It was one of those in-between moments during a busy day in Tokyo. I had traveled into the city for my daughter’s Girl Scouts event, and while the girls were busy with their activities, I suddenly realized how hungry I was. Eating alone felt like a missed opportunity in a city that thrives on connection and conversation, so I reached out to a business associate nearby. Within minutes, our quick lunch turned into an impromptu brainstorming session.

We decided to meet at Rigoletto Bar and Grill in Roppongi Hills, a lively Italian-inspired restaurant tucked inside Roppongi Hills, a complex known for its mix of restaurants, art spaces, and business towers. It felt like the perfect midpoint between productivity and a relaxed meal.

When my associate arrived, laptops and notebooks briefly replaced menus as we sketched out the plots for our next project while the restaurant hummed with midday energy. Since it was still early and we were technically “on the clock,” we skipped alcohol and opted for Fever-Tree Ginger Beer to start. It was refreshing, crisp, and just sharp enough to keep us alert.

What followed was less like a traditional lunch and more like a tasting session, with dishes arriving steadily as conversation flowed.