Eating Out: Amrita Shokudo

Located in Kichijoji's bustling Honcho area, Amrita is a well-established Thai restaurant popular with families and couples alike. We visited for lunch on a Saturday afternoon without reservations, and were pleasantly surprised to find that our wait for a table was only around 10 minutes.  Luckily we managed to bag a spot on the coveted outdoor terrace area which was perfect on a sunny June afternoon like today.

We were offered the option of a high chair for our daughter which we took, and were pleased to find that there was actually a safety harness for her which is so often lacking on the chairs here!  While we perused the menu (with English translations of dish names) she had fun looking at the fun kids' menu, but in the end we decided to share our dishes with her as she's not up to managing a full meal yet. All the children's meals are less spicy (but, our server assured us, still very flavourful!) and have major allergens listed for those concerned. Child-sized bowls and cutlery are also available.

Vegetarian options are limited (I counted only 2 or 3 on the menu but other dishes could be adapted), but I enjoyed a tofu and vegetable salad with jasmine rice. My husband opted for the green papaya salad lunch set which came with grilled chicken, sticky rice and a coconut milk pudding that was quickly snaffled by the youngest member of our party. 

Family Friendly? Yep. In addition to high chairs there are booster cushions for older children to use on adult chairs. The children's menu is well thought out and reasonably priced. It's a little crowded so they prefer you to leave pushchairs/strollers folded at the entrance but we did see younger babies at the table in them.

How much? Our food and a non-alcoholic drink for me (lime and mint soda, delicious but perhaps not worth the 600 yen price tag) came to around 3000 yen.

When/Where? Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, from 11.45 on weekdays and 12 on weekends. They are sometimes closed for private bookings so it may be advisable to call in advance. Visit http://www.cafeamrita.jp/data/access.html for exact opening times.

View Larger Map

Eating Out: Organic House Deli & Cafe

Located on the 3rd floor of Coppice's A building, this healthy cafe is incredibly child friendly and has a wide range of food to appeal to everyone. Grab a table (bumbo-type booster chairs and normal Japanese high chairs will be offered by staff if you have younger children) and head up to the deli bar where you will find a wide variety of salads, vegetable, tofu, fish and meat dishes, all with ingredients and allergens listed (in Japanese but staff will answer any questions if you don't understand). Most come in at around 2-300yen per 100g and it's very easy to get carried away with so many choices in front of you! Rice (brown and white) and miso soup are also available. At the entrance to the shop you will find bento boxes and pre-made calzone pizza pockets (400-500yen) which are also highly recommended. There is a decent children's menu which offers a slightly healthier take on the usual omelet rice/wiener/potato fries offerings in other restaurants, and a gelato counter is also on hand to tempt you as you wait to pay for your meal. Vegetarian options available.

Family Friendly? Very! Can't fault the service for children and babies, and with all the other family facilities on offer in Coppice, Organic House is a popular destination for people with young children. Be prepared to wait at peak times. Completely non-smoking.
How much? That's down to your self-restraint in the deli! A calzone and drink will come in at around 8-900 yen, helping yourself to a bit of everything could take your total (per person) up to around 1500 yen.
When/Where? Open from 10am-9pm (last order 8.30pm). Coppice's A building is a short walk north of Kichijoji station via the covered shopping area, Sun Road.



View on large map