Sorazenon

This is the kind of place where you’ll get completely different impressions whether you come during the day or night, alone, with a friend or as part of a group.
This review describes the daytime, midweek lunch experience, alone and outside on the open air terrace. Arrival time was around 2 PM, well after «normal» lunchtime for most people.
Upon arrival you are asked for your seating preferences — inside or outside. As it was a beautiful fall day with nary a cloud in the sky, the terrace was the obvious choice. I was walked through the main space where two other parties were already enjoying their lunches.
Once outside, there are two left turns as you take a short walk towards the tables. Most tables seat two, although there are also a few accommodating four or more. I chose a table shaded by those large café umbrellas (see photo).
Today’s lunch: Choice from among four sets, most of which are purely vegetarian and all featuring the freshest vegetables of the season. I chose a combo deep marinated and steamed pork on rice with a salad on the side. I also ordered soup of the day (+ ¥100), a nice pumpkin with finely diced onion in a cream soup.
This place also features «yakuzen,» roughly translated as herbal medicinal ingredients. Today’s appetizer was accompanied by a small glass of a tangy «yakuzen» juice that had healthy properties aiming at stress reduction, increased circulation/​digestion and beautified skin. Wow, I felt pampered and healthier already!
The main dish (see photo) was fantastic! Tender pork with a light sauce that was distinctly Chinese in flavor — hints of XO brandy and sweet Chinese red miso. The meat required no knife — it was perfect — tender but separated nicely with a fork, and oh, a huge burst of flavor as it literally melted in your mouth. A soft-​boiled egg with oooozing yolk added a mellow accent to the lively flavors of the meat and nicely balanced with the flavor of the rice. Yum!
The side salad was plentiful (emphasis on healthy, remember?) with six kinds of greens, thin slices of green and yellow bell peppers, and a very nice French-​like dressing. Sorry, forgot to check — too busy enjoying the food. I was pleased the salad was so fresh and a main part of the meal, not a chintzy, shriveled afterthought served by so many other restaurants.
I purposely chose to forego the post-​meal beverage (+¥250) and just stuck with water. The waitstaff were very attentive and filled the glass often without prompting (rare!).
Dessert can also be added for a slight extra charge.
This is the sister location of Café Zenon (also in Kichijoji; see my review there) and similar dedication to art, creators and manga can be seen here. It’s hipster funky but the expansive terrace, 200° sweeping view and food (plus good service) are selling points.
Can’t wait to try it again at lunch, and hopefully at night for a meal, not just drinks.