Ivy Place — Restaurant in Tokyo

The morning in Daikanyama is serene, with the scent of coffee and a relaxed atmosphere that sets the tone for the day. This stylish neighborhood, known for its boutiques and cafes, is the perfect place to unwind, and today, I’ve chosen Ivy Place, a popular spot that’s not only known for its chic design but also for its delicious pancakes.

Stepping into Ivy Place, I immediately felt at ease. The modern, minimalist decor, paired with large windows that allow the sunlight to fill the space, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Greenery throughout the restaurant adds a touch of nature, and the soft background music mixes with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, making it the ideal place to linger.

After glancing over the menu, I couldn't resist ordering their famous pancakes. These pancakes are simple but renowned for their quality: just thick, fluffy layers topped with a pat of butter and a small bottle of warm maple syrup. I paired them with a latte, ready to enjoy this signature dish.

Soon, the pancakes and latte arrived at my table. The pancakes were perfectly golden on top, with a smooth slab of butter slowly melting into the warm surface. The maple syrup was served on the side, adding a sweet touch when drizzled over the pancakes. Cutting into the stack, I was immediately struck by how soft and airy the texture was — light and delicate, with a slight sweetness. The rich maple syrup and melting butter enhanced the flavor without overpowering it. The pancakes weren't overly sweet, allowing the simple ingredients to shine. Combined with the latte, the smooth, creamy coffee complemented the sweetness of the pancakes beautifully, creating a perfect breakfast pairing.

After enjoying the pancakes, I decided to continue my meal with a more savory option. Ivy Place also offers a selection of Italian dishes, and I opted for their classic weekly spaghetti. The pasta was cooked to perfection, with a rich tomato sauce and aromatic herbs that gave it a comforting, yet fresh, flavor. The Margherita pizza was another highlight—thin, crispy crust topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Every bite was a delightful balance of flavors, with the crisp edges of the pizza adding a satisfying crunch.

The service was friendly and professional, making the entire dining experience even more enjoyable. Ivy Place isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to slow down and appreciate the little things, whether it’s the beautiful atmosphere, the comforting food, or the overall sense of relaxation.

After finishing my meal, I reluctantly left Ivy Place, feeling content and happy. The pancakes, pasta, and pizza were all delicious, but more than that, it was the atmosphere that made the experience truly special. It’s one of those places that stays with you, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

Ivy Place is a popular spot, especially on weekends, so it’s best to either make a reservation or go during quieter hours on weekdays if you want to avoid waiting...

Tucked away a good 10-minute walk from Daikanyama Station—let’s be honest, it’s not the most convenient location—but surrounded by stylish buildings that scream, “Ah, this must be the place!” You’ll know it when you see it. The café itself has a rustic, almost horse-stable-in-the-countryside kind of vibe, all wooden and warm.

Despite it being a weekday afternoon, the place was buzzing—maybe it was the good weather, or maybe this spot is just that popular. The staff were all friendly and attentive, which added to the good vibes.

Now, about the menu… To be frank, I found it rather limited. Not much to choose from, and nothing really jumped out at me—so I settled for a salad.

But wow, talk about a pleasant surprise. That salad completely exceeded my expectations: fresh, flavorful, and just the right portion size.

The lighting inside is on the dimmer side, and with a steady stream of customers coming and going, it’s definitely a lively place. The price? A bit steep for a salad, perhaps—but the taste and popularity justify it, I suppose.

However, and this might sound odd… I couldn’t shake the smell of horse manure in the air. I’m not sure if there’s a stable nearby or if it’s part of the rustic charm, but it was definitely noticeable to me. If not for that, I’d say this place has a really nice atmosphere.

A bit more variety on the menu would go a long way, but all in all, it’s a trendy spot that clearly has a...

The meal ended on a disappointing note.

The pancakes were fine and our first English-speaking server was very polite and helpful, suggesting that we could have our savoury food first then our sweet dishes later.

However, even though we hadn't even finished the savoury dishes served at 10:05am, the staff gave us our sweet dishes. (Which is fine, but felt a bit self-contradictory).

Not even 10 minutes later, another manager/ staff already served us the bill even though we weren't even half way through the last pancake stack.

We arrived around 9:30am per our booking time, waited for the food for 25 mins and the staff brought the bill before 10:40am and rushed us not apologetically. FYR We ordered one breakfast and one drink EACH for three. We could clearly see that other tables who were here before us (already eating when we arrived) and had finished their food were still sitting there for at least 30 minutes and chatting without having the bill forced upon them. Not sure if it's because the other tables were white foreigners or this specific table was reserved for later but it makes no sense that we were rushed to finish our food especially as the meal isn't cheap. We're already pretty fast eaters as well.

Was looking forward to this meal and made the trip over for 40 minutes....