What we often look for in a lunch cafe is a place that will spoil us. We need an oasis of calm and pleasure during the workday. A cafe that is spacious, attractive and full of natural light lifts the mood. Naturally, we want the food to be delicious and varied–and healthy, if possible. Who doesn’t like friendly staff, too? Finally, affordability is a big plus. Cafe Omnibus in Bashamichi delivers on all these.
Lunch sets for ¥900 include soup and a main dish, as well as trips to the salad and drink bars–dessert is an extra ¥200. Besides various sandwiches, such as clubs and panini, the lunch menu usually includes the juicy “Omnibus Burger” and a curry dish. Often, there is a specialty dish as well (a black pork rice bowl on our last visit). Everything was served in less than ten minutes, which is good if you are on a tight lunch clock. We, however, ate and drank at our leisure, letting the gorgeous architecture put us at ease.
Cafe Omnibus is located in Bashamichi in the high-ceilinged lobby of the historic 1929 building which once housed Daichi Bank and is now home to Yokohama Creativecity Center (YCC). Vaulting windows, large columns and cheerful white facades are all conducive to lunch-hour relaxation. Several shelves carry magazines and flyers about art and culture in the city. YCC sometimes hosts events and displays there, and the space is available for rental, too.
There is also a take-out menu of pre-made sandwiches and some ala carte items starting from ¥700. The happy hour between 5pm and 7pm features alcoholic drinks like Kirin draft and cocktails for just ¥300. The dinner menu is more varied and includes higher priced items, as well as a respectable wine menu with bottles starting at ¥4500. Ask about party plans if you like the space and want to use it. We’re considering it!
