Breakfast at Cerise at Conrad Tokyo, over the course of our stay, was a delight. The buffet selection was comprehensive, with a selection of delights that touched so many international desires.
The views from my favorite dining room area were absolutely gorgeous. I loved the floor to ceiling windows and the views of Tokyo before me.
The Food
We were always seated in the main dining area, right next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. This was my preferred spot, as it offered a stunning view of the Simbashi skyline, with its towering high-rises stretching before me.
However, I couldn’t help but notice that some guests were coming and going from the buffet while seated in Kazahana, the restaurant located just across the hallway. It seems that seating arrangements can vary, so if you have a preference, it’s definitely worth requesting a specific area. If they try to place you somewhere less ideal, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for a spot that enhances your experience.
The buffet offered slight variations each day, keeping things fresh and interesting. One morning, I particularly enjoyed the dumplings, which were perfectly cooked and flavorful. On another, the MANGO PANCAKE (mango, crème brûlée, mango sauce) stood out as my favorite, with its rich crème brûlée topping adding a decadent touch. On the final day, I tried the KEBAB SHAKSHUKA (lamb kebab, tomato, coriander), which was just as impressive – definitely an A+.
Dress Code
One particular note of decorum that stood out to me during my time at Cerise was the restaurant’s seemingly arbitrary yet strictly enforced dress code. It wasn’t something explicitly stated upfront, yet it became apparent after observing multiple interactions between staff and guests.
From what I gathered, guests were not permitted to come to breakfast in sweatpants or overly casual athletic leisurewear. While this isn’t entirely unheard of in upscale dining establishments, what made it interesting was the way the enforcement played out. Over the course of several mornings, I watched as certain guests were discreetly approached by staff and informed that their attire was not appropriate for the restaurant. In each case, they were asked to leave and return in more suitable clothing.
Most guests complied without much fuss, seemingly unbothered by the request. But one particular encounter was especially memorable. A man, dressed in red sweatpants with a stripe down the side, did not take kindly to the request. Instead of simply agreeing to change, he pushed back – verbally, and with no small amount of indignation. He gestured toward his pants, as if their color or design somehow exempted him from the standard. The way he carried on, you’d think he believed that the price tag of his outfit or the brand name attached to it should have been enough to override the rule.
It was honestly amusing to watch. The entitlement, the resistance – it was as if he truly believed that the normal expectations of decorum did not apply to him. Male audacity never fails to entertain me.
On another morning, a couple found themselves in the same situation. Unlike the man with the red sweatpants, they took it in stride. They listened to the staff, nodded in understanding, and left the restaurant without protest to change into what was deemed more appropriate attire. Their acceptance of the policy was a quiet contrast to the previous guest’s theatrics.
Overall, watching how people responded to this unspoken but strictly enforced dress code was a fascinating little social experiment. Some complied without question, some resisted, and others seemed utterly indifferent. But in the end, it was a reminder that in certain spaces, rules – whether written or unwritten – exist, and how people react to them says far more about them than the rule itself ever could.
Overall
Starting the day with a leisurely breakfast at Cerise was truly a delight. It added yet another exceptional touch to the overall experience of staying at Conrad Tokyo.
Cerise at Conrad Tokyo
1 Chome-9-1 HigashishinbashiMinato City, Tokyo, Japan 105-7337
