OSMO X MARUSAN Café-Terrasse

"This mostly daytime cafe is run by the same people behind Fleurs et Cadeaux, a sushi and vinyl bar in Chinatown, but the focus here is on Japanese dishes, coffee, and drinks. The semi-basement, quasi-industrial space is the only place in town where you can dig into a curry bowl or happily unwrap a perfectly constructed katsu, karaage, egg, or avocado sando any time of day. You’ll find a mix of students, designers, musicians, start-up workers, and other creatives hanging out on the long banquette, especially if you drop in for one of their special DJ nights Thursday through Saturday." - ivy lerner frank, team infatuation

"This mostly daytime cafe is run by the same people behind , a sushi and vinyl bar in Chinatown, but the focus here is on Japanese dishes, coffee, and drinks. The semi-basement, quasi-industrial space is the only place in town where you can dig into a curry bowl or happily unwrap a perfectly constructed katsu, karaage, egg, or avocado sando any time of day. You’ll find a mix of students, designers, musicians, start-up workers, and other creatives hanging out on the long banquette, especially if you drop in for one of their special DJ nights Thursday through Saturday. " - Ivy Lerner-Frank

"This popular working café within startup centre Notman House just had a big makeover when it combined with Japanese snack bar Marusan. Now in addition to being a great place to work with plenty of tables and perfectly filtered coffee, it serves Japanese sandwiches and curries. Stick around after work for a 5 à 7 with a live DJ, some natural wine or sakes, and relaxing on its outdoor terrasses." - JP Karwacki, Eater Staff

"A unique blend between a coffee shop and a Japanese snack bar, this collaborative effort oozes creativity. Whether you’re stopping in for a coffee or something a bit stronger (hey, why not?), the hearty Japanese fare on offer pairs well, as do the DJ sets on rotation." - Daniel Bromberg, Eater Staff

"Milk tea is tea leaves steeped in milk in various combinations. You have oolong, darjeeling, and other forms (which I encourage you to try if you haven’t), but hojicha is my personal favorite. Hojicha is the more elegant sister of matcha: Whereas matcha leans more fresh and grassy, hojicha is the roasted version, and provides a deeper and earthier flavor. I recommend finding hojicha leaves and having them for hot tea (or finding sachets for a hojicha instant latte), but if you want a soothing cold version, hojicha milk tea in the carton is unbeatable. Marusan’s uses soy milk, which helps with any lactose intolerance." - Pelin Keskin