The Tea Box Restaurant at Takashimaya NY (CLOSED)

Sleek banquettes and brushed-steel walls create an oasis for power shoppers and lunching ladies. Join them for afternoon tea (Mon–Sat 3–5:30pm) and pair a pot of one of the 40 leaf varieties with the confection of your choice. We like the Earl Grey ice cream—two scoops topped with delicate green-tea shortbread. Those seeking savory sustenance can opt for the daily bento special, which may feature seared ginger-soy scallops with stewed eggplant or chicken tempura with curried cauliflower and tea-infused sticky rice.