L'Axel Restaurant

Haute French restaurant · Fontainebleau ·

L'Axel Restaurant

Haute French restaurant · Fontainebleau ·

Michelin-starred French-Japanese haute cuisine with tasting menus

Information

43 Rue de France, 77300 Fontainebleau, France Get directions

€100+

@michelinguide

48,133 Postcards · 8,016 Cities

"In the heart of Fontainebleau, this smart, low-key restaurant is the HQ of a Japanese chef who orchestrates a new take on pure-bred Gallic gastronomy whilst scrupulously respecting the seasons. Kunihisa Goto is a fan of French cuisine, wines and iconic produce such as foie gras and snails. After training with the best, he reinvents the classics with panache, incorporating a host of Japanese ingredients: daikon, lotus roots, nori, shiso leaves, Wagyu beef… His version of the slow-cooked egg has become a must. Each dish is a masterclass of plating, balanced flavours and gourmet indulgence. Attentive, courteous service." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/ile-de-france/fontainebleau/restaurant/l-axel

L'Axel Restaurant

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities

6 Best Day Trips from Paris

"Inside a townhouse, just a few minutes’ walk from the Fontainebleau chateau, is the best table in town. Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto opened L’Axel with his wife Vanessa in 2012 and won a Michelin star shortly after. The food is dizzyingly good. To start, choose the “oeuf translucide” with green asparagus and parmesan emulsion. (If you’re lucky, there might even be an amuse-bouche of foie gras flan and oyster foam.) Taste flavors like yuzu and salty salicornes in the signature fish dish: a turbot prepared in the meunière fashion with beurre blanc. Don’t miss the Wagyu beef prepared with onions, ginger, and vegetables as a riff on a classic “pot au feu.” The wine list features some excellent bottles from Burgundy, thanks to the chef's contacts there." - Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-day-trips-from-paris

L'Axel Restaurant

@eater

391,161 Postcards · 10,989 Cities

The Best Day Trips Outside Paris for Great Restaurants and Bars | Eater

"A Michelin-starred restaurant a few minutes from the royal chateau, helmed by Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto and his wife Vanessa, which blends contemporary ingredient-driven cooking with classic French technique and frequent nods to Japanese heritage. Dishes illustrate that fusion — shiso-wrapped ris de veau, a wagyu- and ginger-inflected take on pot-au-feu, and the signature Oeuf Translucide à 65 (an onsen-tamago–style translucent egg) served in a seasonally changing emulsion — all crafted to let top ingredients and precise technique speak." - Lindsey Tramuta

https://www.eater.com/23680967/paris-day-trips-best-restaurants-france-countryside

L'Axel Restaurant

@travelleisure

28,276 Postcards · 5,516 Cities

Fontainebleau, Paris, Travel Guide

"L’Axel is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant helmed by a Japanese chef dedicated to French cuisine." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-visiting-chateau-de-fontainebleau-france-8403603

L'Axel Restaurant

@travelleisure

28,276 Postcards · 5,516 Cities

14 Best Day Trips From Paris

"For a high‑end meal near Fontainebleau, I would seek out L’Axel, a Michelin‑starred restaurant helmed by Japanese chef Kunihisa Goto." - Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-day-trips-from-paris-7107764

L'Axel Restaurant

Eunice C.

Google

Really good value for money - menu options are €95 for 4-course and €125 for 5-course, but you really get like 7-8 courses because of the complimentary amusement bouche and small dishes in between. The restaurant is French-japanese themed, as the chef is Japanese and combines the best of both cuisines. Service is excellent, staff is very friendly and patiently explains each dish in detail. Loved so many of the dishes, but the cod and veal were definitely the best, so highly recommend the 5-course menu

Scott U.

Google

An absolutely amazing experience for our 25th anniversary. The most beautiful and delicious food we have ever enjoyed. The staff was exceptional—so kind and went out of their way to make my wife and I feel welcome. They fully deserve their Michelin status.

Bruce S.

Google

Out of this world. Food to die for. Wine pairing perfection. From entering to leaving, you’re made to feel special… tasting menu is a must, opted for the 5 plates and 4 wine paring … stunning

John S.

Google

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a tasting menu with high-quality ingredients like lobster and Wagyu beef, presented beautifully. However, despite the impressive presentation, the flavors didn’t quite justify the high prices. Interestingly, the bread and butter were the highlights of the meal, which overshadowed the main courses. Service was mostly good, but there were a few minor issues, like some uncertainty with the cutlery placement and the bread and butter not always being available. The drink menu leans heavily towards fermented teas, which might appeal to some, but the non-alcoholic options felt a bit limited. Overall, while the restaurant has its strengths, it might not meet everyone’s expectations for a Michelin-starred experience.

SW O

Google

Cusinine is French with a Japanese touch and ingredients. One Michelin Star but I think it is probably nearing a Two. You can choose a prix fixe or al carte. Gorgeous presentation. Even the sugar for coffee is shaped like a bird and is put on a structure for you to pick. Food is out of this world. Some of the dishes have a distinct Japanese flavor and touch. Restaurant does not have a long of seats thus it would be wise to book ahead

Carlos Quijada B.

Google

We were very excited to dine at the most reputed restaurant in Fontainebleau, our last stop of a great Loire Valley tour. Foamy food is really scarce and bread plenty. We were offended by offering champagne as aperitif, without showing us the menu. One glass was 32 euros, half the price of the whole wine pairing of 5 glasses. This shatters the good experiences and honesty record we had throughout our times in France.

Kai H.

Google

The best restaurant I've ever gone to! They explain everything to you and are so accommodating. They speak English and French. Our 6 course meal turned into at least 11 or 12 with how many different small bites and dishes they serve along with your meal. Would definitely go again!

Jeffery C.

Google

Everything I would expect from Japanese influenced haute cuisine. Great service, a gastronomic adventure, a blend of flavors and presentation from Japan and France.

Tania L.

Yelp

Not really a review for L'axel, but rather for its patisserie, l'A patisserie. This patisserie is apparently focused on Japanese-French fusion pastries, and are quite haute - each will set you back 7-8 EUR. We were a group of 8 and ordered a bunch of pastries to share - we got the Sultane (a biscuit with citrus and fig jam, topped with fresh figs and whipped cream dollops), the Or Vert (a pistachio roll filled with pistachio cream and raspberry jam), the Tonka (a soft vanilla cream and chocolate mousse on top of a soft chocolate biscuit, enrobed in a thin casing of chocolate), the Williams (a vanilla mousse with pear compote on a nut biscuit), and then some pain au chocolate praline (pain au chocolate with both chocolate and praline filling, also topped with chocolate). Given my Asian tooth, I prefer desserts that are not as sweet. The Sultane was therefore perfect; the figs and candied citrus added a nice sweetness, balanced by the base (which resembled a graham biscuit). Second favourite is the pain au chocolate - at 2.20 EUR, it isn't much pricier than a classic version, but is far more indulgent! The other desserts were just okay for me - all were super sweet. The Or Vert wasn't too sugary, but I didn't really enjoy the pairing. The Tonka was okay if I just ate the casing and the base, and the Williams was just a sugar bomb. Overall, this patisserie is a good place to splurge, but be ready for some sweet pastries!

David E.

Yelp

Chef Kunihisa Goto grew up in Japan, and trained in Japan and France. His restaurant has one Michelin Star and three toques from the Gault & Millau. We enjoyed the creativeness of the cuisine, which is a mélange of French and Japanese traditions. The staff are very attentive and their presentation of the course superior. The meal often reminded me of Kaiseki (懐石) cuisine in Japan. This is a series of small dishes delicately presented. This sensibility is blended with the French Mise en Bouche. Great detailed is paid to the bread, butter, plates, and other details. The plating uses plates with a Japanese feeling, but still have hints of Western sensibility. The presentation on the plate is also an amazing combination of Japanese and French traditions. The colors and placement are beautiful. Of course, it comes down to the taste of the food. We took the green tasting menu. I started with the Carpaccio of Scallops (the other choice is Foie Gras). The scallops were wrapped in Endive. The next course was a trout with a similar feeling to both sushi and ceviche. Then followed by pigeon presented two ways; on a plate and with a leg in a bowl with lentils. Then for dessert we had a Lemon dessert with a banana sauce. Avocado was added to the lemon mouse, which tasted great, added color, and was a bold move. There were many small mise en bouche in between courses that highlighted the meal. I did not take notes to keep track of all of them.

Laura C.

Yelp

Loved this place!! A Michelin star restaurant in an intimate setting enjoying French gastronomical cuisine nestled in the cute town of Fontainebleau. Came here with my boyfriend and some of his friends. Had an amazing 3 hour dinner course. From gourmet appetizers, compliments of the chef, dinner courses, amazing wine, and dessert. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Magdalene L.

Yelp

A group of 7 of us went to try this because it was Michelin-starred. 3 of us wanted to go for the 90+euros degustation menu while the others preferred the 52 euros set dinner. Unfortunately, the kitchen refused to allow us to do so, saying that the whole table had to choose the same thing, otherwise it would be "too complicated"... Not really following their logic, and so some points deducted for their inflexibility. What we liked: the dishes were mostly exquisite and flavours delicate and multi-layered. Other than the disappointment at not being able to order what we really wanted, service was great. 2 in the party had to step out during dinner and the staff brought out the food heated up after they arrived back. What we didn't like: meat in main course was slightly dry. Overall: nice food, deserves its star (barely made it because of the main dish). For the price, that's about expected. Good one time experience but I wouldn't necessarily be back, given the value proposition.

Jiayi B.

Yelp

I tried the 5-course dinner. Environment is nice, service is good but far from excellent, likely due to a lack of incentive when compared to U.S. The starter was really good (seared tuna with foie gras). The white fish entree was a bit dry and the broccoli or the coffeeish purée just didn't go well with the fish texture. The pork entree was great, with the right balance and appropriately cooked. Can't say much to the cheese plate since I don't eat goat cheese (wish they had other options, but this is France alas). Dessert was just so so, the sugared ring looked nice on the display, but tastes too sweet - maybe I'm just picky on dessert. The little surprises (complementary from kitchen) were actually really good. Not very expensive compared to the states so I can't complain. Worth a try if you are around the area, but once is enough for sure.

Li L.

Yelp

Amazingly good! The food is super delicious even the side dish, and super innovative! Worth it!

Paulo A.

Yelp

Excellent Menu Decouvert - lunch menu - for 33 euros - you get 3 courses + a few other delicious surprises. One of the best in Fontainebleau.

Sylvain F.

Yelp

This restaurant is a great place. We took the menu at 55 and it was very tasty and in perfect harmony with the wine. I really recommend this amazing place. The Japanese touch and the French gastronomy is a great success!

Xiaoyi W.

Yelp

A 40 euro 5 course meal that took two hours. We got several amuse bouche between courses. The food was beautiful in color, texture, presentation, and flavor. Service was excellent. I enjoyed all 3 hours of the dinner!

Ashley D.

Yelp

The food is creative and delicious - a welcome break from the more traditional fare around Fontainebleau. The service is exemplary. Be adventurous with your choices and prepare to spend 2-3 hours there.

@michelinguide

48,133 Postcards · 8,016 Cities

https://guide.michelin.com/en/ile-de-france/fontainebleau/restaurant/l-axel

L'Axel Restaurant

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities