This mostly daytime cafe is run by the same people behind Fleurs et Cadeaux, a sushi and vinyl bar in Chinatown, but the focus here is on Japanese dishes, coffee, and drinks. The semi-basement, quasi-industrial space is the only place in town where you can dig into a curry bowl or happily unwrap a perfectly constructed katsu, karaage, egg, or avocado sando any time of day. You’ll find a crowd full of students and creatives hanging out on the long banquette, especially if you drop in for one of their special DJ nights Thursday through Saturday.

photo credit: Two Food Photographers