Best Coffee Houses in Kobe

Jun 17, 2020

Best Coffee Houses in Kobe

As Kobe is renowned for being one of the most trendy and cosmopolitan cities in the Kansai region, it’s no surprise there are plenty of cool coffee outlets here. From small independent cafes to world-famous global chains, you can pick the kind of place that suits you if you fancy a brew, a chat, and maybe even a slice of cake.

Patisserie Tooth Tooth

This outlet is popular with expats. It serves an impressive range of desserts as well as coffee, tea, and other hot drinks. Located at Kobe Port, Patisserie Tooth Tooth is housed in a former U.S. Consulate building that is registered as one of Japan’s important cultural properties. It is well known for its western-style desserts, which you can enjoy with an espresso or cappuccino. The café also serves Japanese cakes, including the delicious uji matcha tart.

Website: http://www.toothtooth.com/

Mother Moon

You can find plenty of cafes in Kobe with outdoor seating nowadays, but Mother Moon was one of the first to do this and remains a popular choice for coffee drinkers and diners in the summer months. You’ll find this coffee house and restaurant in the basement of the International House. A selection of teas and coffees is available as well as some tasty dining options, such as the lobster cream pasta.

Website: http://www.mothermoon.co.jp/#modal-section-shop

Round Point Cafe

An independent two-story outlet not far from Motomachi station, this is a top choice for coffee aficionados due to the staff’s knowledge of good coffee roasts and the wide selection of brewing methods on offer. The opening hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (every day except Monday) also make it popular with early starters and late finishers. You can get a breakfast of eggs Benedict served with a side of yogurt and granola, which goes down well with many diners.

Website: https://www.roundpointcafe.com/

Coffee Labo Frank

This tucked-away coffee shop in the Motomachi area is frequented by locals and hipsters. There is a wide selection of espresso drinks on offer as well as coffee-based cocktails and desserts. Planning a visit here is highly recommended if you’re looking to meet some interesting new people in Kobe.

Website: https://coffeestandfrank.com/

Nishimura

This is a chain of coffee shops with branches in the Kobe districts of Kitano, Sannomiya, and Motomachi. The coffee is slightly more expensive than other establishments (around 850 yen for a cup rather than the usual 500 yen or so), but regulars say it’s worth it due to the old school coffee shop vibe. The décor is classic, making the Nishimura cafés look like something from days gone by. Food is available, including breakfast, and the café serves gluten-free options.

Website: http://www.kobe-nishimura.jp/

Blue Bottle Coffee

Another chain is Blue Bottle Coffee, which has just one coffee shop in Kobe. These trendy cafés serve upscale coffee drinks, including espresso-based beverages, drip coffee, and iced coffee. Particularly popular are the drinks with a foamy top, as the baristas know how to make some beautiful latte artwork. The coffee shop has a great ambiance, making it the ideal place to catch up with friends over a drink (and perhaps a waffle).

Website: https://store.bluebottlecoffee.jp/pages/kobe

Hata Coffee

For a traditional café experience, stop by Hata Coffee. Adding to the vintage atmosphere, you’ll receive your cup of coffee in bone china — the barista even individually selects a teacup for each person. There are eight blends on offer, as well as advice on the menu for choosing the right blend for you. Bear in mind, you’ll need to order a drink if you want cake. This is one of the few smoking-friendly cafés in Kobe, which could be a pro or a con, depending on your preferences.

Website: https://hatacoffee-kobe.com

Coffee Up!

Although it’s located on a busy street, Coffee Up! is well insulated from the noise outside. There are some stylish beverages on offer, including a seasonal orange latte, which is made with a syrup containing coffee beans, oranges, and brown sugar. If you don’t come at the right time of year, take advantage of the fact that some of the other beverages come with impressive latte art. Be warned that you’ll find it hard to resist the desserts, which include cinnamon rolls, salted chocolate brownies, lemon cake, and muffins.

Website: http://coffeeupkobe.com

Starbucks

It may seem odd — or maybe too obvious — to include Starbucks in a list of the best coffee places, but the Kitano branch in Kobe is worth a visit because it’s one of the most unique coffee houses in the world. This “concept store” is situated within an old western Victorian house that the chain purchased and renovated itself. Listed as a cultural heritage site, this outlet has become a popular Kobe tourist attraction over the years.

Website: https://store.starbucks.co.jp/en/detail-940/

Wei-Te Wong from Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China / CC BY-SA