WORD of MOUTH
New restaurants
Out of Africa
New in Daikanyama is Africa, a cafErestaurant/lounge that claims to be part of a new
movement in Japanese dining. Providing plenty of space - it seats 142 - and a relaxing
atmosphere, Africa offers casual dining with a Franco-Italian base. Low-key background
music from the DJ booth adds to the laid-back mood.
Annex B1 La Fuente Daikanyama, 11-1 Sarugarakucho
(03-5728-2323), open 11:30am-12am (Sun-Thur) and 11:30-3am (Fri-Sat) Nearest stn:
Daikanyama
Baan-Esan
For a taste of Thailand head to Baan-Esan, a recent opening in Koenji. Capturing the feel
of a Thai street stall, the restaurant offers a wide menu of favorites such as somtam
papaya salad (JY780), creamy coconut curry (JY580) and deep-fried spring rolls stuffed
with whole shrimp (JY250).
2F Mitsuwa Kaikan, 3-33-15 Kita Koenji, Suginami-ku
(03-5327-3629), open 5pm-3am Nearest stn: Koenji
Mentphys
A wide selection of authentic German bread is available in this new addition to the
streets of Roppongi. Try traditional pretzels (JY130) with a swig of German beer or relax
in the cafEarea with an apricot croissant (JY170) or rolls topped with crunchy nuts and
honey (JY180).
Rira Bldg 4-9-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku (03-3479-0338), open
7:30am-10:30pm (9am-7:30pm Sat and 9am-8pm Sun). Nearest stn: Roppongi
Cocktail
hour
Hotel New Otani
See off the old year with one of the New Otani Hotel' collection of vibrant cocktails
(JY1500). Created by prize-winning bartender Hiroshi Komoriya, delicious concoctions such
as Wonderful World (junwaishu base) and Emerald Century (white rum base) make apt drinks
for a bonenkai (end of year clelebration).
Bar Capri (6:30-11pm weekdays and 4pm-1am weekend) and The
Bar (5-12am weekdays and 1pm-12am) 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku (03-3221-2631) www.newotani.co.jp Nearest stn: Yotsuya or
Akasaka-Mitsukue |
