While Tokyo is a foodie haven with some of the best restaurants in the world, its limited land space and coffee-to-go attitude may not seem to favor romantic outings. Many of the city’s coffee shops and cafes are smaller joints with just a few seats — not the best choice for first dates. 

That said, the city isn’t lacking in eateries for couples looking for a place to lay on the charm. We've considered the key ingredients that make a place date-worthy — good lighting, delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. 

From casual to chic, here are some of the best cafes in Tokyo for a memorable date.

Best for: An Instagrammable date where capturing the perfect selfie is part of the agenda. 

It’s dreamy and whimsical with a hint of Alice in Wonderland in this afternoon tea store, nestled along the Meguro River. A lush tapestry of flowers cascades dramatically over the ceiling and walls, with velvet banquettes providing the perfect spot for Instagram-worthy snaps.

Known for its seasonal decor, ​​Haute Couture Cafe is especially popular in spring, when its faux pastel-pink cherry blossoms overflow the space and blend seamlessly with the real blooms showering the riversides. 

The menu focuses on English-inspired afternoon tea staples, with each dish reflecting the colors of the season. For spring, delicate pink macarons, strawberry and hazelnut Mont Blancs, vibrant parfaits, and intricately piped cakes adorn the tiered curate. 

Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.

Read more: Where to Eat in Meguro

Best for: A stylish date in Tokyo for chic couples looking for Euro vibes. 

Sunlight pours in through the large picture windows, and the medieval-inspired style of Cafe La Boheme is sensational at any time of the day — high ceilings anchor the stained-glass pendant lights, wooden tables against the black-and-white tiled floors and sultry red curtains on the mezzanine. 

Adjacent to the lush gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen Park, the popular Cafe La Boheme might be the way to go when only classic options will do. The venue isn’t just a pretty face, either. 

The ornate surroundings complement an Italian menu that is executed to perfection. The cafe is known to be the pioneer of the Japanese riff of pasta, the mentaiko pasta. Beyond that, it dishes out seafood appetizers, oven-fired pizza and the European spirit of ending the meal with desserts and espresso. 

The lunch menu focuses on Italian recommendations including prosciutto, charcuterie and Caprese. At night, the drink lineup expands to the bar, where beers, wines and cocktails become the perfect aperitivo.  

Best for: When you’re looking for an “excuse” to surprise your partner with a bouquet of flowers. 

Taking inspiration from a greenhouse, the Aoyama Flower Market Green House is a sight to behold and makes you forget that you’re here to, well, eat. Fresh flowers are potted beneath each glass table and sprouted up through it, while the walls are filled with verdant greeneries. 

Throw the finishing touches of hanging ferns suspended from the ceiling and pothos climbing up the trellises, and altogether, the place feels like it's plucked straight from a fairytale. After exploring the floral wonderland, settle in to enjoy a menu of teas featuring a variety of herbs, leaves and seasonal specials. 

The desserts continue the botanical theme: French toast is crowned with edible flowers, and the flower parfait steals the spotlight with layers of cherry mousse, rose-infused jelly, vanilla ice cream and crunchy cereal, all elegantly presented in a circular bowl. 

Pair the dessert with rose-flavored drinks like rose tea or rose soda for a complete experience. 

Aoyama Flower Market has three locations in Akasaka, Kichijoji and Aoyama

Best for: A Lady-and-the-Tramp style meal with waterfront views and a rowboat date for sweethearts. 

For one of Tokyo’s most famous al fresco destinations, Canal Cafe looks pretty unassuming on the surface. But step through the gated entrance and into the deck area, and you’ll find that riverside views, a breezy dining space covered with canopies and Japanese-inspired Italian cuisine all come together to create something magical. 

Canal Cafe originally operated as a boat house business under the name Tokyo Suijyo Club (in fact, it’s the first boat dock built in Tokyo), before it changed its business to focus on the restaurant side. It’s a decision that’s gone well rewarded. 

These days, the venue has become the destination for romantic getaways  — it’s close to Shibuya but still retains its serene, Edo-Period charm. Customers can rent a rowboat and glide along the gentle river, which becomes especially sensational in spring when cherry blossoms bloom along the promenades.

For food, the terrace seating offers a more limited selection compared to the indoor venue, but it features shareable items like Neapolitan-style Margherita and Formaggi pizzas or pasta with marinara sauce and squid. 

Nothing fancy here, but it doesn’t have to be: the view from your table is all you need.

Best for: When you’re after a chic afternoon tea experience with a modern twist.

Settings for afternoon tea don’t get more chic than the Moska by Ginger Garden, located just a 2-minute walk from Omotesando. The space channels an ultra-modern makeover with a predominance of soft, neutral tones round marble tables, white armchairs and gleaming tiled floors. 

What the interior lacks in color is made up with its flower installations that cover the wall — cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in summer. Fittingly, the food also arrives on an elegant cake stand. 

Color-themed sets include petit fours, delicate cream-covered pastries and towering parfaits that are almost too beautiful to eat. While the savory section may not be as popular, it’s worth sampling, with options like borscht, cream cheese and salmon bagels, or even mashed potatoes when available.

Read more: Where to Eat in Omotesando

Best for: When you’re trying to convince your partner you are just going to “get one bread” (you won’t).

The name Les Joues De BeBe means “baby cheeks” in French, which frankly wouldn’t work for other venues but makes sense for this boulangerie, as it’s on a mission to deliver the softest, chewiest bread in town. 

It’s run by the folks at Jillion Group, which also manages Gonzo trattoria and Riku in Tokyo, led by a Germany-trained baker. The bread options are lined and stacked on the curved open counter, but their rolls are the highlight — buttery soft, studded with sesame and the perfect vessel for jams and creams.

Eat-in dining is a great choice after a hearty supper in Meguro. Barista-brewed coffee here is crafted to complement the flavors of freshly baked bread. For lunch, options include a bread set and lunch plate.

At dinner, the bakery serves light meals like appetizers and snacks, as well as hearty dishes such as meat, pasta and grilled items, all paired with a selection of alcoholic beverages. It's casual enough for a shirt-and-jeans kind of date, but stylish enough to make it a memorable outing in Tokyo.

Read more: 6 Best Bakeries in Tokyo

Best for: Serious gourmet couples — or just anyone looking for celebrity-chef-backed chicken and waffles in Tokyo.  

Following the success of her French-inspired eateries in New York and Paris, American chef Jody Williams opened her third restaurant in Tokyo in 2018. 

Located on the ground floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, Buvette is an all-day restaurant, cafe and bar that exudes an Americana bistro aesthetic. The space features antique plates, a Brooklyn-style exposed brick wall and a deer head mounted on the wall.

The brunch-forward menu primarily puts heavy focus on bread, while the daytime lineup features toast with fluffy eggs, caviar, prosciutto and cheese. It's not uncommon to see neighboring tables making a toast with a glass of Cabernet Franc alongside their 2 pm lunch. 

The waffle “sandwich” combines bacon, cheese and a runny sunny-side-up egg between two buttermilk waffles. Other highlights include Belgian waffles topped with berries and heavy cream, and the California-favorite avocado toast.

It’s an effortlessly cool date in Tokyo. Finish the meal with coffee from Onibus Cafe. 

Read more: 7 Best Brunch Spots in Tokyo

Best for: An after-meal coffee date in Ginza with a partner who loves and knows their coffee (even if you don’t). 

Kanno Coffee Ginza passes all the criteria for a classic kissaten (traditional Japanese coffeehouse) with flying colors.

The cafe in Ginza takes its coffee seriously, selecting beans based on the season and their growing environment, such as the Hi-Iri blend from Ethiopia and the Tsuki-iri from El Salvador. Brewing is done with the same meticulous care as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony — each cup is ground and brewed on order. 

Other coffee drinks are crafted with equal attention: the cream for its Vienna coffee is shaped into a rose, while the cafe au lait is made with a deliberately strong brew and warmed milk.

Dessert is delicate and mostly cream-based, such as the matcha baravois, rare cheesecake or Japanese pudding. 

The decor is outfitted with all the classic, Western-inspired trimmings meant for comfort. A few things make the space retro, such as deep-red upholstered chairs, illustrations of kimono-clad women on the mirror and the antique pendulum clock.

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Coffee in Japan

Best for: Post-thrift date in Shimokitazawa when you’re feeling indecisive about savory or sweet. 

The name says it all: Tarte & Love Cafe in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo’s vintage paradise, specializes in shortcrust pastries topped with generous, slightly guilt-free layers of sweet, punchy and glossy toppings. 

The two-story cafe emphasizes additive-free products and low-sugar recipes. While you’ll find classic options like berries, muscats and citrus fruits, the cafe also surprises with savory tarts such as tofu hamburger tarte brushed with demi-glace sauce and lobster and scallop doria.

The first floor features terrace seating, ideal for enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, while the second floor offers an indoor space with windows that let natural light flood in.

Read more: Vintage, Vinyls & More: 10 Best Things to Do in Shimokitazawa

For another experience that's perfect for two, enjoy a private dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Still in the mood for cafe-hopping through Tokyo? Discover the best cafes in Asakusa, Tokyo cafes with amazing coffee, and five must-visit character cafes.

Tokyo offers a variety of romantic cafes perfect for dates, including Canal Cafe and Aoyama Flower Market Green House for a floral-inspired setting.

It's recommended to reserve a table at popular spots like Haute Couture Cafe and Canal Cafe, especially during peak periods like sakura cherry blossom season in Japan.

A typical date in Japan often involves casual and relaxed activities such as going to a cafe, visiting a park or watching a movie. Japanese couples do not often have spontaneous dates. Instead, they are arranged in advance. It is also common to cancel dates when it rains.

The "3-date rule" in Japan is a cultural concept suggesting that by the third date, both individuals should have a clearer idea of their feelings and intentions. It is often expected that after the third date, a couple might decide to either start a relationship or move on if they don't feel a connection. 

Kissing on the first date is not very common in Japan and may be considered too forward by some. Japanese dating culture tends to be more reserved, and physical affection often progresses slowly. 

In Japan, it is common for the man to pay for the date, especially on the first few outings. However, it's also becoming increasingly popular for couples to split the bill (known as "warikan") or take turns paying for different aspects of the date.