Enjoy retro vibes at this town coffee shop

  • May 22, 2024
  • 2024年6月17日


We will introduce you to some retro coffee shops that have a nostalgic atmosphere and where you can enjoy a relaxing time.

[Shops introduced in this article]

Silvia Nishiarai Store

In front of Nishiarai Station, after climbing the stairs of a building, you will find yourself in a gorgeously decorated space enveloped in soft amber light. It's easy to see why this place is often used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. Some of the soft velour sofas have been in use since the establishment of the restaurant in 1978. You'll find yourself wanting to sit down and relax.

In addition to being a cafe, lunch is also popular. There are some regulars who come almost every day, and the menu is as varied as a cafeteria. In addition to the classic coffee shop menu items such as omelet rice and Neapolitan, they also offer noodle dishes and set meals, and the Sylvia bento lunch box, which changes with the seasons, is also popular.

One of the special menu items, the Burg Napoli, is a heaping portion of Neapolitan pasta that would be satisfying enough on its own, with a hamburger steak and fried egg, as well as salad, miso soup, and coffee or tea, making it a great deal.

Berg Napoli (with coffee or tea) is 1,200 yen. It's very filling, but you can also add a half serving of rice.
Nagasaki Chanpon (with coffee or tea) 1,000 yen. I used the extra vegetable option.
The cream soda (650 yen) is a perfect combination of ice cream and soda. The green color matches the retro interior.

[Exterior / Interior]

  • The interior of the store is spacious and people spend their time in a variety of ways, from chatting enthusiastically to reading in silence.
  • The stained glass on the counter is eye-catching. It seems to be based on the Greek goddess from which the restaurant's name is derived.

【Shop information】

■Silvia Nishiarai store
電　話：03-3840-6111
Business hours: 8:00-20:00
Closed: None
Seats: 100 seats
Address: 2F, 2-7-5 Nishiarai Sakaemachi, Adachi-ku
Reservation: Not Available
Take-out: Yes
Barrier-free support: Negotiable
Wi-Fi: Enabled
Access: 2 minutes walk from the west exit of Nishiarai Station on the Tobu Skytree Line

Orchid butterfly

The coffee shop "Rancho" takes its name from the title of a song in the Shinnai-bushi Joruri drama. Classic oldies songs are always playing in the cafe. "Many customers tell me that the music is great," says the owner, Mr. Okada. He says that in the past, the cafe was often rented out for live performances.

Okada's parents opened this shop in 1969. "We've been open every day except New Year's Day for over half a century," Okada says proudly. The building was rebuilt in 1987, and the interior is as if it has captured the atmosphere of the time. In the past, it has been used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas, and it has also appeared in an idol group's music video, so fans often visit.

Of the menu items that have hardly changed since the restaurant first opened, the most popular is undoubtedly the Neapolitan. The rich flavor of the tomato ketchup, which clings firmly to the noodles, gives this cafe-style flavor an exquisite taste.

The Neapolitan costs 900 yen, and you can add a drink set (coffee) for an additional 250 yen. You can also get a large portion for an additional 220 yen.
ニューヨークチーズケーキとコーヒーのセット720円。

[Exterior / Interior]

  • The lampshades, wall patterns, and lace curtains create a nostalgic atmosphere inside the store.
  • The shop is located along Kawanote Street, next to the train tracks.


【Shop information】

■Orchid butterfly
電　話：03-3601-5461
営業時間：8:00〜21:00（日・祝は〜20:00）
Closed: None
Seating capacity: 66
Address: 2-29-1 Ayase, Adachi-ku
Reservation: Not Available
Take-out: Drinks only
Barrier-free support: Negotiable
Wi-Fi: None
Access: 5 minutes walk from the east exit of Ayase Station on the JR Joban Line or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line

Kissa Kura

As you walk down the narrow alleys lined with drinking establishments, you will come across a storehouse with a bold appearance that catches your eye. This is a coffee shop run by the owner, Owada Kimiko, since 1986. Owada's mother founded the shop as a pawnbroker in 1923, and the storehouse is over 100 years old. Nowadays, it is common to see stores that have been renovated from old houses and storehouses, but this storehouse can be said to be a pioneer of this trend.

The interior of the store, which was expanded in front of the storehouse, has a slightly strange structure. The seating area, which can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs, is inside the storehouse. "We just removed the shelves, and the walls are the same as when it was used as a storehouse," says Owada. The two-story building has been made into an open-air space, so the ceiling is high, and old telephones and clocks are on display.

In addition to cute flower-shaped pancakes and taiyaki filled with plenty of bean paste, they also offer morning and lunch menus. Enjoy them with siphon-brewed coffee and you're sure to have a wonderful time.

The hot cake set is 1,100 yen. You can choose coffee or tea as your drink, and iced coffee or iced tea costs an additional 20 yen.
The taiyaki set is 900 yen. They also have sweet dishes such as Abekawa mochi and oshiruko, which are said to be secretly popular.
Owada prepares the menu at the counter. A variety of cups selected by Owada are lined up on the shelves.

[Exterior / Interior]]

  • The seating area of the restaurant has a warm, relaxing wooden atmosphere, and antique accessories are scattered throughout.
  • The building still has the family crest from when it was a pawn shop.

【Shop information】

■Cafe Kura
電　話：03-3882-0838
Business hours: 10:00-16:30 (last orders 16:00)
Closed: Sundays · holidays
Seats: 27 seats
Address: 1-34-10 Senju, Adachi-ku
Reservation: Not Available
Take-out: Impossible
Barrier-free support: Negotiable
Wi-Fi: None
Access: 1 min. walk from JR Joban Line and others Kita-Senju Station West Exit 

(This information is current as of April 30, 2024)

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