On Cloud Nine: Living the High Life with Cé La Vi Tokyo

Cé La Vi Tokyo brings its sophisticated brand of resort-style fun to Tokyo, with two restaurants, a club lounge, great music and views to die for, all spread across the 17th and 18th floors of the Tokyu Plaza Shibuya. The spacious complex offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor seating options, meaning guests can kick back and relax with peace of mind while practicing social distancing!

Some Savvy Tokyo readers may already be familiar with the Cé La Vi brand, in particular the complex at the iconic Marina Bay Sands location in Singapore. This Asian resort concept is echoed in the design at Cé La Vi Tokyo, but this time against the backdrop of Tokyo’s chicest shopping area—Shibuya. Cé La Vi Tokyo opened in December 2019 as part of the line up at the recently-renovated Tokyu Plaza, on the west side of Shibuya Station. 

18F Sky Deck

Getting Away From it All

“We want people to feel they’ve left their everyday cares behind them and are on vacation,” says Ayako Sato, the Cé La Vi Tokyo promotions manager. “Nobody is getting to travel overseas right now, but we hope our guests will be able to catch that overseas vibe while enjoying our three core concepts of music, cuisine, and mixology.”  

Many of Tokyo’s restaurants have struggled to adapt during the current pandemic, but the open-plan design, multitude of seating options, and spacious layout meant that Cé La Vi Tokyo has been able to quickly pivot and adapt to the current conditions. 

We want people to feel they’ve left their everyday cares behind them and are on vacation

Music to Your Ears

For example, original plans for Cé La Vi Club Lounge, an indoor nightclub on the 17th floor, were revised to create an outdoor music experience instead. Cé La Vi Sky Music Terrace is a space for guests to socialize in safety while enjoying house music and retro grooves specially chosen by live “music selector” DJs over Cé La Vi Tokyo’s state-of-the-art sound system. Cé La Vi Sky Music Terrace is currently operating as a beer garden through the end of September, with craft beers, cocktails and a range of dishes perfect for balmy evenings.

Bao by Cé La Vi

Also on the 17th floor is Bao by Cé La Vi, an Asian fusion restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Innovative cuisine with a casual vibe makes Bao the perfect spot for a casual meal out with family or friends. Both indoor and outdoor seatings are available, but my tip is to reserve a spot on the terrace and soak in the stunning views of the Tokyo cityscape. Take out is also available.

The Deets

Bao by Cé La Vi, 17F, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (10 p.m. on Sun and holidays)

Cé La Vi Sky Music Terrace, 17F, from 11 a.m., check the website for closing times and DJ slots

Beer Garden, 17F, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cé La Vi Sky Music Terrace

Moving on Up

If you’re looking for a more elegant dining experience, then head on up to the 18th floor, to the Cé La Vi Restaurant & Sky Bar. This is a perfect choice for that special date or anniversary, or when you want to impress an important client. Lunch, café time, and dinner are available and the views are incredible. 

Ayako walked me through the Sky Deck—the outdoor seating area on the 18th floor—then up to the mezzanine area, dubbed floor 18.5. “This is a little bit of a secret spot, because most first-time guests don’t realize it’s here!” she points out with a laugh. 

There are even private dining spaces complete with curtains that somehow made me think of an elegant Bedouin tent, although the official name is Sky Mezzanine Domes. “These are very popular with groups of women who want to get together with girlfriends and relax,” Ayako says. The domes can be booked in advance.

The Deets

Cé La Vi Restaurant & Sky Bar, 18F, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

18.5F, Sky Mezzanine at night

Time for Tea

But wait—there’s more! Did someone say afternoon tea? Cé La Vi Tokyo offers a beautiful afternoon tea set, and this is one option I am definitely going to come back for. I can’t think of a more perfect escape from the stress of daily life than sharing afternoon tea with a few close friends up on the Sky Deck.

The Deets

Cé La Vi Afternoon Tea, 18F & 18.5F, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

While many restaurants in Japan don’t exactly encourage guests to bring along their children, this isn’t the case in most parts of Asia. As a global brand, Cé La Vi Tokyo welcomes families with children of all ages during lunchtime hours, while dinner hours are open to children aged six and up. (Guests must be aged 20 to enter Club Cé La Vi.)

Next time you’re planning a fun meet-up or a special occasion, head over to Cé La Vi Tokyo for a taste of the high life in Shibuya.