Aala Wi (Jamaican), Ebisu

Jerk Chicken and Jerk Tofu

The food was simple but good, the staff were super friendly and there was a continuous reggaeton music video on which means that, courteousy of a booty swinging J-girl, I can now practice moves like the "helicopter", "excitement" and "row dem boat" next time I hit dem club. Her dry humping the floor whilst doing the splits is a great conversation starter if you're stuck for topics or in need of an ice breaker..
What did we eat?
Me - Jerk Tofu (Pieces of spicy tofu and roast veg, rice cooked with red kidney beans — plus trimmings of crisp deep-fried plantain chips and today's coleslaw)
Them - Jerk Chicken with the above trimmings.
Drinks - Choose from a wide selection of cocktails (Frozen Mango ¥550;) or traditional Jamaican beers (Red Stripe ¥780)
My main dish plus Rum and Gingerale = ~ 1500 yen.
Veggie friendliness
The fact that there is a tofu option was a huge bonus for this place. There is also another stew option - the sweet-spicy Ital Stew, which is made with coconut milk (so possibly vegan).
Otherwise I could have happily ordered from a selection of veggie sides (corn on the cob, salads, fries, plantaine...)

Verdict
A really "fun" place, especially if you are looking for something new. Not really a place to take a date however since
the music is quite loud and you will come out smelling smokey and a bit like fried chicken.
Try it!

15 minutes walk from Ebisu station. Find the map here

AMADINE, Ebisu

After a week of non-dairy, (see the vegan experiment), a serious cheese fix was on the cards to celebrate. And only fondue would do! So Friday night, post-stressful work week, we headed to this cozy place in Ebisu. I say cozy but looking back it was a big space, high ceilings and perhaps no need for our 7.30 reservation – not unlike somewhere you would find out in the countryside and not a bit like a downtown Tokyo eatery. Regardless, the ambiance was romantic, the noise was minimal, and the lighting played the part to give it a nice atmosphere. A great date place! Might be perfect for afternoon tea or Sunday brunch with a wide drinks selection and word is the pancakes are good too.
What did we eat?
Cheese fondue for 1-2 people (1200 yen, bread for dipping included)
Baguette (300 yen)
Steamed vegetables (600yen)* NB smaller than expected.
Maple Honey Milk (~500 yen)
Oolong Tea (~500 yen)

Veggie friendly rating

Great for dairy-eating folks, not so kind for vegans. Soup and bread, as well as salads, available and even though we weren’t hungry, dessert looked good.

Find the menu here
Map to 1F Café Restaurant AMANDINE