How many French restaurants are there in Tokyo?

Question

I know there are a LOT, I am interested in an accurate number. I know this is difficult - e.g. how would you classify a restaurant that specializes in French-Kaiseki, or Meiji-period "French" which has a strong Japanese influence? Not interested in joke answers.

Answer 1

That's a tough question. As you say, is cuisine a la Japanese French or Japanese? Is a casual dining bar that serves excellent cuisine Provencal a French restaurant.? In Tokyo you might get an inspired chef who prefers to operate his own little hole in the wall brasserie that serves better food than some "serious" restaurants. New places open up all the time, and places fold all the time. I think there is an organization specifically for restaurants that serve proper haute cuisine, but that's a very narrow definition even by French standards.