The latest addition to Aoyama's growing cafe compendium, Dragonfly, set on the upper floor of the chic Cabane de Zucca building, is an eye-catching exercise in haute-design. The modular furniture, white painted walls, hanging deco lamps and smooth concrete floor are accentuated by the rarest of commodities in uptown Tokyo-space. The prices, while not necessarily reflecting such abundance, are middle- to high-end. But the espresso coffee (JY600), a watermark for any cafe, is a bold statement of rich aroma and caffeine content. 

The comfortable surroundings justify the prices (sweets JY550-JY650, fresh juice JY550), with the floor-to-ceiling windows and leafy surrounds-the verdant remnants of a Japanese garden can also be enjoyed from a full-length balcony-imbuing visitors with a rare sense of peace and perspective. Though basic and rather thin, the menu is tastefully appointed with wholesome and inventive fare-current "plates" include pepperoni and olive paste sandwich (JY800), beef and jalapeño in pita (JY900) and organic tomato soup (JY650), all featuring whole wheat bread. These were devoured with relish (actually, they did not include relish) by members of our lunchtime party, while a spicy keema curry (ground lamb) lunch special (JY1200)-rotated daily and including tea or coffee-further elicited the approval of these Dragonfly first-timers. 

While some complained about inadequate air-conditioning, the open layout-designer Akira Onozuka says his concept was to create "airy space that does distinguish inside and outside"-was enough to keep us relaxed when waiting for the dessert, a necessary accompaniment to the relatively lean main course. Though simple in presentation, the baked banana with honey ice cream, topped with almond slivers, was spectacular. Washed down with a robust espresso, this flavorful finale left us with the feeling that Dragonfly has more to offer than a cutting-edge interior. 

(Note: The review is from when the cafe was called Dragonfly Cafe.)