La Pita de Maison Cinquante Cinq offers a more relaxed counterpoint to its bistro sibling, focusing on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. Expect soft, freshly baked pitas filled with falafel, spiced chicken, or lamb, each balanced with bright herbs and sauces. The space is compact, with takeaway at street level and a few seats upstairs. There’s a casual feel, but the same attention to detail runs through everything – from the texture of the bread to the careful layering of flavours.

Head to Bar Nakagawa for some fabulous people-watching and even more terrific fresh and creative cocktails that make use of seasonal and local ingredients.

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.

Aelu focuses on objects that sit between utility and craft. The gallery presents a rotating selection of ceramics, textiles, and small works by emerging Japanese makers – hand-thrown cups with uneven glazes, stoneware plates with muted, earthy tones, naturally dyed cloths, and simple woven pieces – all available to shop and take home. The display is deliberately sparse, giving each object space to breathe, grouped loosely by material or tone. You’ll notice subtle differences in glaze, weave, and form. Surfaces, finishes, and irregularities are part of the appeal.