Cicada

After spending nearly a decade at a location between Hiroo and Nishi-Azabu, Mediterranean eatery Cicada surprised its regular clientele by upping and moving to Omotesando in October 2012, not far from sister restaurant Beacon. The owners admit that they were lured by the site itself, and it's certainly a distinctive one: a three-storey mansion built 50 years ago by the famed Japanese architect Yoshinobu Ashihara. They've put the new space to good use: there's more seating than at the old Cicada, spread between booths, counters, an outdoor terrace and three private rooms. There's also a pay-as-you-go bar by the entrance that stays open until 3am, and is ideally suited for late-night drinks and nibbles. As with the old Cicada, the menu draws on a wide spectrum of Mediterranean influences, including Moroccan, Portuguese and Italian cuisine. Sample selections at dinner include roasted calamari stuffed with prosciutto, lamb kefta brochettes with tzatziki and fettuccine with chicken, ricotta and spinach – and they're all perfect for sharing with a small group of people.