We have no shortage of bargain-basement French-accented bistros scattered around the metropolis. But for my money, Tete-a-tete is the cream of the current crop. I could reel off about a dozen cogent reasons why I rate this little place so highly. But there's only one that you really need to know -- it is brilliant value.

The price structure is calibrated at almost thrift shop levels. A first-rate three-course dinner, including cheese or dessert will set you back just 2,500 yen -- plus an extra 300 yen if you order soup as well, and a surcharge of 700 yen if you want the cheese plate as well as dessert. Finish with a cappuccino and it's another 450 yen.

Most people whose stomachs are acclimatized to Tokyo portion sizes will be quite content with the basic meal. But should you feel the urge for a blowout and decide to go for the full works, the total damage for the evening (including tax but not counting your alcohol intake) will still come to less than 4,000 yen per head.