Yes, good coffee can be difficult to find in Tokyo but it seems that it's not as hard as it once was. Cafe Luigi is one that you can count on for a strong espresso - just what you need after doing the Omote-Sando strip. Located in a laneway between Omote-Sando and Takeshita Dori [the well known epicentre of the Harajuku youth scene] this stylish and individual cafe is a great place to spend some quiet time.The owner [a Japanese man, incidentally] also serves a range of cold drinks including alcohol. Food is not the focus. However, a small selection of snacks to accompany drinks is displayed on the end of the bar.
The cafe reflects the owner's style and affection for Italy, but is in no way cliched. For example, the walls at the rear of the cafe are decorated with items related to the futuristic industrial designer Luigi Colani. It did occur to me that the cafe was perhaps a dedication.
The area surrounding Luigi's is a maze of laneways full of great shopping and little restaurants. So much to explore! Perhaps you'll need another of Luigi's espressos before you get going.
Cafe Luigi is a classic...I don't even remember how old it is maybe 25-30 years old. The owner Hideya Shimazu is a classic "stonehead dinosaur", at least thats what he calls himself. The espresso based drinks are made with old world craftsmanship...Shimazu san takes his coffee seriously. I remember when the area wasn't filled with trendy boys walking around and Luigi had a full showcase of the best handmade cakes to go with his great coffee....those were the days!-
ReplyDeleteAnd Luigi Colani and Shimazu go way back..they're friends and whenever Colani is in Tokyo you can find him at Cafe Luigi...
Tell Shimazu Allen says hi if you see him...
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Allen. I loved to hear about Cafe Luigi's long history and your association with it. You also cleared up a few questions for us - very interesting. I'm planning to return to Tokyo this year - I'll be sure to remember you to Shimazu.
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