01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked along a street in Minato Ward's Mita district, Tobaya still displays the vintage signage from its past life as a hat shop while operating as a charming neighborhood kissaten and pastry stop. The unpretentious, homey dining room fills with patrons seeking casual lunch bites around midday, followed by tea and cake lovers during the afternoon.
The signature favorite at lunchtime is the house-made hotcake. Cooked to order with crisp, golden edges and a tender, fluffy interior, it offers a nostalgic comfort when paired with butter and syrup. Diners can tailor the meal to their appetite, choosing a savory set accompanied by a spinach omelette or a sweet fruit set topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. The kitchen also turns out classic Japanese coffeehouse staples like French toast, Hayashi beef stew rice, and ketchup-tossed spaghetti Napolitan, all served with drinks.
Dessert highlights include fruit parfaits that skip cornflake fillers in favor of delicate mousses, cakes, and layered fruit, alongside seasonal specials highlighting ripe market produce. The glass display case features straightforward pastries suited for either dining in or takeaway, from balanced strawberry shortcakes and custard-filled mille-feuilles to dense almond tarts, fitting easily into everyday teatime or as casual gifts.
