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Few pleasures are as restorative after a day of shopping on Fifth Avenue as a civilized afternoon tea at the subterranean Tea Box Café. Located in the basement of Takashimaya, the posh Japanese department store, the small, L-shaped restaurant serves the dual purpose of rejuvenating consumers and showcasing wares. Indeed, much of the tableware and all of the teas are available for purchase just outside the café doors. Forty types of tea are served by the pot; among the best is Genmai-Cha, a green tea (enhanced by toasted rice) which has an earthy flavor and smells like senbei, the Japanese rice cracker. For lunch, chef Taro Mitsuiki changes the menu weekly, so it's always a pleasant surprise when the server removes the lid of the bento box, as if unwrapping a gift. The afternoon tea service includes a pot of tea, pastries, cookies, tea sandwiches, and fresh fruit. — Stephen Weiss

Jasmine tea-marinated shrimp salad with crispy rice noodle, $13; bento box, $19; afternoon tea service, $17

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