Most people walk right by the simple red hooded entrance to the small and posh Japanese department store Takashimaya on 5th Avenue, but if you love Japanese food or are in the mood for something different you need to check out the Tea Box Cafe. Even people who have been to the store easily miss the cafe since it is almost hidden downstairs.
Take the elevator to the basement and and you will find their tea shop which is my favorite in new York, and is filled with 36 different kinds of tea from Japan, China, and England and charcoal-roasted Japanese coffee. Each tea is laid out in small bowl across the counter for you to smell and it is fun to explore the different ingredients and aromas. But once you are done with that, make you way to back right corner of the shop to find the hostess stand.
I usually go for lunch and try to arrive promptly when they open at 11:45 because the small L shape restaurant fills up quickly. I usually ask to be seated in the "back room" which is to the left, as it is a small silver walled room that is off the main room and is quiet and less busy then the main room.
I always get the Bento box without even looking to see what is in it since it changes daily. Few restaurants in the world inspire that level of blind faith in me but they have never let me down. The Bento box arrives in an almost ominous fashion as a sleek black covered wooden box arrives at your table. The waiter semi-dramatically removes the lid to reveal the treasures inside which consist of four different small entrées. It is also great because the Bento box is the perfect portion size that leave you with just enough room for dessert which I also highly recommend. Even though it is a small restaurant their pastry chef is first rate and always creates new and unique creations. I am always on the lookout for the Uzu cheesecake which is the best and most unique cheesecake I have ever had.
Also, if you are not in the mood for lunch, the Tea Room stays true to it's name and does has a very nice afternoon tea service as well.