Just a short walk from the bustle of Omotesando in Tokyo lies Urasando Garden, a quiet little complex housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home.
Tucked away in one corner is “Riz Labo Kitchen Urasando Garden” (hereafter referred to as “Riz Labo Kitchen”), a cafe specializing in gluten-free sweets.
The stars of the menu are pancakes and crepes made with Japanese rice flour—completely wheat-free and kind to your body, yet full of rich flavor.
The cafe’s reputation has even crossed borders, drawing attention from international visitors as well.
Their signature pancakes are known for their impressively thick and luxurious appearance. Each one is carefully cooked with time and attention, resulting in a lightly crisp surface and a soft, airy center.
Instead of wheat flour, the batter is made with domestically grown rice flour, produced using organic or low-pesticide farming methods.
While retaining the unique chewy texture of rice flour, the recipe was refined through trial and error—“It took a lot of experimentation to get it just right,” says owner Kazuya Tsurumura.
Fluffy, wheat-free pancakes made with Japanese-grown rice flour
The result? A tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that continues to win over new fans who are pleasantly surprised by the incredible potential of rice flour.
The irresistible texture of gluten-free pancakes
Among the carefully crafted pancakes, particularly popular is the “Organic Matcha & Strawberry,” which luxuriously pairs creamy Uji-matcha cream with strawberry compote.
“有機宇治抹茶＆いちごSpecial,” Organic Matcha & Strawberry3,200 JPY (tax included)
The thick, fluffy pancakes are so soft they visibly jiggle when you gently shake the plate.
They’re served generously with fresh cream and a vibrant strawberry compote, making for a strikingly beautiful presentation.
The batter is made with organic soy milk and finished with rice oil instead of butter, giving the pancakes a surprisingly light texture and a clean finish. As you insert your spoon, you’ll feel a gentle bounce, and the pancake melts delicately in your mouth.
The whipped cream, made with Hokkaidō dairy, is infused with organic Uji matcha—the same high-quality tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
That’s why the flavor is so outstanding—gently bitter with a rich aroma that spreads softly across the palate, offering a truly refined taste.
Combining it with the restaurant’s house-made strawberry compote, bursting with natural sweetness, adds just the right touch of tartness to brighten each bite.
Despite their generous appearance, the Organic Matcha & Strawberry pancakes are surprisingly light, thanks to its subtly sweet profile and plant-based ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert you can finish without feeling weighed down.
A unique dessert that wraps a pancake in a crepe
Another signature menu item you’ll definitely want to try is the playful “Crepe Pancake Matcha.”
A whole pancake wrapped in a matcha crepe—this one-of-a-kind dessert is something you’ll only find here. And of course, it’s also a gluten-free dish made with rice flour.
Crepe Pancake Matcha 2,500 JPY (tax included)
The crepe is made with the same organic Uji matcha used in the Organic Matcha & Strawberry pancakes. Wrapped inside the soft, matcha-flavored crepe are a fluffy pancake and rich matcha whipped cream.
Freshly sliced strawberries add a bright accent, bringing together sweetness, tartness, and contrasting textures for a new flavor experience with every bite.
One especially fun detail? The tiny pipette filled with matcha sauce that comes with it. Right before eating, you can drizzle the sauce over your dessert for an interactive and delicious experience.
As soon as you cut into the crepe with your fork and knife, the pancake and whipped cream inside gently spill out—the contrast between the warm crepe and the chilled toppings creates a perfect balance.
Drizzling on the matcha sauce to your liking as you eat adds an extra layer of fun, keeping each bite exciting until the very last.
Vegan and vegetarian-friendly matcha drinks
The drink menu is another highlight you won’t want to miss alongside your sweets.
At Riz Labo Kitchen, a drink order is required, and you’ll find a wide variety to choose from, including their popular house-made lemonade made with fresh lemons.
For a fully matcha-themed treat, the “Matcha Soy Latte” pairs perfectly with the desserts.
Made with premium Uji matcha and organic soy milk, it’s a gentle, vegan-friendly option that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
“抹茶ドリンク,” Matcha Soy Latte À la carte: 990 JPY / Drink set: +450 JPY with any food item
The natural sweetness and creaminess of the soy milk enhances the umami of the matcha, leaving a clean, refreshing finish.
Its gently unfolding matcha aroma lingers pleasantly with every sip, right through to the last drop.
Showcasing the wonder of rice flour from Omotesando
Owner Tsurumura was originally drawn to the uniqueness of rice flour, a distinctly Japanese ingredient. The more he learned about rice and its many uses, the stronger his desire became to showcase its potential to a wider audience.
The crepe menu display at Riz Labo Kitchen
Riz Labo Kitchen, which opened in 2016, initially gained attention for its thick, photogenic pancakes. But as interest in health-conscious eating grew, the cafe’s use of gluten-free and organic ingredients also became a major draw.
The exterior of Riz Labo Kitchen in Urasando Garden
The possibilities of rice flour—born from Japan’s staple crop—remain largely untapped. With few establishments focusing their menus on it, Riz Labo Kitchen stands as a pioneering presence, introducing the world to the delights of Japanese rice flour from a peaceful corner of Omotesando.
Information
| Store name | Riz Labo Kitchen 裏参道ガーデン店 Riz Labo Kitchen Urasando Garden |
|---|---|
| Address | Urasando Garden 1F, 4-15-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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| Access | Omote-sando Station 5-minute walk from Exit A2
Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station 10-minute walk from Exit 5
Harajuku Station 14-minute walk from Harajuku Station East Exit
|
| Phone number | Unlisted |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Hours | 12:00-17:00（last order 16:30） |
| Closed | Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday or substitute holiday) |
| Seating | 10 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/rizlabokitchen/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of July 2025.
