Eat

Chef Michi Takahashi moved a long way to bring his skills back to his native Japan. 

He was running a popular French-Japanese restaurant in Manhattan Beach, California, when he decided it was time for an about-turn. His first Tokyo venture, recommended by author and manager of Bento.com Robb Satterwhite, is a tiny cafe specializing in opulent burgers and other U.S. treats, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with zealous flavors. 

“The Cajun lamb burger with roast paprika is quite compelling, and the asparagus salad, with radicchio, currants and lots of blue cheese, is a real treat," says Satterwhite. 

Bite into his Kobe beef burger and you'll turn into a drooling, slow-motion advert for the thing, it's that good. Or try the chicken tacos, served with heaps of just-right avocado.

Crunchy Cajun chicken steak (with greens, bean sprouts and salsa), cold pea and potato soup and a very appetizing duck confit all allow Takahashi to show off the skills that endeared him to the California folk.

There are plenty of specials on the blackboard every day too, and everything on the menu is ready to take out.