Ever-trendy Element Fresh gives the iffy Nánjīng cafe culture a good kick in the pants. The setting is smooth, the ambient tunes funky, the lines clean, the wholesome menu a delight and candles come on at night. Balk you may at paying ¥69 for homemade hummus, but it comes loaded with tons of pitta, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, celery plus green and black olives.
The tuna sandwich at ¥49 may seem a bit exorbitant, but it's super-massive; like the hummus, a meal in itself. There's all sorts on the crisp menu, from gazpacho (¥39) to sesame ginger tofu (¥55), grilled lamb (¥149) and way beyond. Everything, from the delectable smoothies to the painted tea-candle shades, cool furniture and brisk staff, is expert and it's a good choice for a chilled beer come sunset or a romantic dinner.