Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2014

Doutor’s recently opened Cafe Lexcel (2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun & hols 11am-8pm) represents the next generation of Japanese cafés. The interior is chic, the environment completely non-smoking and the menu offers alcohol and toasted open-face sandwiches with toppings like smoked salmon and wasabi cream cheese (¥680) or teriyaki-style meatloaf (¥630)—welcome alternatives to the usual baguettes and paninis. But the café’s real focus is the specialty coffee, brewed in a multitude of styles, including hand drip, french press and single espresso (from ¥400). Choose from three types of beans; prices range accordingly.