The friendly French but fluent in Japanese staff behind the counter greet customers “Bonjour irrashaimase” ♪ and politely take my order in English. While the quiche is my top recommendation, a Citron ‘salad barista’ can also swiftly prepare for you a tailor-made salad that will make you sing “oishiiii!” like a Japanese high school girl.
While it’s not uncommon to find make-your-own salad bars in New York, LA, or Paris, Citron is the first French-style salad bar to open in Tokyo. If you’ve already had your fill of sushi, soba, and tempura on your trip to Japan, you can try a matcha-flavored cream puff at Citron after a hard day’s shopping in Omotesando. My favorites are the raspberry and pistachio ones though.
*Note: I’m biased (no offense Mr. Robuchon) and American (influenced by my good friends Dean and Deluca), but I’m a man of my word. And I have a black belt in eating quiche. Trust me.
(“Chef salad” pictured above)
1. Salade CITRON
Today’s Base, Carrot, Grilled Onions, Kidney Beans, Bulgur, Sundried Tomatoes, Tofu with CITRON dressing
“Couscous adds texture and makes you feel satisfied after your bowl is empty. Grilled onions are sweet, sun-drieds, Citron dressing is lemony with a sour kick.”
2. Salade de la CHEF
Romaine Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Carrot, Lentils, Mushrooms, Falafels, Almonds, with Balsamic dressing
“My go-to salad. I’ve loved balsamic dressing since I was a kid. Eat the falafel while they are warm. I order one extra falafel because they’re my favorite.”
3. Salade RAYMOND
Sunny Lettuce, Grilled Onion, Feta, Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, Egg, Cashew Nuts with Vinaigrette Dressing
“I don’t still don’t know how they boil eggs like this. With the feta + cashews, this salad is completely satisfying. Vinaigrette dressing is my second favorite.”
"The Best Quiche in Tokyo"
Now that Dominique Saibron in Akasaka closed shop, I can easily claim that Citron serves the best quiche in Tokyo! *\(^o^)/* I even prefer their grilled onion quiche to Le Pain de Robuchon’s *(too oily and oniony for me) and Gontran Cherrier’s vegetarian quiche (topped with daikon radish..??)
Authentic French Gratin
Citron serves up two new gratin each month. This is their pasta, egg plant, and cayenne pepper gratin. With the the lunch set, it comes with a side salad, soup, and bread. For and extra 290 yen, you can add a drink, and 490 with a dessert. Choose from lemon tart, flan, crumble, or two mini choux creme.
My recommendation would be the flan with French Breakfast tea. After that, you’ll be full. Really full.
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Image 1 – “Cafe Gourmand” After Dessert Set (look closely at the napkin for additional info)
Image 2 – Citron staff smiling (photo taken from the take out window)
Image 3 – Grilled Onion Quiche (this is my favorite)
Image 4 – Citron (lemon) tart
Image 5 – Take Out salad box
Image 6 – Jon, the owner (Parisien, vegetarian, and dog lover)
Citron Aoyama
Citron is open daily.
MON-SAT 11:00am – 11:00pm
SUN 11:00am – 6:00pm
www.citron.co.jp
Telephone:
03-6447-2556
Email:
info@citron.co.jp
Address:
Seirin Building 1F/2F
Minami Aoyama 2-27-21 TOKYO 107-0062 JAPAN
〒107-0062 東京都南青山2-27-21 セイリンビル1階／2階
