Cafe Piazza

A spoonful of retro-style pudding brings a pleasing firmness and a smooth finish. At Cafe Piazza, the classic café-style pudding, topped with cream and a cherry, is reason enough to stop in for something sweet. Visitors praise its firm yet smooth texture and the way it pairs with bittersweet caramel. Choose the simple pudding, the indulgent “Guilt-Free Pudding” topped with vanilla ice cream, or a bitter version served with espresso. One diner who paired the retro pudding with dark-roast coffee said its richness and roasted notes worked well with the sweet, full-flavoured dessert. There is also affogato, with a choice of espresso, matcha or hojicha sauce—a way to try something other than coffee.

There are also substantial options for lunch. The gapao rice is spicy, made with coarsely ground meat and plenty of basil. Diners describe it as piquant, so it is a good fit for those who enjoy some heat. For a different flavour, try the fried chicken plate with honey mustard, or the bacon and egg waffle, which pairs maple sweetness with the saltiness of bacon. The menu descriptions say both come with a drink and soup. One diner who ordered the fried chicken plate said the sweet-and-sour honey mustard went well with the seasoned chicken. Choosing between a meat-based lunch and the waffle’s sweet-and-savoury combination is part of the appeal.

Drinks to accompany something sweet include hand-dripped coffee, café lattes and hojicha lattes. One diner paired the pudding with yuzu iced tea and found its clean finish and citrus aroma a good match for dessert. The Shimbashi branch in Minato City is described as suitable for solo dining and working on a laptop. Wi-Fi is available, making it an option for getting some work done over coffee after a meal or simply taking a breather.