茶寮 天乃庵 — Restaurant in Tokyo

Very possibly the best mochi I've had in Tokyo.

This hidden gem is - without question - the best Japanese dessert café in Takanawa/Shinagawa, Tokyo.

The exterior is a nondescript, red brick building that is so easy to miss. The first time I entered, I quickly backed out - thinking that I had gotten the wrong building.

The interior is spotless, unadorned, but windowless. Quite unlike what one typically expects of a good café in a city.

They serve food, and alcohol, among other things. Don't bother. They are good, but nothing to write home about.

But make no mistake - the desserts here are their crown jewels:

Kakigori (shaved ice with matcha, red beans, and condensed milk).

Anmitsu (mini rice cakes, red bean paste, agar jelly cubes, and vanilla ice cream)

Warabimochi (the best mochi I've ever had in my life)

I have been frankly quite disappointed with the pastries, and other sweet treats around this part of Tokyo.

I was ready to give up, and consign myself to eating 7-11 ice cream in my hotel room.

But the moment I tasted the desserts here - I knew nothing around the Takanawa or Shinagawa area...

Such a lovely, warm place to enjoy some Japanese sweets and a coffee or tea. It feels like you’re walking into someone’s home, and the ambiance is quiet and relaxed. I actually wanted to try their pudding, but they were sold out, so I went with the warabi mochi (わらび餅) instead. I love mochi so this wasn’t a new taste, but the syrup and kinako (きなこ) together was so tasty. The iced coffee was strong and flavorful, and went well with the sweetness of the mochi. The service was fast and friendly too. I definitely think this place is...

We ordered warabi mochi, a matcha latte and some black tea. They were all hearty and delicious and made for a very cozy snack on a cold January afternoon. While the room could use more decorative warmth, the staff were kind and welcoming. I hope to return another time with a book for a...