Cafe Cherbourg (シェルブール) is conveniently located near Suitengumae Station. Established in 1980, this charming café offers a nostalgic experience. I recently visited for breakfast and discovered its unique character. Cherbourg is only open on weekdays, making it a special treat for those in the area.
The café’s blue signboard is quite eye-catching, and you’ll notice an umbrella shop on the first floor. Cafe Cherbourg is located upstairs. The connection isn’t just coincidental—the umbrella shop and the café are both run by the same owner, Mr. Aiba. The umbrella shop itself boasts an impressive history, having been established in 1879. The café on the second floor followed over a century later.
The staircase to the café leads to a cozy space with counter seating and several tables. This isn’t just a modern café; it’s a traditional Japanese kissaten, complete with the charm of the Showa period. The red chairs, sofas, and even the vintage telephone (which still works!) create a nostalgic atmosphere.
However, the café has a few rules: using laptops is prohibited, and smoking is limited to two cigarettes per person. Honestly, I agree—this is a place to relax and savor the moment, not for heavy multitasking.
Time stay.
The breakfast menu is simple yet satisfying, available from 7:00 to 10:45 a.m. Although the menu only mentions coffee, you can also choose tea or milk, including iced options.
From 11:00 a.m., the regular menu takes over, with popular dishes like Napolitan and Wafu-style spaghetti. I’d love to try them next time.
I opted for the A Set, which includes toast, a fried or boiled egg, and a small salad.
Toast: Generously spread with margarine, it was delightfully salty and flavorful.
Fried egg: The yolk was perfectly soft-cooked, and the ham added a satisfying touch.
Salad: The house-made dressing had a light, tangy flavor that complemented the fresh vegetables.
The set also comes with coffee, which is blended in collaboration with Tamaya Kobayashi Coffee, a renowned supplier to the Japanese imperial court. The coffee had a subtle acidity and a refreshing taste, perfect for starting the day.
One thing to note: the manager handles everything himself, so service can take a little time. My breakfast took about 15 minutes to arrive, even though I was the only customer at the time. Be sure to visit when you can take your time and enjoy the slow-paced ambiance.
About
Name Cafe Cherbourg (シェルブール)
Open Morning through daytime
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
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