The name Sève translates to Sap from French—the quiet, unseen lifeblood that flows through the trees and animates the natural world. It is a fitting metaphor for a restaurant deeply rooted in the local Hakuba landscape.
Inspired by Nagano’s distinct landscape, Sève reflects the region’s rich soil, crisp alpine air, and pristine waters. The kitchen balances elegant French culinary techniques with the genuine warmth of Japanese hospitality. The outcome is a welcoming, restrained dining experience that shifts naturally alongside the seasons.
Introducing Culinary Director Chef William Mahi
Chef Mahi brings over three decades of international culinary mastery, having led elite kitchens across Europe and Asia. Most recently, he directed Jing at The Peninsula Beijing to a Michelin star for five consecutive years.
At Sève, Chef Mahi’s process is journalistic and deeply tactile. His menus will be shaped by his personal excursions into the surrounding wilderness—foraging for wild herbs, fishing local waters, and gathering seasonal produce. Every plate tells a story of the season and terrain from which it was sourced.