J.S.FOODIES TOKYO — Restaurant in Princeton

Let me just say this place has some issues. We were very excited about trying this place but ultimately were disappointed. We came around lunch time and were aware of the timing kiseki pancakes, which ended up coming out pretty quickly. However, timing was a big issue. The fries came out 2 minutes before the 30 minute long pancakes, when we had asked for them to be an appetizer. Then the simple avocado toast took twice as long and me and my partner ended up having to eat at completely separate times bc the toast took so long. If the pancakes take 30 minutes, why were they faster than avocado toast?

On top of that, the toast was bland and had little flavor. The avocado was just smeared on, no seasoning. The egg was not seasoned, only with a dash of paprika on top that didn't contribute to it. The salad was soggy and overly dressed, but yet somehow has no seasoning either. It didn't taste like anything. In terms of presentation, I had no idea what the white sauce cheese-like looking stuff was. The toast was placed on top of the salad, making it wet on the bottom. But somehow, the toast was overcooked and was too crispy, to the point where I couldn't use the toast to soak up the egg yolk. Again, the whole dish was just begging to taste like anything -- simply for some salt, pepper, for lime or lemon. I can't stress how bland it was.

The pancakes are pretty worth it but forget trying to order anything other than those. If you're only good at pancakes or sweet things, don't bother at making something else, particularly savory things. There were major issues with execution and timing on that end. The restaurant itself is boring, plain, and needs a pop of color. The white and light wood are meant to seem simple, but it's like overwhelmingly lost with the lack of decor. It's incredibly overpriced considering the poor quality, even considering price point of the area.

Only come here if you're wanting to try the pancakes. Order to go if you can, so you're not bored to death by white walls...

The ambiance is no frills at its best, nothing fancy. The only thing memorable was the establishment’s name, which adorned one of the walls. All of the walls were painted your basic white, unfinished wood surrounds the windows and doors. The air flow is fair, three fans are attached to one of the walls, which were required to be used due to the heat from the open view kitchen. Wait staff was fair, as no one inquired as to anyone wanting anything once the drinks were deposited. We were seated directly in front of the kitchen, which was interesting to watch or meal being prepared. The establishment is bright, but plain. Someone came around twice with a pot of coffee for refills, and a bottle of tap water is placed upon every table for self serving, but no other offers for drinks after your order is taken. If you’re going here for the Kiseki-Japanese pancakes, they take 20-30 minutes, and are made to order, (if you’re hungry, think about ordering perhaps an omelet to share while you wait). We went for the Kiseki pancakes, which were light and fluffy, as described. The lemon ricotta was topped and perfectly paired with a light whipped cream, chopped dried fruit, and honey were placed delicately around the outside of the dish, and a side of honey accompanied the meal. The strawberry Kiseki pancakes had a dollop of strawberry purée, two average sized, red strawberries were artistically arranged on the pancakes, and it was served with an amazing pink colored cream, complementing the order perfectly. A side of bacon arrived with three slices, folded in half, crispy, and lean. The coffee flowed which was perfect, a hot matcha completed our order. While we were asked a couple of times If we were enjoying our meal, not once were we asked if we wanted any other items off the menu. The table was cleared periodically, which was wonderful, as the...

Edit for 5/24- looks like they no longer take takeout orders according to a server there. Sadly disappointed. 😢

Edited for 2nd visit 4/25/24- came back for the strawberry souffle pancake and it was delicious! One pancake has strawberry cream- the other had lemon curd+ jam with fresh strawberries. It was a little busy this time and staff member mentioned pancake make time (about 30 min) which I okay with. But I came about 20 min and it was done! Depends on the amount of crowd.

A note to management - I think having a mini website with this info, signs outside before entering & mentioning to customers BEFORE seating to be transparent about the souffle pancake make time (20/30 min or more pending rush) might be needed. Some new customers who are not familiar the souffle pancake make time can be too used to the "fast food" culture which can cause some issues which I did witness coming while ordering. I want this place to succeed so educating unfamiliar customers might be needed.

4/15/24 Will def be coming back!! Heard about this via the Maruichi Princeton and visited for lunch takeout. The inner cafe is so nicely designed and clean and the staff was lovely! I went on non busy time

Ordered the J.S burger and Matcha Kiseki pancake. The staff were super helpful & transparent about the souffle pancake make time (20-30 minutes) which I didn't mind. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious and not too sweet. The cream had a nice amount of matcha flavor without being too sweet. The burger was nice and juicy and the topping (avocado and cooked onions) gave nice flavor.

I definitely recommend this place and will come back to try the strawberry pancake based off the...