• 4
• Nice place...

I visited Ain Soph Journey in Shibuya when I was in Tokyo last June, and thought it was nice. I did try to go back to that one a couple of weeks ago, but it was Friday night, I didn't have a reservation, and they were fully booked. So I went to the branch in Ikebukuro last Sunday for lunch, and although it was very busy, I was able to get a table. I had the lunch set, which was a tomato & veg soup, mushrooms & veg in red wine sauce and a drink (I had coffee), for 1700 yen. The food was very nice, and the staff, although very busy, were attentive enough. But I don't know..there is just something that stops me raving about it. I think it is a popular place, with a very particular crowd - mostly female, young, hip Tokyoites;. And maybe I'm just used to all the other veggie places I've been to, where you can often be the only customer, so don't get turned away or have to wait a while to pay. It just feels a little bit too trendy to me, and like it doesn't have to try. No complaints at all about the food, but I've had better in other, cheaper places. Yes, I would go again, and yes, I would recommend it...but it wouldn't be my first choice. This branch is quite easy to find. Take metro to Ikebukuro, which is a massive station. Can't remember which exit I took, but there are maps on the station and you want the exit opposite Sunshine Dori. Head along Sunshine Dori until you come to a really busy main road (it's about a 10-minute walk). You have to use the overpass to get across the road, and the restaurant is on the other side, clearly sign posted.