Melon & Roman

At Kagurazaka’s Melon & Roman, melon is more than a source of sweetness: the menu invites you to compare varieties and enjoy contrasting textures. The shaved ice combines red- and green-fleshed melon syrups with melon condensed milk, served over light, fluffy ice. One diner reported that the ice stayed pleasantly fluffy rather than turning soggy as they ate. Another enjoyed the shaved ice alongside a melon gelato frappe while checking which melon varieties were available that day. A small, unexpected touch is the accompanying sushiko, a rice pickle eaten in Tsugaru, served as a palate cleanser.

To compare the fruit itself, try the “3-Variety Melon Tasting”, served with the restaurant’s special melon whipped cream. Sample the aroma and sweetness of each variety, then dip the fruit into the cream. It puts the melon centre stage, rather than treating it as one element in an elaborate dessert. For a simpler sweet, there is a smooth pudding topped with melon jelly and pieces of fruit, or a fruit sandwich of melon and lightly sweetened cream in raisin bread.

The parfaits offer more layers to explore. A diner who tried the Melon Pudding and Brûlée Parfait enjoyed the changing textures and flavours, from the firm pudding and crisp brûlée to the fruit, kiwi and cream in the lower layers. They also found that the combination of pudding and brûlée became a little rich as they ate. Depending on your mood, you might prefer a lighter, fruit-led dessert or the more substantial layered parfait.

There are melon drinks, too: a cream soda made with fresh melon and topped with melon gelato, and a drink layered with melon purée and house-made lemonade. For a break from more sweets, try the hot chai, which brings together Assam tea, the sweetness of melon purée and a touch of ginger.

You can eat in or order takeaway, and reservations are accepted. One visitor felt that seating was limited, so consider booking if you hope to linger over a meal inside—and check the menu for the dish you’re in the mood for.