Hyperlocal Tokyo

iki Espresso's Bakery: A Delightful Experience Having enjoyed iki Espresso previously, I was eager to try their bakery. I visited on a weekday morning around 10 am, and the place was bustling with customers, with 8-9 out of 10 seats occupied. This speaks volumes about its popularity. I sampled both savory and sweet breads, and each one was a delicious and generous portion. The roast pork and apple sauce focaccia sandwich was particularly noteworthy. While I usually don't enjoy fruit and savory combinations, this one was truly exceptional. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful. When I was unsure which bread to choose, they readily recommended popular options. They were also very welcoming to dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.

It's located about an 8-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa! While it's situated along the river, you can't actually see the river from the restaurant. The interior is very stylish and has a lively atmosphere ☀️. The price range is around ¥2,000 for lunch, including drinks and food, so it's considered a bit pricey. The food is delicious, and I recommend it to those looking for a stylish place! You can also take a stroll along the river after lunch, making it a perfect spot for a date.

【Location】 It's about a 10-minute walk from Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station. It's located along the canal (but you can't see the canal from inside because of the embankment). The entrance is from the canal side. The alleyway on the opposite side is for bicycle parking and staff entrance. It's a stylish cafe in a traditional downtown area. I went there on a Saturday morning in July, when it was hot. It opens at 8:00 am, but I arrived around 9:30 am. About 80% of the seats were filled. Everyone is so dedicated to their morning routines! 【Inside】 The interior is mainly made of wood, with a high ceiling. There's also a second floor (loft-like), and there were several groups with pets on both the first and second floors. Although it was 80% full, when I told the staff I was alone, they showed me to an empty seat (at a table for four, so I shared with others). There was a wooden number plate on the table, like a building block, and you tell the cashier your number when you order. After 9:30 am, there were people waiting in line, and customers were coming in constantly. 【Flat White & Chocolate Croissant】 It was delicious. The flat white has a stronger coffee flavor than a cafe latte, which I prefer. What's interesting is that the cup doesn't have a handle! It's the same style as a teacup for green tea. Other people who ordered different drinks had handles, so I guess this is how they serve flat whites. The chocolate croissant is large and satisfying! It's crispy and the butter really stands out. The chocolate is mixed in here and there, and it's amazing to have the butter, chocolate, and dough all in your mouth at the same time! 【Other】 There were quite a few foreign customers. It might be good for people who live nearby, but waiting outside in this heat is quite a challenge. I recommend going as early as possible in the morning!

The entrance is on the Sumida River side, so you have to go around from the road. The view of the Sumida River I saw before entering the store was very beautiful. The store has a high ceiling, is spacious and relaxing. I bought a baguette and quiche to take home. They were very filling and delicious.