■ Self-introduction
Hi! My name is V, I’m originally from Vietnam and came to Japan to study at university. After graduating, I started working at a company in Ginza. One of my favorite things to do is explore cute cafes and stylish restaurants around Tokyo. My motto is “Hibi Shoujin” (日々精進), which means striving to grow a little every day. I’ve been living in Japan for six years now, and I’m always looking for new experiences to learn from, and hopefully share something helpful with you too!
■ Why I Chose to Introduce AUX BACCHANALES Ginza
I wanted to introduce AUX BACCHANALES Ginza this time because it’s the only place in Japan where I truly feel like I’m in Paris. After visiting France, I missed its atmosphere and cuisine. I searched for a place that could bring back those memories, and this bistro did just that. Since then, it’s become my go-to spot when meeting friends.
So let’s dive into the charming world of AUX BACCHANALES Ginza!
■ AUX BACCHANALES Ginza Charm ① The Atmosphere and Staff
From the moment you enter, the staff warmly greet you with “Please sit wherever you like,” instantly bringing back memories of France. You can’t help but think, “Wow, this place is so chic and stylish!”. You feel like you have become a lady with the butlers.
The décor is spot-on: white shirts and black pants on the staff, bistro-style tables, rattan chairs, and red accents everywhere. On nice days, they open up the terrace completely, so you can enjoy your meal in a breezy, open space. This place, which feels just like a Parisian bistro, is the perfect place to be.
Did you know? In 2024, French cafés and bistros were registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage due to their deep cultural significance. The French take great pride in their culture. Hence, I reckon the authentic characteristic and spirit needs to be captured and recreated to be appreciated by them, and the people who love French culture. In this Ginza busy district, there is frequently a line spotted in front of this Bistro, that shows AUX BACCHANALES Ginza is so beloved - it truly captures the Parisian spirit. It’s amazing that such a place exists here in Japan, so far from France.
■ AUX BACCHANALES Ginza Charm ② The Food
AUX BACCHANALES Ginza has a fixed menu that is available all year round. Outside of that, they also feature seasonal specials written on a chalkboard, offering fresh and natural flavors. By the way, the dishes I usually order are the onion gratin soup, steak frites, Niçoise salad, and dessert. These are not only popular in France but are also favorites at this restaurant.
Onion Gratin Soup / Soupe à l'oignon ：
This soup is rich, cheesy, and full of sweet, caramelized onions. When you lift your spoon, the cheese stretches beautifully. It’s also famous for its authentic flavor. I love soaking the baguette in the soup and scooping up the gooey cheese, heaven in 1 bite. If you order this soup at the restaurant, don’t forget to take a look at the adorable bowl it comes in."
Steak frites ：
In Japan, steak usually comes with salad or grilled veggies, but here it’s served the French way—with crispy fries (frites). The steak is big, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. It doesn’t come with any sauce or dressing, only salt and pepper. And it’s usually served medium-rare as well. You can see the dish is designed to taste the taste of the fresh ingredients, simple but not boring. If you prefer your steak to be well-done, make sure to let the staff know in advance!
Niçoise Salad / Salade Niçoise :
The Niçoise salad at AUX BACCHANALES features the traditional taste of Nice region, along with cheese, tuna, boiled eggs, and olives, all beautifully arranged on a single plate for a colorful presentation. It looks and tastes divine for a salad. The olives and tangy dressing are seasoned with traditional French flavors and ingredients, allowing you to enjoy an authentic taste of France. Honestly, I think this salad could be a star on its own.
Desserts :
AUX BACCHANALES Ginza also offers a great selection of desserts. If you ask the staff, they’ll bring a tray of sample cakes (real cakes) to your table so you can choose your favorite. This is my favorite part of the meal! I love inspecting each dessert up close, each detail little by little, it makes me happy just to look at them.
There are usually about 5 to 6 desserts available, including some seasonal specials. (When I visited, they had a strawberry-themed dessert.)
The most popular item is the “Crème Amélie”, a crème brûlée named after the iconic French movie “Amélie”, which helped make the dessert famous. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ve probably thought, “I want to try that!”, and in here, you can!
My personal recommendation is the Pecan Nut Tart. It’s rich and indulgent, with the roasted pecans’ nutty aroma and crunch perfectly balanced by the bittersweet caramel. If you’re not sure what to pick, I suggest trying either the Crème Amélie (crème brûlée) or the Pecan Nut Tart!
■ Good to Know
1. Free baguettes： Comes with certain dishes like soup or steak. (unlimited baguette refills)
2. Great wine list: Perfect for wine lovers.
3．Weather matters: The terrace isn’t open in winter or during winter and bad weather. If you want to enjoy the open-air vibe, check the forecast!
4．Smoking area: The terrace allows smoking. If you’re sensitive to smoke, choose a seat inside.
5．Pet-friendly: You can bring your furry friend to the terrace!
■ Final Thoughts
So, what did you think of my introduction to AUX BACCHANALES Ginza—a truly authentic bistro where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Paris without leaving Japan?
I’m sure there are other wonderful French restaurants in Tokyo that I haven’t discovered yet. But when it comes to accessibility, value for money, delicious food, and great service, I believe AUX BACCHANALES Ginza stands out the most.
If you, like me, ever find yourself missing the flavors and ambiance of France, or if you’re curious to try authentic French cuisine, I think you’ll absolutely love this place. If it caught your interest, I highly recommend paying a visit!
Thank you so much for reading to the end.
※ AUX BACCHANALES has locations outside of Ginza as well, so if you're interested, please check out their official website.
