Alain Ducasse, one of the world's leading chefs representing modern gastronomy, opened his new venture, "Alain Ducasse Salon des Manufactures Paris," at Hankyu Umeda Main Store on April 25, 2026. Conceived as "a place to encounter the allure of new foods," the salon features a light, sophisticated, and modern dining area, as well as a specialty shop for chocolates and biscuits. Food journalist Yui Togawa, who writes the opening column "Creators of Otherworldly Delicacies" for Chronos Japan, introduces this spot that encapsulates the essence of Alain Ducasse's skill and philosophy.
Photographs & Text by Yui Togawa
[Article published on January 6, 2026]
A new venture by a world-renowned chef who leads the French culinary world.
Alain Ducasse currently oversees approximately 30 restaurants in eight countries worldwide, including "Le Louis XV" in Monaco, "Le Meurice Alain Ducasse" in Paris, and "Beige Alain Ducasse Tokyo" in Tokyo. He is known for his pursuit of exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approaches. In addition to his prestigious French restaurants, he also operates specialty shops selling chocolates, biscuits, and ice cream. Furthermore, he has established "Ducasse Education," an international professional institution for cooking and confectionery, to preserve and train the next generation of French cuisine, demonstrating his truly diverse range of activities.
Born in France in 1956, he currently holds Monegasque citizenship. In 1990, he earned three Michelin stars as executive chef at Louis XV in Monaco. At the time, Alain Ducasse was 33 years old, becoming the youngest chef in Michelin Guide history to receive three stars. Currently, he works in approximately 30 restaurants in eight countries around the world, and also runs a variety of businesses, including the chocolate shop "Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse."
The "Alain Ducasse Salon des Manufactures Paris" is located on the 6th floor of the Hankyu Umeda Main Store. This floor, which was renovated in March of this year as "HANKYU LUXURY," is lined with luxury watch brands. The salon, situated in a corner of this elegant area, offers a combination of a casual, inviting atmosphere and French elegance.
In addition to spacious table seating, there are counter seats and even private rooms in the back. The interior design incorporates the philosophy of Alain Ducasse, blending classic and modern elements. The space, which combines the textures of natural wood and stone with stainless steel, and is accented with dark green and gold, is sophisticated yet comfortable.
A luxurious experience to savor Alain Ducasse's philosophy, dish by dish.
Opening the menu reveals a tempting array of savory and dessert dishes that can be ordered individually. You can combine appetizers, main courses, and desserts, enjoy just one dish and a drink, or savor a single dessert during teatime. Furthermore, they offer set courses and afternoon teas for a more leisurely dining experience, making it a delightful choice for a variety of occasions.
This time, we tried four recommended dishes from the à la carte menu. The "Petit Pois Velouté with Cheese Frais and Lemon Confit," with its strikingly vibrant colors, is a "soup you eat" that is completed by pouring the broth right in front of you. As soon as you take a bite, you are instantly drawn into the world of Alain Ducasse. The flavorful peas are mellowed by the cheese from Yuge Farm in Ura-Rokko, Kobe, and it is delightful to watch the taste change. The lemon confit adds a refreshing touch, making it a dish that will please both mind and body during the upcoming hot season.
Next came the "Grouper Goujonette with Tartar Sauce," a dish featuring fried grouper resembling small fish, served with a generous amount of special tartar sauce. Made with tarragon, lemon, lime, and Italian parsley, the rich herbal flavor makes you want to reach for champagne. The wine list features a selection of wines from all over France, offering a lineup that will lead you to new discoveries as you explore the terroir. In addition, they also offer "Alain Ducasse Sparkling Sake," a sparkling sake produced by Yamanashi Meijo, whose flagship brand is "Shichiken."
The "Beef Cheek Confit in Red Wine with Carrot Fondant" is a hearty dish featuring Kagoshima's Kuroge Wagyu beef slowly simmered in red wine. The accompanying marinated red onions simmered in port wine and the tender carrots are also excellent. Each savory dish is conceived based on Alain Ducasse's culinary philosophy of valuing the bounty of the ingredients, and while high-quality, the flexible ordering style allows you to enjoy it without feeling intimidated.
The dessert menu features around 10 tempting options, including "Chocolate Mousse" and "Affogato and Praline." This time, I chose "Fresh and Confit Citrus with Olive Oil Ice Cream." Fresh and confit citrus fruits such as pink grapefruit and orange are arranged on top, then topped with fromage blanc, olive oil ice cream, lemon and lime zest, and a sprinkle of powdered chili pepper for added flavor. A drizzle of citrus sauce at the end creates a vibrant dish. The diverse textures are meticulously arranged.
A specialty shop for chocolates and biscuits is also located on the premises.
The salon's entrance features boutiques for "Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse," a chocolate specialty shop run by Alain Ducasse, and "Le Biscuit Alain Ducasse," a biscuit specialty shop. Exclusive items available only here include the "Exa Uncontrenable" assortment of seven chocolates (12,960 yen) and the "Pure Beurre & Pure Beurre Matcha" biscuits with matcha flavor (8640 yen).
Choosing a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one from the diverse items displayed in showcases and on shelves will be a delightful experience. A corner of the boutique also features eat-in seating where you can enjoy all three types of soft serve ice cream, including the "75% Cacao Chocolate and Biscuit Puree Mix" (1100 yen).
Whether you visit during a shopping trip at the department store or make a special trip just for this salon, it's a place that caters to a wide range of occasions, from afternoon tea to a full meal. If you're struggling to choose a watch on the same floor, it's a good idea to take a break here and reflect. And if you're with a partner, Alain Ducasse's tea is sure to put them in a good mood while you shop.
Shop information
Alain Ducasse Salon des Manufactures Paris
(ALAIN DUCASSE SALON DES MANUFACTURES PARIS)
Address: 8-7 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 6F
TEL：06-6313-0529
10:00 - 20:00
URL:https://www.salondesmanufactures.jp/
*All prices listed are inclusive of tax.
Yui Tonokawa's profile
Food journalist. Believing in conveying the stories and passions of the creators, she writes articles about restaurants, hotels, sweets, alcohol, and other food-related topics. She is in charge of the "Creators of Otherworldly Delicacies" column in the lead column of "IN THE LIFE" in the Japanese edition of "Kronos."
