I love that the soup broth comes in a separate container and the waiter pours it into the plate when it arrives on your table. Takashimaya Tea Box. I brought many friends and family visiting from LA to this little box of a cafe on the basement of Takashimaya store for the wonderful bento box lunch and delicate Japanese-influenced sandwiches. This is the perfect place for the ladies to relax and drink a warm pot of tea after a day of shopping on Fifth. The coffee is wonderful, too.
Prices are reasonable and service is friendly and detailed.
And no, I rarely see tourists on a weekday. No dinner though, the box closes when the store closes. I love the complimentary miniature muffins, the delicious mizzuna salad with fried sweet potato crisps and light miso vinaigrette, the plentiful macadamia nuts lemon scented pancakes, the banana cinnamon toasts, etc. The brunch menu is creatively californian, which is why I love this place, and service is friendly though efficient. Reservations are essential for a Sunday or Saturday brunch.