Cafes in Tokyo with unique food that taste good
Image adapted from (clockwise from top-left): @yo.ko.ho, @mitm_tokyo, @hiii_naaa
Cafes with stunning food are plentiful these days, with fads like soufflé pancakes and galaxy-themed doughnuts making headlines in the past. To take things to the next level, we’re looping you in on 10 cafes in Tokyo with unique and delicious food that deserve a shoutout on your social media.
From mesmerising black toasts to having flowers on desserts, these unusual offerings are not only beautiful in pictures, but are also rewarding to your taste buds.
1. Book and Bed Cafe – monochrome menu
Image adapted from: @hiii_naaa
Book and Bed Tokyo is widely helmed as one of the most aesthetic hotel chains across the globe – self-anointed bookworms make it their bucket list item to check this bookstore-cum-hotel at least once in their lifetime.
But the book paradise also takes equal pride in their cafe. In fact, it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about cafes in Tokyo. There are 6 branches in total – 3 in Tokyo, 1 in Kyoto, 1 in Osaka, and 1 in Fukuoka.
Taking on an all-black, monochrome theme with black coffee, literally and figuratively, black toasts, and black smoothies, the food here is as good as it looks.
Image adapted from: @s_wave.jp
They are particular about the nitty-gritty details too. Each item on the menu is laid on a silver plate, giving it a sleek touch. Make sure to try the Koboreru Latte Banana (¥550, ~USD5.05). Each cup comes with a layer of foam topped with charcoal powder for extra flair.
Image adapted from: @t0718h0525
Or get your money’s worth with the Drink & Food Set for ¥1,000 (~USD9.19). Pair your drink with Koboreru Fruit Sand, Book and Bed Cafe’s signature toast. Slathered with cream and a fruit of your choice, banana or strawberry, this must-try sandwich is also available à la carte for ¥550 (~USD5.33).
Black Coffee Jelly Milk for ¥600 (~USD5.51)
Image credit: Booking.com
Address: Kabukicho APM Bldg 8F, 1-27-5 Kabukicho Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Directions: 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station or 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station
Website
2. The Gourmet Shop By Mandarin Oriental – cloud-like cakes
Image credit: @jock320
KUMO (¥1,400, ~USD12.74) is the brainchild of The Gourmet Shop By Mandarin Oriental located in central Tokyo. Each bite packs a fruity punch and is light on the palate. The cafe changes flavours according to the season. Past flavours include peach, chestnuts, and yuzu mousse.
Image credit: @ako3ako
Like most popular cafes in Tokyo, KUMO draws in a large crowd every day, so make sure to come early before it’s sold out.
Address: Tokyo Mandarin Oriental Tokyo 1F, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8328, Japan
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 7.30AM-8PM | Sat & Sun, 9AM-7PM
Directions: 7-minute walk from Meiji Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station or 9-minute walk from Harajuku Station
3. Canvas Tokyo Ink – colourful lattes
Image adapted from: @niwatoripiyopiyo
At Canvas Tokyo Ink, colourful lattes take centre stage. These vibrantly-coloured lattes are reminiscent of real ink and get their hues from fruits and vegetables.
Image adapted from: @cafe_inoyuu
Their Red Velvet latte tastes like homegrown beetroot, Purple Mist is made with sweet potato, Black Ink is coffee with black sesame, and Yellow Star is pumpkin-flavoured.
Get your unique coffee fix for just ¥580 (~USD5.28) per cup.
Image adapted from: @u___camera
Address: Nissinhiruzu Daikanyama 1F, 11-12, Daikanyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0034, Japan
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 12PM-5PM | Sat & Sun, 11AM-6PM
Directions: 5-minute walk from Daikan-yama Station
4. Milk Craft Cream Cafe – pancakes drenched in fresh cream
Image adapted from: @you_chels
Milk Craft Cream Cafe isn’t your usual souffle pancake cafe – they use premium ingredients like Hokkaido fresh cream.
Its bestsellers include the Whipped Cream And Chiffon Cake (¥780, ~USD7.05). Unlike most cream-heavy dishes, this confection is light and refreshing.
Image credit: @sairi_table
If you like your pancakes with a twist, opt for their Fresh Cream Pancake which comes in 3 flavours – Strawberry (¥990, ~USD8.93), Chocolate (¥890, ~USD8.03), and Caramel & Nut (¥890, ~USD8.03).
Image credit: @saya_cake
The basic Kiln-baked French Pancakes (¥800, ~USD7.22) is just as stellar. Each set comes with a side of fresh cream, a dollop of butter, and free-flow maple syrup to satiate your cravings.
Address: THE SHARE 1F, 3-25-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Directions: 7-minute walk from Harajuku Station or 8-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station
5. Alfred Tea Room – all pink princess-y menu
Image adapted from: @alfred
Thanks to Alfred Tea Room, broke millennials lusting after the Crazy Rich Asians lifestyle can finally live the life they’ve dreamt of. The cosy cafe marries a posh afternoon tea experience with surprisingly affordable prices. With gold plated cutlery and pink wallpaper that screams royalty, this is luxury on a budget.
Image adapted from: @yuuuna_625
Both the Matcha and Strawberry Croissants (¥530, ~USD4.86 each) are crowd favourites with its thin, crispy crust and strong buttery flavour. Don’t miss out on their shortcakes (¥430, ~USD3.91) and scones (¥280, ~USD2.55), both of which are vegan-friendly.
Image adapted from: @alfredjapan
In true millennial style, Alfred Tea Room has an impressive variety of bubble teas too. Savour the all-pink Alfred Pink Dream (¥750, ~USD6.83), or try their signature boba drinks only available in Tokyo – Strawberry Dream and Roasted Green Hojicha and Matcha Dream for ¥750 (~USD6.83) each.
Address: La Porte Aoyama 1, 2 F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan
Opening hours: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Directions: 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station or 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station
6. IMADA KITCHEN – pastel ice-cream wraps
Image adapted from: @aya_love_2002
It’s hard to go wrong with pastel shades when you’re looking for a photogenic dessert. Bonus points if you get to customise it as well. IMADA KITCHEN ticks both boxes with its Pastel Cookie Sand (¥420, ~USD3.78).
The ice-cream wrap comes in 3 classic flavours – Chocolate Mint, Cheese, and Strawberry – topped with extra garnishes like Pistachio and Raspberry. It goes without saying that everything on the menu is mouth-watering.
Cheese Hotdog in Mentai Mayo
Image credit: @coffee._.time._
That’s not all – cheese-lovers will enjoy the Cheese Hotdogs (¥600, ~USD5.41 each). The hot dogs come in flavours such as Mentai Mayo and Tomato Basil, and are dipped in half a cup of melted cheese.
Address: Shibuya 109 B2F, 2 Chome−29−1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Opening hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Directions: 7-minute walk from Shibuya Station or 10-minute walk from Shinsen Station
7. Reissue Cafe – next-level latte art
Image credit: @inps_moni
At Reissue Cafe, the coffee boutique serves the cutest selection of 2D and 3D latte art. You can even challenge the baristas with your latte art requests, from your ride or die pet dog to your favourite K-pop idols.
Image adapted from: @hannah.elizabeth.ward
Each steaming cup of coffee ranges from ¥600 (~USD5.46) to ¥650 (~USD5.92), with an additional ¥400 (~USD3.64) for 2D or 3D latte art.
Address: 3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Opening hours: 10AM-6PM, Daily
Directions: 1-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station or 4-minute walk from Shin-Nihombashi Station
8. Melting in the Mouth – perfectly swirled ice-creams
Image credit: @mintsu_72
Melting in the Mouth serves up some of the most perfectly-swirled soft serves that trump McDonald’s ice creams any day. Since it is made of organic milk, health-conscious patrons can also indulge without holding back.
Image adapted from: @mitm_tokyo
The cafe launches new tastes according to the season to keep the crowds coming back. Recently, they’ve updated their menu with Black Sugar Soft Serve (¥600, ~USD5.46). Tone it down with half swirls – half black sugar, half original – or indulge in the black sugar craze in all its unadulterated glory by opting for a full swirl.
Image adapted from: @nn7aaa4nn
Address: 5 Chome-17-10 Hiroo, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0012, Japan
Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Directions: 5-minute walk from Hiro-o Station
9. Henteco – cute animal cookies
Image credit: @inlovewithpudding
Henteco has won the hearts of many kids and it’s easy to see why. The cafe bakes an assortment of Animal Cookies that commands perpetual queues outside the shop. Have it à la carte for ¥400 (~USD3.60), or try the Mont Blanc Parfait (¥850, ~USD7.66) and Cheesecake (¥490, ~USD4.41) which comes with cookies as well.
Hazelnut and Maple Animal Cookies with toast
Image adapted from: @keico_1216
The cookies come in adorable shapes, like honey-loving bears, almond-munching squirrels, and even Shiba Inu puppies holding beans.
Address: 4 Chome-15-17 Himonya, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0003, Japan
Opening hours: Wed – Sun, 11AM-7PM (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Directions: 10-minute walk from Toritsu-daigaku Station
10. gmgm – doughnuts with dried flowers
Image credit: @yo.ko.ho
Flowers aren’t just for home decor or gifts to appease your S/O. At gmgm, flowers are meant to adorn their signature Dry Flower Doughnuts (¥450, ~USD4.05 each).
Blooms such as elderflower, rose, lavender, and marigold are incorporated into pastries. Here, you’ll get to indulge in sweet treats while taking in the enchanting scent of flowers around you.
gmgm’s stunning interior
Image credit: @azaraseal.mu
gmgm’s storefront
Image adapted from: @yuuuutan_08
Address: 3 Chome-60-10 Koenjiminami, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0003, Japan
Opening hours: Tue – Fri, 2PM-8PM | Sat & Sun, 12PM-8PM (Closed on Monday)
Directions: 3-minute walk from Kōenji Station Station
Eye-catching cafes in Tokyo
Insta-bait cafes are a dime a dozen these days, and we bet you’re more than familiar with the feeling of being let down by picture-perfect dishes that taste meh. However, these 10 unique cafes in Tokyo don’t just rack up points for aesthetics, but will also impress even the most nit-picky of foodies.
Keep in mind that most of these cafes in Tokyo offer seasonal items as well, so you will have better chances at finding limited edition food items during the cherry blossom season or in autumn.
Check out these articles on your next trip to Japan:
- Underrated Japanese snacks as souvenirs
- Cheap restaurants in Tokyo under USD8
- Unique things to do in Tokyo
- Authentic Japanese ramen places
- Romantic things to do in Tokyo