Although its name may evoke a simple coffee spot, Cafe Legato in Shibuya’s Dogenzaka area is a restaurant specializing in casual Italian cuisine.
“渡り蟹のトマトクリームソース,” Crab with Tomato Cream Sauce 1,870 JPY (tax included)
From its perch on the 15th floor, Cafe Legato offers panoramic views of Shibuya, and even a glimpse of Mount Fuji on clear winter days. The restaurant has 220 seats and is designed around a ‘theater’ concept, offering guests an escape from the ordinary as they savor a diverse range of dishes.
A minimum charge applies to window seats
According to management, 20-30 couples visit the restaurant every day to celebrate special occasions. With its breathtaking views and magical ambiance, it’s no wonder they choose Cafe Legato as a place to make unforgettable memories.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” spelled out with wine bottles
Feasting on a next-level crab pasta while enjoying spectacular views of Tokyo
Bensky, a culinary adventurer and member of the Umami bites editorial team, was thrilled to try the Crab with Tomato Cream Sauce, one of Cafe Legato’s signature pasta dishes that makes generous use of an entire crab.
As soon as the dish arrived, the delicious aroma of tomato sauce and crab wafted through the air. Bensky knew instantly: this was going to be amazing!
I was surprised to see a crab shell atop the pasta—never seen that before! But it wasn’t just the presentation. The flavor was also outstanding. The creamy tomato sauce goes so well with the pasta, so I really enjoyed every bite!
One component contributing to the dish’s popularity is its noodles made by Asakusa Kaikarō, a noodle factory established in 1950. Among Japanese ramen enthusiasts, the brand has a reputation of excellence, often lauded as a dependable choice.
The chewy pasta and the tomato sauce brimming with the essence of crab proved to be a perfect match, impressing even the food-savvy Bensky.
An American writer’s take on the Avocado Wasabi Burger
Next, Bensky, who was born and raised in the United States, tried Cafe Legato’s Avocado Wasabi Burger. Since wasabi is an ingredient not commonly found in stateside burgers, his curiosity was piqued.
“アボカドわさびバーガー,” Avocado Wasabi Burger 1,870 JPY (tax included)
A stacked masterpiece of beef, wasabi mayo, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, this burger is a hit among international diners. The moment Bensky took that daring first bite, his face instantly broke into a broad grin.
The patty was incredibly juicy! I loved the combination of the avocado and the wasabi mayo with just the right kick to it. I’m sure burger connoisseurs will give this one the thumbs up.
Even Bensky, hailing from the homeland of hamburgers, was full of praise! The robust texture and rich flavor of the 100% beef patty is perfectly complemented by the invigorating zing of wasabi mayo.
A guaranteed Instagram hit! Cafe Legato’s signature dessert is on fire!
Bensky was thoroughly satisfied with the pasta and the burger. But believe it or not, there was still one more menu item that caught his eye: a cake that’s literally wrapped in flames!
“ベイクドアラスカ” Baked Alaska Ice Cream Cake Topped with Browned Meringue 1,980 JPY (tax included)
Cafe Legato is famous for its signature dessert, the Baked Alaska Ice Cream Cake Topped with Browned Meringue featuring rich vanilla ice cream encased in a layer of meringue. To heighten the aroma and achieve that golden-brown finish, the dessert is drizzled with almond liqueur and then flambéed.
The flames are quenched by chocolate sauce
Finished off with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, the dessert is a true showstopper. The tableside flambé had been a crowd-pleaser, and it was clear that Bensky was already delighted, even before taking his first bite. When he finally did dig in…
This was a real eye-opener, especially since I’d never had a baked Alaska before. The slightly bitter meringue mixed so well with the sweet chocolate sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream. But what really got me was that contrast between the toasty meringue on the outside and the cold ice cream inside!
Many people choose to share this sensational dessert, but some adventurous diners tackle the whole thing themselves. Since the chocolate sauce isn’t overly sweet, it’s entirely possible to finish it on your own.
The three dishes that Bensky tried are exclusive to dinner time. During lunch hours, one can enjoy affordable burgers and pasta dishes.
Why not make your meal an event to remember at Cafe Legato?
Information
| Store name | Cafe Legato |
|---|---|
| Address | E-Space Tower 15F, 3-6 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Shinsen Station 3-minute walk from Shinsen Station North Exit
Shibuya Station（SBY）5-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit A0
|
| Phone number | 050-5443-0493 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, official website, Tabelog |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Sun-Thur. 11:30-15:00（last order 14:00）, 17:30-24:00（last order: food 22:30 drinks 23:30） Fri-Sat., days before nat’l holidays 11:30-15:00（last order 14:00）, 17:30-25:00（last order: food 23:00, drinks 24:30） |
| Closed | Japanese New Year’s holidays (1/1-1/2) |
| Seating | 220 seats 188 table seats, 18 private dining room seats, 14 bar counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://cafelegato.com/en |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2023.
