Coffee Review: Omotesando Koffee, Tokyo, Japan

People are often sending me cookies and macarons and various things to try on this blog and lately my favorite thing to receive is coffee.

When my partner-in-crime returned from Tokyo, Japan with a box full of goodies, never mind the expensive bags and jewelry pieces he brought – I must say I was most excited about the little bag of “Koffee” from a hidden gem called Omotesando Koffee in Shibuya.

A bit hard to find (you’ll need expert ninja skills or at least a savvy in-the-know tour guide – shout out Daichi Ito!), he says it was one of the best finds on his trip. The shop sits inside a 60-year-old traditional Japanese house and has a few patches of greenery for sitting on a nice day. It’s about as minimalist as you can get.

Photos courtesy of Omotesando Koffee

Inside the shop: The bare essentials – a La Cimbali coffee machine, a coffee grinder, a lone barista (also the store’s owner Eiichi Kunitomo). They have a variety of coffee options; Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, Cafe Mocha, Mochaccino, Granitas, etc. which he sampled a few of during his stay and loved.

I’m going to tell you about my cup of joe which I made here at home with the beans he brought me. He said they carry only one roast style – it was medium-strong with light carmel notes. It went lovely with the Kashi he also brought. A little box with a few baked little custard cubes which looked liked burned marshmallows, they are glossy little squares and tasted like a chewy baked custard. Think maybe like a French Canelé – very similar in texture only more coffee/caramel favor and a bit more dense – also very good.

What started as a 12-month pop up shop, luckily became a permanent fixture in Tokyo. The coffee from this place was right on.

When in Tokyo, do yourself a favor and seek them out.