Medusa’s fare is Italian-inspired with an emphasis on seafood. The salmon, scallop and avocado tartare (¥1,480) is a delicious fusion of flavors. But the standout for me is the fruit tomato and watercress salad with an olive and sundried tomato vinaigrette (¥980). The combination of sweet tomatoes, fresh leafy lettuce and tangy vinaigrette left me dying to order another.
However I had to leave room for more of Medusa’s offerings, particularly the quattro formaggi pizza (¥1,640), which has a perfect hint of blue cheese that isn’t overpowering. And the rosemary flavored roast chicken (¥1,680) is hands-down the best roast chicken I’ve had in Japan.
Rounding out the meal was a 70 percent cacao chocolate soufflé with pistachio ice cream. The soufflé is fluffy and rich in chocolate flavor, and the ice cream is just sweet enough, a perfect complement to the slight bitterness of the cacao.
There is also a wide range of cocktails and wines available. If there is one downside to the food at Medusa, it’s that the portions are a little small. But the quality is so outstanding that I didn’t feel I’d overpaid. Dinner and drinks will run from ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 per person, so it’s a little pricey but hardly extravagant.
The Deets
Address: B1F Ebisu Q Plaza, 1-8-12 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6408-6688
Open: Daily, 4 p.m.-5 a.m.
