Tucked into a leafy lane along the Meguro River, Combine feels rather like a hidden gem. Reminiscent of a converted loft, the industrial concrete and aluminum interior is tempered by velveteen chairs that encourage lounging and a marvelous bookcase that dominates the west wall.

Most of the books are art and design focused, and in Japanese, but customers are free to browse at their leisure. Large open windows lend the space an airy feel. The afternoon crowd is a mixed bag of bookworms, impeccably dressed older ladies, and the requisite table of fashion-industry hipsters.

Lunch sets, available from noon-3pm, change daily and cost about Y1000 each. The ethnic-inspired fare is surprisingly healthy and tasty. Seafood pho comes loaded with vegetables and spiked with fried garlic. Salads are generously sprinkled with cashews. Teatime runs until 6pm, after which Combine turns into a bar serving food and drinks until late. Check their website (www.combine.jp) for DJ and live music event info.