Park Caffe is nowhere near a park but it's a great place to watch the world go by. Sunlight streams in through the floor-to-ceiling window. A marvel of design economy, there are three seating areas; sleek LEM Piston Stools at the bar, couches along one wall, and a row of solid, brown '70s chairs and tables in the main dining area.

The lunchtime set menu (Y940, served till 3pm) changes daily; spaghetti with spinach and cherry tomatoes, green salad, and sauteed chicken with grilled red and green peppers is a typical offering. For an extra Y200 have a glass of wine. The a la carte menu has mains from Y1000 as well as snacks. The evening set (Y2000) of antipasto, pasta, salad and bread is available from 6pm.

Cozy in winter, Park Caffe serves equally as well as a haven from infernal August heat. Watch your head on the lights when you get up to leave!

by Justin Ellis