Introducing French Restaurant Le Brillant

Hello, this is Suno, writer for Sarukuma.

Today we’re heading to Egoshi in Kumamoto City’s Minami Ward to introduce
Le Brillant — a charming French restaurant.Le Brillant is easy to find — it’s right along Heisei Sakura-dori, next door to the Nishimatsuya Egoshi store.
Parking is limited to just 8 spots in front of the restaurant, so carpooling is recommended whenever possible.
Refer to the image above for the proper parking layout.Outside the entrance, you’ll spot an adorable pig-shaped sign with the day’s lunch menu chalked on a blackboard.

Le Brillant proudly uses rice from Uchida Farm in Uchinomaki, Aso — the kind of thoughtful local sourcing detail that’s so lovely to know about ♪
Step inside Le Brillant and you’ll find five tables on the first floor.
There are also four counter seats. The interior is wonderfully stylish ♪
The course menus are written out beautifully on the chalkboard inside.
Oh — while you’re waiting for your meal, be sure to look up at the ceiling!

Chef Fujishima, originally from Amakusa, displays a gyotaku (fish print) of an enormous red sea bream he caught himself, hanging proudly overhead ♪You can also check out signatures from many famous guests who’ve dined here, displayed on a mirror!

Recommended Menu Items at Le Brillant

Le Brillant also has a second-floor seating area.

I came with a stroller this time, and a kind staff member even carried it up the stairs for me.
I’ve used this seating area many times, and they offer three baby chairs — a real lifesaver for parents bringing little ones to lunch.

French cuisine can feel intimidating with small children, but at Le Brillant, that worry simply melts away!They even provide colorful tableware for kids.A baby cot, blankets, and play mats are also available, so even sleeping infants can be comfortable.
There’s also a stylishly designed restroom on the second floor.
The lunch menu is hard to choose from — but you can pick either bread or rice as your side.

The Le Brillant Full Lunch (¥3,400) includes both fish AND meat courses, plus two desserts!

This time, I went with the Choice Lunch (¥2,000) and selected the meat course.
First, the appetizer: marinated Kagoshima yellowtail, served salad-style.

The flavors at Le Brillant are wonderful, but the artful plating absolutely wows you before you even take a bite!Sweet potato potage.

Honestly, I could drink two liters of this. (Laughs)The meat course: pork tongue braised in red wine.

My friend and I couldn’t help exclaiming “How many hours does it take to get this melt-in-your-mouth tender?!” The “this is incredible” comments simply wouldn’t stop!
Here’s a snap of my friend’s fish course!

Pan-seared sea bass (poêlé) with vin blanc sauce. The fish is exquisite — and dipping bread into the sauce is heavenly too~
Dessert was chocolate Chantilly with mandarin orange ice cream.

Chef Fujishima trained as a pâtissier, so his desserts are simply the best ♪

Right? (Laughs)For birthdays and anniversaries, you can request a personalized dessert plate with a written message — definitely worth booking ahead! (From ¥700 per person, reservation required)Their takeout selection is also impressive.

My personal recommendation is the “Roasted Sweet Potato Terrine.”

It won the Best Selection Award at the Higo Mokkosu no Umakamon Grand Prix 2023, hosted by the Kumamoto Prefectural Federation of Commerce and Industry Associations.
It’s incredibly rich and absolutely delicious!!

I’ve also ordered their hors d’oeuvres platter for Christmas — gorgeously lavish and a huge hit!

They customize platters from ¥6,000 based on your budget, perfect for celebrations or home parties ♪

Treat yourself to a special French dining experience at Le Brillant ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information current at the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.