A therapeutic, minimalist Japanese sanctuary near Highbury Corner perfect for slow solo lunches and quiet reflection.
Ordering Strategy
Ideal for a solo lunch or a quiet catch-up; grab a seat on the leafy terrace if the sun is out. Order the Udon or Breakfast set, and definitely finish with the cheesecake.
What to order
Udon with Aubergine
Described as a 'really nice bowl to chew and slurp on,' this dish features gooey aubergine slices and puffed tofu in a 'gentle but umami-rich' soy-based broth.
Japanese Breakfast
A 'nourishing' and 'top notch' spread that includes miso soup, a poached egg, multigrain rice, and homemade granola—perfect for a 'tranquil breakfast.'
Basque Cheesecake
A favorite for sharing, this 'burnt' cheesecake is frequently paired with their Monmouth coffee as a therapeutic treat.
Matcha Latte
Served in 'handmade ceramics,' this latte is praised for being 'creamy and mellow,' part of a tea menu that reviewers say is 'definitely worth trying.'
What to skip
More in Islington
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- FKA Black Axe MangalModern British / Global BBQ · £££84
Signal Score
Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
Top critic: The Good Food Guide (80%)
Editorial Weight 55 pts
Authority + depth + recency
Agreement 10 pts
How aligned the critics are
Coverage 6 pts
How many real review signals exist
Public Signal 13 pts
Google rating + volume
Boosts 0 pts
Manual boosts + hidden gem
Review signals
1 Elite · 1 Editorial · 3 total signals
Public signal
4.7★ (263 reviews)
Good to know
The café is dog-friendly (especially on the terrace) and serves Monmouth coffee. It is a slow-paced spot, so don't rush.
Locations
Trust signals
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- mediumConfidence level
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