Cycle Delights: Good food, prices at Japanese restaurant chain Jonathan’s

Jonathan’s diner entrance (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

I was cruising on my bicycle recently from Yokota Air Base to Tachikawa and came across a nice diner called Jonathan’s Coffee and Restaurant. I noticed their parfait advertisement next to the front door and the temptations turned into a quick pitstop for some brunch.

One thing I love about eating desserts in Japan, is that their ads live up to what is served.

Advertisement by the front entrance (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Gacha and anime advertisement (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Breakfast menu cover photo (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Breakfast menu (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Lunch menu (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

What they serve during lunch. (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Kids menu (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Italian food menu (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Tablet menu of my order (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

Chocolate parfait I ordered on the tablet. (Photo by Luis Samayoa)

As I entered Jonathan’s, I saw small gashapon machines, anime-style advertisements and knicknacks in front. This Japanese chain restaurant gave me a nostalgic feeling like I was in Denny’s in the States, except there were no hungover people around.

The staff noticed me entering and quickly seated me while pointing out the fountain drink bar. The reception was very pleasant, and the nice hospitality of the staff turned my dessert into a brunch.

I decided to order the Petit Set B, which consisted of a “small” margherita pizza, salad and fried chicken. For my dessert, a Classique Chocolate Parfait. As I was waiting for my order, I browsed the menu again and noticed how much food Jonathan’s sells at great prices. I really liked their breakfast options as they look similar to Denny’s, but sadly not during lunch hours.

Once my set arrived, I noticed a lot of positive perks, including that the meal was not very petit and the pizza was bigger than what I expected! I enjoyed how the sauce tasted like real tomatoes and herbs. The freshness of the salad made it the best item in my set. Definitely better than a bagged salad from the Commissary. I saved the chicken for last and found the exterior to be a bit salty, but soft and smooth on the inside.

My Classique Chocolate Parfait for dessert was a winner based on looks. The parfait looked exactly like the pictures out front. I enjoyed the bits where the cereal mixed with ice cream and brownie chunks. It was a delightful combination to finish off my meal.

For this grand meal, I spent 1,978 yen (about $12.74). It was a lot of food for a good price, and I didn’t feel too full to continue the rest of my bike ride. Don’t skip Jonathon’s if you’re looking for a tasty meal at a great price!