For those who follow Champagne Flight, it’s no secret that the author is a self-confessed coffee enthusiast. They openly embrace their refined taste but won’t impose their preferences on others. If you enjoy a casual coffee without fuss, that’s perfectly fine too—although they might come across as a touch pretentious!
Tokyo, in many ways, is a city that perfectly aligns with their passion, particularly in its dedication to coffee. Nearly every café they visited was outstanding, making them wish for such establishments closer to home. For fellow coffee aficionados, here are their top recommendations for the finest cafés in Tokyo.
Coffee is everywhere in Tokyo. The city’s coffee culture is robust, with options ranging from convenience store brews to speciality cafés offering single-origin beans. Even on quiet streets, there’s likely to be a coffee vending machine nearby. Tokyo is truly a haven for coffee lovers of all kinds.
Little Nap Coffee Stand
This charming little café is a must-visit for a delightful coffee and pastry to start the day. Their caramel and fig bread is particularly indulgent. The café’s tasteful décor and friendly staff enhance the experience, although seating is limited. Guests can stand by the bar facing the window or enjoy a couple of outdoor tables if the weather permits. It’s a perfect stop en route to the Meiji Shrine, near Yoyogi Park.
Cafe Reissue
For an extraordinary latte art experience, Cafe Reissue is the place to go. Known for its 3D latte art, customers can choose from a menu of designs or request a custom creation, such as a beloved pet. Despite initial concerns about it being a tourist trap, the impressive latte art and quality coffee make it worth the splurge if you’re a fan of artistic coffee.
Get Better Coffee & Sandwich
A small coffee shop close to a hotel, this spot quickly became a favourite. It’s ideal for a light breakfast and superb coffee. Orders are placed at the window, with limited indoor seating available. Guests can enjoy their coffee standing outside if needed. The breakfast sandwiches are particularly noteworthy, featuring melted cheese with honey and black pepper on soft toasted bread. The presence of many locals is always a good sign.
Murrma Coffee Stop
The owner roasts coffee beans on-site at Murrma, making it a worthwhile stop for a quality brew. With various flavour profiles available, the owner is happy to offer recommendations. The black coffee here highlights the exceptional bean flavour, and the rum and sour cream bread, though unusual, is surprisingly delicious.
Glitch Coffee
One of the most impressive cafés encountered, Glitch Coffee offers a personalised experience with a stylish setting. Guests are guided through a selection of beans, from light to dark roasts, and even rarer varieties like geisha coffee. The staff assist with choosing the right beans and brewing method, and a coffee flight option allows for sampling different brews. The coffee is intended to be enjoyed straight, though sugar and milk are available if preferred.
Menotti’s Tokyo
This bright and airy café is perfect for a relaxed coffee experience. The standout offerings include a well-crafted americano and a cheese toast topped with honey and black pepper.
Chill Out Coffee & Records
A small, cosy café with a few tables, Chill Out Coffee & Records is eclectic and enjoyable. With a great selection of records to listen to and purchase, it’s also worth trying their lemon cake or cheesecake for a treat.
Unlimited Coffee Bar
Though not yet visited, Unlimited Coffee Bar offers an enticing array of options, including drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, iced coffee, coffee tonics, and even cocktails. It combines a coffee shop with a cocktail bar, complete with a coffee flight for tasting various brews.
Koffee Mameya Kakeru
An immersive experience, Koffee Mameya Kakeru recommends making a reservation. Guests receive personal attention from a barista who guides them through a coffee tasting experience to explore different flavours. It’s definitely on the list for the next visit!
Tokyo’s coffee scene is thriving, offering everything from well-known chains like Blue Bottle Coffee to intimate, speciality cafés with single-origin beans run by passionate enthusiasts.
If you know of a great coffee shop in Tokyo, feel free to share in the comments and let other readers in on the secret!