Conran goes colorful at Iconic

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

The soigné neighborhood during the 1920s, Ginza once again has Tokyo's hippest boutiques and most sparkling restaurants. Terence Conran's Iconic--the swankiest of the three restaurants that the lifestyle mogul has opened here over the past year--sits atop a new shopping-cum-entertainment complex. While its adjoining glass-and-metallic bar is pure space-age chic, the dining room--with its rich earth tones, wood paneling, and dimpled leather banquettes--feels more like something a sixties-era African chieftain with particularly good taste would have designed. Asian inflections liven up French dishes: Turbot carpaccio is lightly slicked with yuzu dressing, and the standout spaghettini is twirled with cream and large flecks of uni, which lends it an unexpected aquatic flavor. The wine list and sommelier are excellent, the service hushed and somber, and the dessert cart theatrical--go for the pistachio- and sour cherry-layered mousse cake (prix fixes, $58-$96).

Address: 9F Ginza Velvia Kan 9F, 2-4-6 Ginza Chuo-ku
Tel: 81-3-3562-7500

Further reading:
* Hot List 2008
* Check out our Tokyo Hot List video