Okinawan Cafe Koza

A bowl of soki soba, featuring tenderly stewed pork ribs over a savoury dashi broth, is a natural place to begin a meal at Okinawan Cafe Koza. The pairing of melt-in-the-mouth meat and satisfying soup works just as well for a lunchtime set as it does for a comforting finish to an evening drink. For something rice-based, the cafe's omelette taco rice has earned a steady following. Spiced minced taco meat and rice are blanketed in a soft, creamy omelette, balancing peppery seasoning with gentle richness.

The side dishes that complement the mains offer straightforward island flavours. Piping-hot fu chanpuru features chewy wheat gluten that drinks up the cooking broth, lending the stir-fry a savoury depth beyond standard vegetable dishes. Small plates focused on regional textures include a salad of popping sea grapes paired with silky mozuku seaweed, as well as jimami tofu, prized for its dense peanut richness and mochi-like chew. Savoury pork luncheon meat and egg can be nibbled over a cold beer, or paired with a can of A&W root beer for an everyday Okinawan touch.

Set just a short stroll from the east exit of JR Itabashi Station, the cafe has an easygoing, relaxed atmosphere that suits daytime lunches and casual evening drinks alike. Counter seating makes dining solo for a midday meal or dropping in after work entirely comfortable. For dessert, ordering po-po, a traditional rolled Okinawan crepe snack, makes for a gentle, sweet finish to the meal.