Ruby

When the doors open at 7:30 in the morning, the comforting scent of toasted bread fills the room. Morning sets at Ruby, a kissaten nestled in Senju-Nakamacho in Kita-Senju, offer familiar staples: thick-sliced toast, a hot dog, simple sandwiches, or pizza toast. Plates arrive with a boiled egg and fruit, pairing easily with a pleasantly acidic house blend or a refreshing iced coffee to start the day.

Come lunchtime, the daily specials written up on the whiteboard become the go-to order. Mains like hirekatsu cutlets, ginger pork, or grilled fish arrive in a classic set style, surrounded by carefully made small side dishes such as simmered vegetables and seasoned greens, along with hot miso soup. After finishing the home-style cooking, guests are treated to coffee or tea and a little sweet, leaving them thoroughly satisfied.

The interior features counter and table seating, where deep-red velvet-upholstered chairs preserve the nostalgic air of a Showa-era coffee shop and snack bar. With casual dishes like yakisoba and pilaf also on offer, alongside bottled beer and other alcoholic drinks, Ruby works just as well for a quiet solo pause as it does for an unpretentious midday meal.