Komeda’s Coffee

Personal experience

The two of us went for lunch one weekday in June, a little after 1 p.m., at Komeda’s Coffee located near the Karasuma-Gojo crossroads, along Karasuma Avenue, Kyoto’s business district. The interior is moderately spacious and the atmosphere is quiet but studious, with many corporate executives immersed in their laptops. The interior of the café was almost full, but as soon as we entered, a member of staff immediately led us to a table.

The menu on the table is accompanied by photos, making it very easy to understand. Once you’ve made your choice, simply place your order directly with the staff. The menu offers attractive lunch options, including sandwiches. As for desserts, there’s a wide choice, including the house specialty, Shiro Noir, as well as chocolate cakes, Mont-Blanc and, in summer, kakigori (crushed ice cream). Sandwiches are Japanese-style, with very soft sandwich bread. This chain’s cuisine is also renowned for its generous portions. For those with small appetites, it’s best not to order too much right from the start, and to adjust according to your hunger.

What’s more, the establishments offer an advantageous breakfast formula in the morning: with every drink order, a slice of toast or a roll is offered free of charge. In the evening, although choices are limited, it is also possible to opt for an advantageous menu including, for example, pasta. There are also children’s menus, as well as pasta menus served from lunchtime onwards.

We also went a few weeks later to the establishment near Kawaramachi-Sanjo, this time with our daughter and over the weekend. Although there were only 2-3 couples and families in front of us, we had to wait over a quarter of an hour before we could settle down at a table. In this branch, the room is more spacious and the atmosphere more relaxed and refined. Children’s books and magazines are available, and some counter-style tables are equipped with electrical outlets. The Japanese literally come here to “pass the time”, which explains the long wait at the entrance. In fact, a notice on the table indicates in the most polite terms that, in the event of heavy traffic, you’ll be asked to stay no longer than… 2 hours!

The café’s overall ambience is calm and comfortable, making it an ideal place not only for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but also simply for a coffee or a dessert break. If you need a breather from the heat or the elements, or after a long walk, don’t hesitate to drop in.

A quick note:

By the way, in Japan, ice coffee is widely available in all seasons, even winter. You’ll find it in every café, tea room or restaurant, just like hot coffee. When you order a coffee, you’re often asked, “Hot or iced?” If the occasion arises, why not try an iced coffee?