• 4
• Nice...

I visited Ain Soph Journey in Shibuya when I was in Tokyo last June, and thought it was nice. On a recent stay in Tokyo, I tried to go back on a Friday evening without a reservation, but it was fully booked. I tried again on a Wednesday evening a few weeks later. I was asked if I had a reservation, even though the place was empty (it had just opened), but they did seat me. I must admit, I do find that a bit off-putting, especially when I am the only patron!. However, the food was nice - I had some sort of mushroom stroganoff with rice and salad, and then the heavenly vegan pancakes for dessert. They really are heavenly, much better than the main meals in my opinion. The interior is really cool and the staff friendly and attentive. But I don't know..there is just something that stops me raving about this place, a sentiment I also expressed in my review of Ain Soph Soar. I think it is a popular place, with a very particular crowd - mostly female, young, hip Tokyoites. It just feels a little bit too trendy to me, like it doesn't have to try. No complaints at all about the food, especially the pancakes, but I've had better main meals in other, cheaper places. This branch is very easy to find; take subway to Shinjuku-sanchome station, exit at Gate C5, and it is right there at the subway exit.