Almond

A heaping mound of spaghetti smothered in meat sauce sets the tone at Almond. Down the basement stairs of an Iwamotocho office building in Chiyoda Ward, the cafe greets visitors with the relaxed nostalgia of Showa-era Tokyo. The defining draw during lunch hours is the remarkable generosity of the pasta servings. Even standard orders arrive with the sort of mass that rivals large portions elsewhere, while actual large servings are genuinely formidable.

Slender Noodles and House Sauces

The house favorite is the Bolognese, featuring slender, slippery spaghetti coated in a rich minced meat sauce. Shaking grated cheese and Tabasco over the pasta as you work through the plate is part of the traditional coffee-shop routine. Each lunch pasta order includes a choice of hot coffee or tea. Beyond the signature meat sauce, the kitchen turns out a wide selection including garlicky vongole bianco, tomato-based vongole rosso, scallop cream sauce, and Japanese-style mushroom pasta.

From Early Breakfast Sets to Teishoku and Curry

Weekday mornings begin at 6:30, when early patrons stop by for a morning service set of toast, fried egg, sausage, salad, and a hot beverage. As midday approaches, the menu expands past pasta into hearty rice plates like curry, pork belly rice bowls, and ginger pork teishoku sets, offering reliable comfort for substantial appetites.

Basement Sofas and Vintage Atmosphere

Plush retro banquettes anchor the dining room, surrounded by vintage touches such as a goldfish tank and browsing magazines. Lunch rushes frequently require shared seating, bringing together office workers from the surrounding blocks. The entire cafe permits smoking, and payment is cash only. Keep both policies in mind before heading downstairs.