This is the kind of place you go when you want to treat yourself, especially for its seasonal parfaits. Each one is delicately layered with fresh fruit, cream, and crunchy textures, changing slightly as you work your way down. You might find combinations like sakura in spring, strawberry with mascarpone and pistachio, or citrus with yoghurt cream and honeyed granola. The balance is perfect – nothing too heavy or overly sugary. Interiors-wise, it’s simple and bright, keeping the focus on the desserts. Save this for when special occasions call for something sweet.

Haritts is a long-loved fixture in Yoyogi-Uehara, best known for its soft, handmade doughnuts paired with simple, well-made coffee. Set in a converted house on a residential street, the space is compact, with just a cluster of seats and a steady stream of takeaway orders. Doughnuts are fried in small batches, giving them a light, cake-like texture – you can choose between plain, cinnamon dusted, or filled with custard, cream, or matcha.

Le Cabaret Tokyo is a local wine bar specialising in French wines by the glass. Set on a street lined with tachinomiya (standing bars), it’s lively but unfussy. Make sure to go earlier in the evening to secure a spot as it gets busy after 7pm. Opposite, its sister standing bar Tabac is a good fallback option if you’re happy to stand. Ask for recommendations from the team, and if crème caramel is available, it’s worth ordering to share. 

Fuku is a refined yakitori restaurant with a tight menu built around all the cuts of chicken, some with tare (sauce), salt or toppings that are cooked to bring out the cut and character of the meat. The setting is intimate, with attention on the grill and the rhythm of service. Reservations are essential due to limited seating. You can order omakase or individually, pairing with beer or a highball to balance the richness.