Italian Extravaganza in Shibuya: Pasta Perfection and “Burning Cake” at Cafe Legato

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)

“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

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

“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.

Photo of Cafe Legato

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!

 Bensky
Bensky

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.

Photo of Crab with Tomato Cream Sauce

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)

“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.

 Bensky
Bensky

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.

Photo of Cafe Legato

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!

Photo of Baked Alaska Ice Cream Cake Topped with Browned Meringue

“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.

 Photo of Baked Alaska Ice Cream Cake Topped with Browned Meringue

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…

 Bensky
Bensky

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.

Photo of shop interior

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
  • Keiō Inokashira Line(IN02)

Shibuya Station(SBY)5-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit A0
  • JR Yamanote Line(JY20)
  • JR Saikyō Line(JA10)
  • JR Shōnan Shinjuku Line(JS19)
  • Tōkyū Tōyoko Line(TY01)
  • Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line(DT01)
  • Keiō Inokashira Line(IN01)
  • Tokyo Metro Ginza Line(G01)
  • Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line(Z01)
  • Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line(F16)
Phone number 050-5443-0493
Reservations Accepted
Phone, official website, Tabelog
Payment
  • Cash not accepted
  • Credit cards(American Express・Diners・Discover・JCB・Master・UnionPay・VISA)
  • Transportation-related electronic money(Suica, etc.)
  • Electronic money(iD・nanaco・QUICPay・Rakuten Edy・WAON)
  • QR code payment(Alipay・au PAY・d Payment・Merpay・PayPay・Rakuten Pay・WeChat Pay・Yucho Pay)
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
  • English menus are available
  • Please ask staff about allergy-friendly, vegan and vegetarian menu options; halal menus are not available
  • Wheelchair-accessible (several steps in passage to restroom)
  • Take-out and delivery service are not available
  • Luggage storage is available
  • Wi-Fi is available
  • Posting of food photos and videos on SNS is allowed
  • Separate billing is allowed
  • Minimum charge for window seats
    20,000 JPY for table seats and private dining room seats, 3,300 JPY for bar counter seats

※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2023.