The elephant cafe in Harajuku is an interesting place. The first thing you notice as you walk in is that it is HUGE. They keep it really dark, with just a few fake candles suspended from the ceiling for lighting, so it gives the impression of some kind of cavernous temple complex that happens to have tables set up. There are lots of statues of elephants and Buddhas scattered around, including a huge brass one right in the center which goes right up to ceiling.
The menu is sort of an eclectic mix of pan-Asian cuisine. There are lots of Thai, Indonesian and Chinese dishes with things like Mexican sausages thrown in for some strange reason. It is not as expensive as the atmosphere would suggest. Two people can probably eat and have drinks for around 6000 yen or so.
In keeping with the theme, the waitresses all wear Chinese dresses or Thai print outfits with Sanskrit writing. This place is fun, and the food is not bad. It would be a great place to hold a party if you have a hundred people or so. They do not, however, accept credit cards which I found a bit ridiculous.
One word or warning, at Elephant Cafe, they like to make noise. When a group enters of leaves, the staff all shout at the top of their lungs and the delivery of certain dishes require a chant or a song or some type. This can be fun if you are in the mood for it, but this is NOT the place for a quiet date. Trust me on this one. . .
Elephant Cafe is easy to find, right on Meiji Dori at the Omotesando crossing, on the 3rd floor of the Gap Building. Pizza Express is on the same floor. The Gap Building is located on the diagonal corner from Condomania.
visit:
Fall 2006 for Hawaii Lovers www.hawaiidaisuki.com