Asterix

Asterix is one of those places that makes me wonder - how did people ever discover this restaurant? In the basement of a non-descript building one block from Akasaka Biz Tower, it's one of those places you probably pass a hundred times on your way home, to work, or another restaurant, and don't give a second thought to. I'd put Asterix on my list of "to-try"s after coming across the review on bento.com, so I thought it was a lucky coincidence when a friend suggested it for lunch. As it turns out, it's not a coincidence - it's a jewel of a restaurant that serves excellent French food, which is why it's likely to stay "undiscovered" for long.

Lunch sets are a bit pricier than the standard 1000 yen lunches found throughout the city, but definitely worth it. The lowest-priced lunch course starts at 1600 yen for an appetizer, main and dessert with coffee. For 900 yen more, diners can choose from more "upscale" appetizer/main offerings, such as foie gras.

Pumpkin cream soup - savory, creamy yet light, absolutely delicious

Classic French salad with romaine lettuce, poached egg and warm bacon dressing (although true French versions usually use frisee instead of lettuce)

Pan-fried fish of the day with veggies and couscous

Fish souffle with Mediterranean couscous

Dessert plate - tiny bite-sized slices of their various tarts and cakes (perfect for people like me who can't decide on dessert and want to try everything)! (you can also choose a full-sized creme brulee)

Food rating: ****
Bang for buck rating: 4

The essentials:
No website
Location: 6-3-16 Akasaka, B1F, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Average price of lunch for two: 3500 yen (~$40)