A panda-shaped steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste is included with the kids set from Everyones Cafe inside Ueno Park in Tokyo. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
An enchanting herb garden cafe serves delicious, westernized dishes with locally sourced ingredients right inside Ueno Park, just steps away from Ueno Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest.
Diners can feel at ease while relaxing on the terrace and sipping herbal tea at Everyones Cafe, even when the park is crowded. The cafe boasts a large space with both indoor and outdoor seating.
There is usually a line outside of Everyones, and the weekend I visited was no different.
The cafe uses a ticket system rather than accepting reservations. I waited only about 10 to 15 minutes before my number was called. I occupied myself in the meantime enjoying the minty smell of Spanish lavender from the herb garden.
As I walked onto the terrace, I was struck by the child-friendly ambiance. Families ate lunch under cream-colored umbrellas, and children played near a sprawling rosemary plant.
The cafe incorporates its fresh, vibrant herbal abundance into its menu, particularly the drink offerings. From refreshing rosemary and mint lemonade sodas to invigorating mint-infused teas and a zippy, herbal mojito, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy.
The garden plate with Yawaratan pork from Everyones Cafe inside Ueno Park in Tokyo. It's served alongside a rainbow of healthy side dishes. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
Everyones’ commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is evident in every dish it serves. I opted for the garden plate with Yawaratan pork from Tachikawa, near Yokota Air Base. While the tender pork was truly the star, the croquette was also a standout.
The small side dishes like the soup du jour and the various salads made with a rainbow of vegetables showcased the cafe’s dedication to both taste and aesthetics.
Vegetarians can choose from a few meat-free dishes, and the kids’ menu has some of the cutest arrangements I’ve seen in Japan. Each set comes with a panda-shaped accoutrement, since pandas are a popular feature at nearby Ueno Zoo.
Everyones promises an enchanting dining experience for visitors of all ages. Its commitment to using seasonal, local ingredients shines through in each beautifully presented dish.
The sprawling herb garden and thoughtfully crafted drink menu add an extra layer of charm and freshness to the experience.
Everyones Cafe's commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is evident in every dish it serves. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
Everyones Cafe
Location: 8-4 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Prices: Most dishes cost between 1,000 yen and 1,600 yen. Special sets are 2,000 yen. Herbal drinks max out at 940 yen.
Dress: Casual
Directions: A short walk from the Park Gate exit at Ueno Station in Tokyo.
Information: Phone: 03-5815-8251; Online: shop.create-restaurants.co.jp/0941
