Ventaglio, Mandarin Oriental Nihombashi, Tokyo

Mediterranean hotel / lunch buffet, Tokyo

The fine-dining choices in Tokyo are overwhelming and so it is that a lunch or dinner buffet can make for an easy way to narrow down the choice. Then there's location -- from my place in Urayasu, Chiba, Nihombashi is the nearest "big Tokyo" station area on the Tozai line. There's quite a lot of "posh" stuff to get the teeth into in Nihombashi, but in terms of hotels the Manderin Oriental seems to be top dog. A good place to look for posh restaurants then. Actually, most of the restaurants in the Manderin Oriental are out for my price range but 2F Ventaglio -- a Mediterranean buffet restaurant -- is just about within range, for a special occasion. The partner and I went to Ventaglio for the buffet lunch on a Sunday (11:00 - 4:30). We booked online directly with the restaurant / hotel and got a two-hour slot starting at 1:30. The buffet -- there are really three sections to get into in terms of the buffet at Ventaglio. Most of the Mediterranean stuff appears as cold bits -- salads, humous, Greek-style yogurt / salads, quiche, couscous, pitta breads, hams, salmon, fancy potato chips, soup, and more breads (with oils). This was my favorite section of the buffet -- I loved the Greek-style yogurt / salad thing, the humous (don't get too many chances to eat this in Japan), and the quiche. The "mains" section of the buffet included a couple of pasta dishes, some fish, roast potatoes, and a chicken dish. At a separate counter staff sliced up roast beef at your request. Normally roast beef would be a big draw for me, but in Japan "roast beef" is "roast" by name only in that they do little more than show the beef the oven rather than actually roast it properly. Still, with some nice gravy and mash potatoes (both available at Ventaglio) it's all good, but the slices a really stingy here. The dessert counter at Ventaglio did a pretty sterling job with a nice choice of petite sweets like vanilla profiteroles, raspberry tarts, cheese cake, lemon macaroons (amazing), panna cotta, Spanish pudding, and an ice cream cart. All in - a very good buffet, for lunch at least (dinner remains untested). Atmosphere / decor - Ventaglio occupies an open space on 2F of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower in which the Mandarin Oriental hotel is located. "Open" is the key word here. Expect lots of glass, high ceilings and an airy / echoey feel. I guess it depends on your taste or mood, but as Ventaglio doesn't really have its own "building" (other than the kitchen) it could either feel all trendy and modern or a little exposed like it's a pop-up place that will be dismantled in a couple of months. There are three seating areas -- near the buffet (ease of access), by the front windows (maybe the quietest area) and near the kitchen (where you'll likely get the most "restaurant" vibe). Service at Ventaglio was good (and friendly), the lemonade drinks (ordered separately from the buffet) are delicious (500 yen), and booking was super easy. At the time of visiting there was a whole mix of people -- couples, friends, families, and even bigger, extended families. Good food, good service, but don't come expecting anything mellow and moody.