The hostess at Kado greets customers with a polite, "Douzo, agate kudasai." As when visiting any Japanese home, guests are requested to leave their shoes in the genkan. Located in a Showa-era house built in 1950 near Kagurazaka's Akagi Shrine, this quaint cafe and restaurant offers a glimpse of what life was like in pre-high rise Tokyo.

The main dining area is a tatami room that opens onto a narrow veranda with just enough space to accommodate four very slim people. Table seating with sofas and chairs can be found in the small back room.

The food, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, is simple but not without little surprises. Densely satisfying taro root croquettes open to reveal a single golden ginko nut nestled in the center. Wooden ear mushrooms peek out of the fluffy omu-rice. The lunch sets are available from 11:30-2:30 for about Y1000. Go for an early lunch to beat the crowds, or stop in during cafe time (from 2:30-5pm) for a coffee or a nice cup of Chinese or Japanese tea. Dinner is served from 5-11pm.