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Top 10 Japanese Kissaten-Style Cafes in NYC

Top 10 Japanese Kissaten-Style Cafes in NYC

A kissaten is a traditional Japanese coffee shop known for its vintage decor, slow-drip coffee, and nostalgic ambiance. Some spots in NYC quietly recreate that charm—serving siphon coffee, thick toast, and serene jazz vibes. This list would spotlight the most authentic kissaten-style cafés where time feels like it slows down.

Hi-Collar
#1

Hi-Collar

231 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

Hi-Collar is a true kissaten experience packed into a tiny, charming East Village spot. By day, it serves siphon-brewed coffee and fluffy Japanese-style pancakes, while by night, it transforms into a standing sake bar. The retro-modern vibe, jazz soundtrack, and obsessive attention to detail make this a cozy escape to Tokyo without leaving NYC.
Isshiki Matcha
#2

Isshiki Matcha

138 2nd Ave Inside Moko, New York, NY 10003, United States

Isshiki Matcha, tucked inside Moko, delivers a beautiful marriage of modern design and Japanese tea tradition. Their matcha is the real deal—vibrant, earthy, and whisked with care. Sip it while enjoying minimalist vibes, clean wood lines, and peaceful energy that transports you out of the city buzz and into a Kyoto tea moment.
Japanese Cafe
#3

Japanese Cafe

1001 6th Ave Suite 108, New York, NY 10018, United States

Though simply named, Japanese Cafe on 6th Ave surprises with its serene setting and homey, nostalgic menu. Think curry rice, thick toast, and drip coffee served with quiet hospitality. It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm—it feels like the kind of place an old friend would take you to for a long catch-up over comfort food.
Hanamizuki Cafe
#4

Hanamizuki Cafe

143 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

Hanamizuki Cafe delivers that soft-spoken elegance you find in Tokyo cafes. It leans minimalist with a gentle atmosphere, warm lighting, and a focus on quality. Try the matcha latte or one of their delicate desserts—each bite is like a quiet poem. Perfect for unwinding with a book or escaping Manhattan’s chaos for a while.
KIJITORA
#5

KIJITORA

578 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

KIJITORA in Williamsburg offers an inviting balance of vintage Japanese café style and Brooklyn cool. Known for their fluffy soufflé pancakes and killer coffee, the space blends warm wood with relaxed vibes. Whether you’re here for a thoughtful solo moment or a slow Sunday brunch, it nails that kissaten ambiance effortlessly.
Davelle
#6

Davelle

102 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002, United States

Davelle brings that quiet kissaten charm to the Lower East Side with a menu full of comfort and a vibe that feels like a hug. Their thick toasts are a standout—topped with everything from strawberries and cream to egg salad—and the coffee is strong and smooth. With its tiny space, retro accents, and friendly staff, it’s the kind of spot you stumble into and never want to leave.
Tomiz Cafe
#7

Tomiz Cafe

1073 6th Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018, United States

Tomiz Cafe is a peaceful gem nestled on the second floor near Bryant Park, offering a refined take on the kissaten tradition. The space is calm and softly lit, with big windows that let the Midtown buzz fade away. Known for their gorgeous Japanese-style desserts and expertly brewed coffee, it’s a place that invites you to slow down. Whether you’re sipping matcha or indulging in a seasonal parfait, everything feels thoughtful and beautifully presented.
Takahachi Bakery
#8

Takahachi Bakery

25 Murray St, New York, NY 10007, United States

Takahachi Bakery feels like a slice of Tokyo hidden in Tribeca, where buttery croissants sit next to curry pan and matcha cream buns. It’s not a full-on kissaten, but the mood is right—warm wood tones, quiet regulars, and a gentle hum of calm. Their coffee pairs perfectly with the baked goods, and the staff always greet you like you’re part of the neighborhood. It’s one of those places where you end up staying longer than planned.
Patisserie Tomoko
#9

Patisserie Tomoko

568 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

Patisserie Tomoko is where Japanese finesse meets French technique, all wrapped up in a quiet Williamsburg corner. The tasting menu is the real magic here—thoughtfully plated desserts paired with tea or coffee, served in a space that whispers calm. Every element, from the elegant ceramic cups to the impossibly airy chiffon cake, feels crafted with purpose. If you’re after something intimate and memorable, this is it.
Lê Phin
#10

Lê Phin

259 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009, United States

It’s a Vietnamese cafe known for its strong phin-brewed coffee, so while it doesn’t quite fit the traditional kissaten mold, it could be a cool pick if you ever do a “Top 10 Asian Coffee Concepts in NYC” list or one focused on slow brew cafés.

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