Tokyo 東京 Espresso エスプレッソ

Fukunchu Organic >>MAP 1-50-3 Kita-senzoku, Ota-ku 大田区北千束 1-50-3 UPDATE: THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED . In a charming converted home just minutes from Ookayama station on the Meguro line, Fukunchu is a rarity. It’s an organic (whether 100% or not is unclear) vegetarian restaurant that’s only open for lunch. Be warned, only 20 or so meals are prepared a day. I’m partial to this place because I’ve gotten to know the owners through their organic grocery, Rinya (also in Ookayama). On my first visit, I was shocked by the volume and price. For 1000 yen, I had a refreshing gazpacho, grilled vegetables, great bread from nearby Itokito bakery, salad, and banana cake for dessert (not to mention iced coffee). An added bonus is a visit by Fuku-chan, the owners' baby boy.

Café Pause >>MAP 2-14-12 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku TEL: 03-5950-6117 東京都豊島区南池袋 2-14-12 One of the few cafes in Tokyo with free Wi-Fi, Café Pause is a very able café. Though the crema on the espresso was a tad blond for my taste, the beans were ground to order and the taste was sweet. The food menu is lacking, however.

Markt Café >>MAP 1-17-16 Tamagawa Setagaya-ku TEL: 03-3708-7723 東京都世田谷区玉川 1-17-16 A lovely café/antique shop close to Futako-tamagawa, Markt Café’s strong suit is food. Just look at the preparation on that smoked salmon! Espresso was fair—and only offered as a double.

Fermata Pizza >>MAP 2-14-2 Jiyugaoka Meguro-ku TEL: 03-3718-5084 東京都目黒区自由が丘 2-14-2 Absolutely fantastic pizza of the Naples variety! Fermata opened at the beginning of July 2008 and Jiyugaoka is slowly realizing that it has a real find on its hands. Service tends to be slow as pizzas are made one-by-one.