Cheval Café

A short walk from Nishi-Magome Station leads to Cheval Café, an unpretentious neighborhood spot serving French-inspired cuisine in relaxed surroundings. The lunchtime shōgiyaki (ginger pork) departs from the typical stir-fried thin cuts; here, thick, tender slices are prepared more like pork sauté. A zesty Japanese-style ginger glaze accentuates the juicy meat, flanked by a vibrant salad, creamy potage, and sixteen-grain rice for a deeply satisfying plate.

Lunch also features a varied, thoughtful selection, including plump hamburger steak coated in demi-glace sauce, fresh pasta tossed with shiso-scented bolognese, and chicken nanban. Diners looking to round out their meal should save room for dessert. The cheesecake combines cream cheese with a subtle accent of parmesan, yielding the dense, rich body of a terrine, while the cocotte-baked pudding offers a firm top that softens into a meltingly smooth custard above a bittersweet pool of caramel.

In the evening, the tempo slows into multi-course dinners built around wine pairings, carpaccio, and long-simmered beef cheeks. Out on the wood-deck terrace surrounded by seasonal plants, guests are welcome to bring dogs, making the space just as welcoming for an afternoon coffee as for an anniversary dinner.