If you're a cheesecake lover, then Cafe Tenement is the place for you. Only a ten-minute walk from Hiroo Station, the rustic two-storey building is over a century old and offers nine different types of homemade cheesecake. Among the flavours you’ll find inventive options such as hojicha (roasted green tea), black soy bean and organic coffee as well as two seasonal flavours that change every two months. When we visited, we enjoyed the standard brûlée cheesecake and a seasonal dark cherry creation. The cheesecake itself is not as sweet as others and the individual flavours complement each other very well. Opt for the cake set that comes with a cup of coffee, café au lait or earl grey.
If you’re looking for a savoury treat instead, try pasta napolitan, the retro dish made with spaghetti, tomato ketchup, onions, green peppers, bacon and a fried egg on top. The meal includes a soup, a rosemary scone and a salad (available from 3pm). However, you can also choose from all-day food options such as curries, gratins, stews and salads, made using fresh and seasonal ingredients from Kyushu.
The café is owned by Japanese musician Hidefumi Ino, who comes up with a monthly playlist of relaxing tunes suited to the calm, old-fashioned atmosphere of the café. The musical influence is also reflected in the interior, with vinyl records and old speakers decorating the space. Head up to the second floor, where you can still see the old wooden roof, and wooden beams running across the room.