How is a particular dish or drink created? By unraveling a restaurant’s signature you reveal the chef's personality and philosophy, their commitment to the ingredients, and even the attitude of the producers. Exploring the story behind the cuisine, the dots that shape Kabutocho turn into lines that connect them.

For the 11th instalment of Dialogue of Food, we feature CAFE DANCE, newly opened on the first floor of Kabutocho’s landmark hotel, K5. With interiors designed by a Scandinavian design unit and authentic menus crafted from high-quality ingredients, the café offers a vibrant space that enriches every moment of the day.

Having marked its 5th anniversary, K5 underwent a renewal of its in-house restaurants in March 2025. Out of this transformation, CAFE DANCE was launched as a café/lounge that can be enjoyed throughout the day, catering to hotel guests’ breakfast and brunch needs, through to relaxing moments in the evening. And of course, walk-in customers are also welcome at any time.

The interior design was handled by CKR, the same Swedish architectural design unit responsible for the hotel. It also features plants selected by Yard Works, which manages the greenery for various facilities in Kabutocho and operates its studio and office in the neighborhood. Step through the doors of this century-old gray building, and you’ll find a space where lush greenery and eye-catching red chairs work in natural harmony.

Operating as an all-day café, it’s open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The menu features an original blend coffee from Switch Coffee, a roaster based in Tokyo’s Meguro, and offers wine by the glass from afternoon onwards. Guests can be seen chatting with friends or partners during a break, strolling around the city, or working at the counter with a drink, or even enjoying a board game in the evening. The guestbook, already filled with messages from around the world, captures the café’s warm spirit.

The menu at CAFE DANCE—named with the hope that guests “will enjoy a heart-stirring time of new discovery while savoring the atmosphere of historic Kabutocho”—deliberately incorporates classical dishes that evoke a comforting, retro sensibility. Chief among these is the panna cotta, served in a silver bowl.

Its trademark jiggly texture bounces and sways as it makes its way to the table. Beneath its pure white surface lies a generous amount of freshly scraped vanilla beans, while the caramel sauce, made in-house, adds a deep aroma and rich flavor. Classic yet meticulous, this dessert reflects the precision expected of a hotel café.

Beyond coffee, the drink menu is extensive — teas, sencha, matcha lattes, and juices. Among them, the must-try signature DANCE Hot Chocolate stands out. Made by combining freshly grated tonka beans with chocolate and cocoa powder in a blend of milk and fresh cream, it follows an authentic, artisanal process.

The tonka bean’s distinctive aroma, reminiscent of almonds and vanilla, gently unfolds in the cup. Served with whipped cream, it adds texture and creamy depth — a comforting indulgence for any season.

In the middle of a busy day, taking a moment to slowly stir the cream into your drink can itself be a soothing ritual.

If you want a satisfying meal during breakfast or brunch hours, the homemade waffles should not be missed. The variations include the classic jun-kissa (old-school Japanese café) style, served with butter, maple syrup, and whipped cream, as well as an evolved savory plate combining the waffle with smoked salmon and spinach, reminiscent of Eggs Benedict.

Baked in a dedicated machine on-site, the waffles are characterized by their gentle sweetness and smooth texture. For the savory option, spinach is sautéed with garlic in olive oil and laid beneath the smoked salmon, topped with chervil and a soft-boiled egg, finished with a sprinkle of black pepper. The diverse textures and flavors softly harmonize with the waffle’s aroma and tenderness, and pair perfectly with coffee.

Serving as a relaxing space for hotel guests, CAFE DANCE is also gaining momentum as a venue that energizes the neighborhood, having already hosted pop-up events. The menu gradually changes throughout the day, evolving from breakfast to brunch and into the evening, where wine can be enjoyed starting midday, and both sweets and tapas are available at night. With last orders at 9:30 PM and closing at 10:00 PM, demand for it as a late-night café after work or errands is expected to grow.