Delighted to discover Manoma in Nishi-Ogikubo for a recent working lunch. The simple menu consists of a variety of curry with rice, drinks, and a few sweets. My favorite was the vegan dal curry, but all were oishii delicious. The caramel pudding was rich in texture. Notably the brightly lit cafe has comfortable seating, both…
Tag: cafe
Yamagataya Noriten
Yamagataya Noriten’s lunch set serves nori seven ways. A fabulous way to experience the many expressions of the sea vegetable including in soup, a salad dressing, and wrapped around #onigiri.🍙 The rice balls are made and served with two different crispy nori. Fascinating to see the differences. The first from Ariake Sea in Kyūshū has…
Tourindou
Tourindou is a charming wagashi, Japanese confectionary, shop and cafe on the quiet backstreets of Ueno. It’s a lovely spot to recharge after visiting the museums of Ueno, like the current Hello Kitty exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum (through Feb. 24, 2025). Founded in 1926 Tourindou sells traditional sweets including candied vegetables and fruit:…
Cafe Sadiiq
Delighted to have an American breakfast spot on the JR Chuo line at Cafe Sadiiq. Pancakes, egg, bacon, and a carrot rape salad with tuna. 1,500 yen ($10) for the pancakes, with a latte on weekdays for 400 yen ($2.50). It is just a five minute walk south of Mitaka Station, and on the way…
Bridge Coffee
Bridge Coffee on the first floor of the historic Eagle Building is a destination cafe. One you go out of your way to visit because it’s not on the Tokyo tourist map, even for locals. However, very much worth the trip. It sits on a busy corner of Nihonbashi Bakurochō. Spacious seating and natural light…
Parklet Chicken Sando
Parklet Bakery in Nihonbashi is one of my go-to spots when craving baked goods, notably their cheese scone. Finally made it to their sister shop at the Meiji Park Market in the shadows of the Japan National Stadium built to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The buttermilk fried chicken is served over a hearty…
Bistro Rojiura
Bistro Rojiura is a hip bistro and wine bar that is open for breakfast/brunch. The French toast with house-cured bacon is served with a scoop of creamy burrata cheese. Brilliant. Coffee is from the esteemed Switch Coffee. Rojiura means back alley. It is on the back streets of Shibuya near the Tokyu Hands flagship store and…
Koma
From Kofu, Yamanashi, I jumped on the Chūō line train west towards Kobuchizawa. My friends have made the garden at a new delicatessen called Koma. My girlfriend said that I should come and check out this new restaurant. She knew that it was very special, and that I would like it. Chef Ayako Ono, former…
Rokumei
What I love about Tokyo is that it’s so big that one is constantly discovering new spots. Rokumei opened only in July in a part of Tokyo Station I never go through. It is a famous Nara coffee shop and this is their first Tokyo branch. Big selection of coffee and espresso drinks. I ordered…
Gaienmae Esquisse
This peaceful Aoyama coffee shop filled with large plants was a nice change to most bare coffee shops. Was going to get a coffee but the affogato was about the same price, so why not? Pistachio and vanilla ice cream with cookie bits topped with an espresso. Lovely café to do some writing and have…
Une Labo
Three curry plate at @une_labo. Une is the name of the small mound of dirt at farms where seeds are grown. The turmeric rice on the dish symbolizes the une at farms. The vegetables on top are all local vegetables fried, pickled, sauteed, and simmered. Charming cafe near Kokubunji Station for curry using #Kokuvege, local Kokubunji…
Coin Cafe
Chai at the peaceful Coin basement cafe. Excellent selection of breads at Bank bakery that can be brought to the cafe. This is in a quiet part of Nihonbashi Kabutochō near the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Will be a good place to work on a laptop or to do some writing. CoinChūō-ku, Nihonbashi Kabutochō 6-7
Ballon d’Essai
Fluffy shaved ice over vanilla ice cream and coffee jelly. The soft shards are dressed with sweetened condensed milk and topped with an intense espresso. At Shimokitazawa Ballon d’Essai Latte Art. Only ¥850 ($5.50). Coffee jelly is my go to order at a new cafe. It was hot today and the kakigōri caught my eye….
Azabudai Hills
The newer Azabudai Hills mall is filled with shops and restaurants. Sushi, tonkatsu, soba, cafes, and a supermarket. It’s hard to explore in one visit. So many tempting meals. Enjoyed a diavolo spicy pizza at Risto Pizza, the high end restaurant by chef Giuseppe Errichielli. I was told the more casual restaurant is at Napoli Sta…
Kissa Streamer
Kissa Streamer is on a quiet back street of Nihonbashi. The kissaten coffee shop dates back 50 years. It has been brought back to life by the famous Streamer coffee company. I love the vibe here. The interior is a traditional kissaten. Low-backed wooden chairs, tables closer to the floor, and warm lighting. But the…
Tsuruya Yoshinobu
A truly unique experience is to watch a shokunin artist create a wagashi traditional confectionary right in front of you at Tsuruya Yoshinobu in Nihonbashi. This style of wagashi, called nerikiri, is made with a malleable white bean paste. The master works very quickly in creating these edible works of art. Guests are seated at…
Sembikiya
A local spot and a luxurious treat is the Sembikiya Fruit Parlor in Nihonbashi. On the second floor of the historic shop which dates back to 1834. Sit at the counter to watch as the staff cuts by hand many different types of fruit for parfaits and fruit plates. I visited Sembikiya with @gonellietravel founder…
Kanazawa Teahouse Soshin
Higashi Chaya is one of Kanazawa’s most charming neighborhoods. There are several cafes for sweets and coffee or tea including @cafe_soshin Sabo Soshin 茶房素心. Sabo means teahouse or coffee shop. The menu includes parfaits and Japanese mochi sweets and wagashi confectionaries with flavors like hōjicha roasted green tea, kinako roasted soybean powder, kuromitsu black sugar…
Hamanoya Parlour
The tamago sando at kissaten Hamanoya Parlour is a savory warm omelet with a schmear of mayonnaise and karashi mustard on white bread. The fruits sando includes peaches and pineapple with whipped cream, a luxurious start to the day. Tunes hum from a record player near the kitchen is a nod back to the 60s…
Ginza Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth think about spending an afternoon in the Ginza area carefully perusing sweets shops – both Western and Japanese. Here is a list of boutiques and shops featuring cakes, gelato, roasted sweet potatoes, cookies, and more. If you have limited time I would spend most of my time at Ginza…
Parklet
Parklet Bakery has so many delicious baked goods. I love the cheese scones and the avocado toast. It’s all good here. It’s no surprise as the baker comes from Tartine in San Francisco. Breakfast is the best time to come as hopefully you can get a seat. I’ve stopped by in the afternoon and it’s…
Lotus
A gorgeous start to the day at #Nihonbashi #Coffee #Lotus. A luxurious bowl of fruit with almost a dozen different types of fruit including persimmons, nashi Asian pears, muskmelon, and papaya. I love the variety of fruits uncle squeezes into the fruit bowl. The Lotus Special comes with toast, juice, a boiled egg, and yogurt….
World Breakfast All Day
Moroccan breakfast at World Breakfast All Day in Ginza. Msemmen crepe is served with an egg cooked in berbere-spiced tomatoes, like a Turkish shakshuka. A fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley. The breakfast is rounded out with bachrir pancakes. I was in Morocco about 30 years ago and the flavors did transport…
Ginza Breakfast
The morning set at the old school kissaten Furansuya in Ginza. The egg and toast set is only 750 yen ($5.00) includes coffee, with one free refill! Classic music plays in the background. The waitress wears a black dress with a white apron. I love these coffee shops and morning sets – even better when…
Kyoto Shaved Ice
Kakigōri shaved ice at Matakichi in the charming #Gion district of #Kyoto. Strawberry with sweetened condensed milk and the intriguing fig with kinomé. Kinomé is the leaf from the sanshō Japanese peppercorn bush. Kinomé has a citrusy and peppery aromas. It was a unique topping to shaved ice and was a nice pairing with figs…
Toyama Kissaten
When on the road I always seek out kissaten for morning coffee and breakfast. Many Japanese hotels offer a buffet breakfast but I am avoiding crowded restaurants. I also love the ambience of kissaten retro coffee shops. Shimeno Coffee is near Toyama Station. The kissaten is in a newer building so the coffee shop interior…
Toraya Shave Ice
Toraya Japanese confectionary wagashi shop’s rich history can be traced back to the 1600s. While it is a traditional sweets shop I love the modern café serving matcha latté and in summertime kakigōri 氷 shave ice. Here is natsu mikan 夏みかん, a tart and sweet summer citrus and renyū 練乳 sweetened condensed milk. There is…
Fukuro Juku
On a quiet street behind Itoya is Fukuro Juku, a sliver of a shop popular for its #kakigori #shavedice. Fukuro Juku also serves tai chazuke, sea bream sashimi in a creamy sesame dressing with rice and an umami rich dashi. The sea bream has a lovely rich texture. Enjoy a few pieces as sashimi with…
Shōan Bunko
Delightful #teishoku set lunch at #Nishiogikubo Shōan Bunko. Grouper katsu (breaded and deep-fried), ten different vegetables, miso soup, and rice from Hinata Yamazaki san. Dessert was cheese cake with salt and iced coffee. A nice way to forget about the heat and humidity which is hitting Tokyo at the moment. It’s also the lovely tableware…
Ueshima
The morning sets at Ueshima Kissaten. The coffee shops are quiet spots to enjoy coffee or get some work done. I love the small fresh salad, thick toast and egg dishes. The Toranomon shop plays jazz in the background. Japanese kissaten coffee shops often have morning sets of coffee and toast and a boiled egg,…
Zingaro
Nakano Broadway is ground zero for Japanese pop culture, particularly anime and manga. Artist Takashi Murakami has reopened his cafe Coffee Zingaro hidden away in the back of the building on the second floor. It’s a throwback to the 80s with the music and the tables which are also games like Donkey Kong that can…
Ippodo Tea
Kyoto Ippodo tea shop @ippodotea started in 1717. It has a lovely shop and Kaboku tea room café in the heart of the city, a short walk north of Nishiki Market and @bentoandco bentō shop. Knowledgeable staff help to educate customers on the variety of matcha and loose tea for sale. There is also tea…
Kugutsusō
Kugutsusō kissaten in Kichijōji is famous for its two year dry-aged coffee beans and spicy curry. The nel drip coffee is smooth. This is the morning set with thick toast, salad, and strawberry jam. I love the interior of the basement coffee shop. It feels like a cave. The wooden menu and salt and pepper…
Ajitaka
The lightest shaved ice 🍧 I have ever had. This one topped with a kabocha squash mousse with a hint of rum. The ice is made with spring water from Shinshū. The cafe is five minutes from Mitaka Station on the Chūō line. It is not far from the #GhibliMuseum. Strawberry and mango kakigōri from…
Kissaten Breakfast
Kissaten morning at Kanda Hobnob. Coffee, cucumber and tomato sando, two eggs and ham for a ridiculous 600 yen ($4.25). Quiet coffee shop on a side street. Hobnob also has a big menu that includes spaghetti, omu raisu (ketchup flavored rice topped with an omelet), and curry rice. It was hard to choose something for…
Woodberry Coffee
Woodberry Coffee is an excellent spot for coffee, salads, grilled cheese, and more. Woodbury has a few branches in Tokyo including in Shibuya. The Ogikubo branch is big with seating on three floors, including the rooftop. The Buddha Bowl salad includes quinoa, chickpeas, and a beet hummus. Woodberry Coffee Suginami-ku, Momoi 1-2-2 https://woodberrycoffee.com #foodsaketokyo #foodsakeogikubo…
Pelican Café
Pelican Bakery near Kappabashi is famous for its white bread. Pelican has a café for toast and sandwiches. The ham katsu sando is a thick slice of ham that is breaded and deep-fried. The katsu is covered with a thick sweet sauce. Potato salad and carrot soup to round out the meal. Popular shop, so…
Hotaka Kissaten
Hotaka kissaten at Ochanomizu Station opened in 1955. I love the velvet forest green booths and dark wood. The coffee here is very smooth. A simple toast, margarine, and orange marmalade is the morning menu. On a recent rainy morning the shop was quiet. A few solo customers reading a book and newspaper. I got…
Bricolage Bakery
Avocado 🥑 toast at #Roppongi#Bricolage. My favorite bread in Tokyo is the dinkel (sp?) with grains. There is also a branch in #Shibuya #Tokyu #depachika. If the weather is good the outdoor seating is lovely. With owner and chef Namae Shinobu, one of Japan’s great chefs!
Kissa Royal
The morning set at Kissa Royal, only 650 yen ($4.75), includes coffee, toast, an egg, and a cabbage salad. Kissa is short for kissaten – the old school coffee shops. I love having breakfast at kissaten. Sometimes it is as simple as a piece of toast, boiled egg, and coffee. The shop was quiet. On…
Kyoto Ogawa
The morning toast set at Ogawa kissaten in Kyoto. This branch is located just across the street from Kyoto Station on the north side. @ogawacoffee Shimogyō-ku, Higashi Kōji-chō 902 https://www.oc-ogawa.co.jp/shop/ #foodsakeTokyo #foodsakeKyoto #coffee #kissaten #toast #Kyoto #Kyotomorning #Kyotokissaten #京都グルメ #京都モーニング #トースト #コーヒー #京都駅 #京都駅グルメ #Japan #Japantraveltip
Koko Head Cafe
Chef Lee Anne Wong has brought her Hawaii Koko Head Cafe to Tokyo. In Hawaii it is a popular brunch café. What’s unique about Koko Head Cafe Tokyo is that it’s also open for dinner. In Hawaii it’s a brunch restaurant so closes in the afternoon. So stop by later in the day for a…
Kyoto Poco Kissaten
Near Kyōto station is Poco kissaten. I picked it for breakfast as it was open from 6:00 a.m. The morning sando set is a bargain 650 yen ($5) and includes a cup of coffee. The sliver of a shop is in a retro building in a part of the city that is being completely rebuilt…
Cafe Haiti
Café Haiti has been serving dry curry since 1974. The shop is located in a basement mall near Shinjuku Station called Subnade. Cafe Haiti specializes in coffee and this dry curry dish. The curry is made with minced meat and finely chopped vegetables and is rich with spices. It is served over a bed of…
Nihonbashi La Fresa Kissaten
Finally made time to visit this historic kissaten old school coffee shop. This tuna sandwich morning set, with a boiled egg, salad, and fresh strawberries comes with a cup of siphon coffee is a bargain 550 yen ($4). Seriously, one of the best values in Tokyo. The regular customer who sat next to me got…
City Bakery
The deli plate at @citybakeryjapan. Only 990 yen ($7). There is also selection of breads, both sweet and savory. Many of my clients say that they feel like they are not getting enough vegetables when visiting Japan. So this is one option to get one’s fill of vegetables. Sadly City Bakery has closed in New York…
Shibuya Woodbury Coffee
Avocado toast at Woodbury Coffee located between Shibuya and Ebisu stations. Excellent espresso. Diners choose between a light or dark roast. Busy produce shop nearby. Branches in Daikanyama, Yoga, Gakugei Daigaku, and Ogikubo. My friend tells me the salads are delicious. Grateful to my friends for putting this on my radar. They love it so…
Saito’s Coffee Kissaten
Saito’s Coffee has been in business since 1948 (Showa 23). On a quiet back street between Kanda Station and Mitsukoshi department store. Before work the kissaten coffee shop was quiet. Most of the customers walked in for a cup of hand drip coffee for a bargain 250 yen ($1.90). To sit down inside away from…
Le Pain Quotidien Roppongi
When I lived in Brussels my local bakery was Le Pain Quotidien. I loved sitting at the wooden communal table sharing jars of jam and nutella with the other diners. The ham and Gruyere cheese omelette with a side salad and bread is a nice start to the day. The bakery has three jams and…
Matsumoto Kissa Senzu Wagashi
Kissa Senzu serves modern and traditional wagashi sweets inside of the historic Kaiundo confectionary shop, opened in 1884 in Matsumoto. Monaka, a crispy wafer is served with a flight of three types of red beans (smooth, chunky, and whole). A fun way to compare the textures. Dorayaki of two small pancakes stuffed with sweet anko…
Food Sake Tokyo 