Kiku

Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — ¹⁸⁄₁₀₀
The great thing about getting outside of the congestion of central Tokyo is finding really cool, reasonably priced Unilocal spots that really focus on value, service and sincerity. This one of them.
History:
I was introduced to this place a few years ago by a (former) fellow Unilocaler when we came here for a business lunch. It is located about seven minutes walk going towards Ogikubo station on the south side of Nishi Ogikubo station on the JR Chuo line. There is a long row of shops, bars, restaurants and other business along this long stretch, but you’ll see it on your left eventually.
Short story:
+ Menu: 5 (fresh, colorful, tasty deli-​dishes prepared on site daily)
+ Fare: 5 (good variety spanning Japanese, Asian, European, fusion styles)
+ Atmosphere: 5 (bright and colorful, more subdued in the evenings; great BGM selection — classical and jazz)
+ Value: 5 (excellent variety of sets that cover lunch, tea time, dinner as well as take out)
+ Service: 5 (order first at the counter; your meal and drinks brought to your table)
Long story:
Upon entering the café, you immediately are faced with the large, colorful and inviting selection of freshly made deli dishes. They have chilled items in the chilled glass case, and warm/​hot items in large dishes on the counter to the right of the glass case.
Choose which set you prefer — that will determine how many entrée items you can select from among the chilled and hot items. Sets also come with rice/​bread, choice of beverage and daily soup (+¥100 for minestrone, recommended).
Deli highlights (shameless plug): My favorites are the authentic meatloaf, deli salad simply called «green» which is excellent, another deli item made from pumpkin/​squash with raisins, carrots and creamy sauce on top. Oh, there are too many dishes to choose from!
No worries, you can also order any of the items for take out. They will weigh out and package up anything you can’t finish or want to add to your order.
Tea time features home-​made desserts and coffee or tea. My favorite is the raspberry cheesecake — not a huge heavy piece of diet-​busting sweetness like you would get in the U.S., but the perfect compliment to a tasty cuppa joe or herb tea. The crust is buttery graham cracker and the cheese filling was perfect consistency with accents of raspberry that are delicate, creamy and express subtle flavors — drool. They also serve cakes and other pies on a rotating basis, so you may need to revisit many times just to cover the dessert menu. Multiple visits definitely required to cover the deli menu, even if you go with friends and everyone orders something completely different.
The interior décor is bright and comfy — hand-​painted motifs adorn the long wall from front to back. Lots of wood, no glaring florescent lighting, definite feel of intimacy with the kitchen, like an extended but intimate dining room in a country inn.
Rest assured, there is a serious focus on using all natural and organic ingredients. Each dish is carefully made by hand on site, and there is an interesting mix of origins that the items originate from — ask the staff for the story.
Over the years, Kiku has been a solid source of comfort food, provides excellent balance of value, amenities, friendly staff and overall good feeling. On my radar for top chill spots.
P. S. Entire restaurant is no smoking, as well as at the few seats outside. Like other spots in the area I have reviewed, Nishi Ogikubo prohibits smoking on the street except at designated spots. Hold your urge and enjoy the café instead.