Marimba Café

Step off the street and into Old Word Europe with a visit to this distinctly charming café. The establishment’s antique romance comes from carefully selected bric-a-brac, heavy furniture and the dim glow of candles and lamps. The ground floor of this two-story café could be a salon in Paris, with dark tables and chairs, smoky mirrors, and a gleaming cake stand displaying the tortes du jour.

Down here, chef-owner Ikuta Daiki puts out dishes that could be described as loosely French. Chicken liver mousse, ratatouille, and the shrimp, scallop and avocado tartare form part of the “small plates” menu, which can be shared for a French tapas-style meal. The more substantial dishes, however, tend to venture out of France and into German (hamburg steak), Italian (risotto and pastas) and Asian (green curry) territory.

Marimba is also open to those wanting just a slice of cake or a drink. Couples wanting a cheeky drink will find the perfect spot on the second floor. In this broodingly sensual living room – complete with comfortable leather couches and tall lamps with tasselled shades – you can find a nook in which to curl up with a companion (or book) over a tumbler of whisky. The staff are discreet, only coming upstairs if customers ring a bell, which leaves you free to dream of your next holiday to Vienna.

[box]Where: 1F & 2F, 1-18-18 Higashi-shinsaibashi
Tel: 06-6281-1310
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-12:30am[/box]