You know that satisfaction you feel when you find a really good café for lunch? That’s what we’re feeling with Clever Café. This comfortable little joint with a feel-good vibe in Noge-cho serves filling international dishes for prices that are fairly typical for lunch at area cafes. The friendly service and high-quality taste, though, make it seem like a deal to us.
The midday menu features plenty enough selection to suit an array of personal tastes and moods. It seems to lean a little toward spicy and hearty food, though—which we like. Definitely check the day’s specials, in addition to the set lunches. A mozzarella and ham panino (grilled sandwich) with soup and salad is just ¥750. Are you a soup fan? The Fisherman’s Clam Chowder (¥1100) with baguette and salad is spot on. The “Nashi Goren Junkie with fried egg” (an Indonesian fried rice dish; ¥1000) came with juicy shrimp and ample volume. One healthier selection was the salad plate heaped with fresh vegetables from nearby Miura peninsula and fried fish (¥1100). If you’re looking to snack or get an array of smaller dishes, there are a few dozen other items to choose from, including various styles of pizza bread (¥550~) and “today’s otsumami” (appetizers), liked smoked salmon, all for just ¥450. Fresh, local vegetables are a big component of many dishes; get a taste with the bagna couda (¥680). Given how adept the chefs are with spices, we’ll definitely go back for the red curry (¥1000) and pepperoncino (¥900). Save room for dessert! The acai bowl (¥750), a traditional Brazilian fruit and granola dish, is irresistible.
The lunch drinks are typical—coffee, teas, soft drinks—but only ¥100 to ¥200 with your lunch. Draft beer is just ¥300 if you want to take the edge off.
The café itself, though, will likely take the edge off. The soft, low-sitting sofas are great for lounging back into. It’s hard to go back to work after a lunch like this.