Waremoko

At Cafe Restaurant Waremokou, Hikarigaoka Park, large windows look out onto the greenery of Hikarigaoka Park. The menu ranges from filling meals to afternoon sweets, making it easy to settle in and take your time. The restaurant is inside Nerima City Hikarigaoka Gymnasium, a welcoming place to stop between a walk and a visit to the library.

For a satisfying lunch, the curry catches the eye with its colourful vegetables. The vegetable curry comes topped with ingredients such as aubergine, pumpkin and courgette. Its light, runny texture carries notes of cumin and other spices; choose the spicy level for a more pronounced heat. Add a large, freshly fried oyster or opt for katsu curry for a more substantial meal.

There is also a broad choice of set meals and Western-style dishes, including the classic Hikarigaoka set, with a choice of meat or fish, comforting omelette rice and a horse mackerel fry set. Whether you prefer gently seasoned Japanese food or a crisp loin-cutlet set meal, there are options to suit different tastes.

For a café break, pair a drink with one of the cakes, which have a homemade touch. Fluffy chiffon cake, banana cake with the flavour of its ingredients coming through, and pumpkin cake all make appealing options. Pair one with a clean-tasting iced coffee for a relaxed pause.

The casual setup lets you order at a ticket machine before taking a seat. There is counter seating suited to solo diners, as well as a terrace where you can feel the breeze. Dogs are welcome on the terrace, making it a place to take a break at your own pace during a daily stroll.