Kitakaro Sapporo Honkan Cafe
Upon seeing a post about Kitakaro Main Building being the go-to for Sapporo desserts, I found it captivating, especially since Kitakaro occupies a space full of charm: the retrofitted 'Old Hokkaido Government Archives Annex' built in 1926. The store, designed by architect Tadao Ando, features high ceilings and historical remnants scattered throughout the area, presenting an attractive space. Particularly, the 2nd-floor cafe space, with bookshelves filling the walls and a white curved ceiling, adds to its appeal. Kitakaro in Otaru is also known for its adaptive reuse architecture, utilizing old stones for its warehouse building. Kitakaro offers a variety of desserts including 'Okaki' (rice crackers) representing Hokkaido, souvenirs, and dairy products, for which Hokkaido is famous, like milk ice cream and choux cream. The 1st floor allows for souvenir shopping and take-out menus, and after 11 AM, the 2nd floor cafe opens, offering not just cafe menus but also brunch. As seats fill up quickly and many come by reservation, it's recommended to either book in advance or opt for an open run to minimize waiting time.
Roquefort Cafe
An old-fashioned cafe where LP music flows through. As soon as I entered, I saw a coffee bar with a very old-fashioned yet emotional interior. The space wasn't large, but it was clean and well-organized. However, I didn't realize it was a smoking-allowed cafe until after my visit. The LPs and minor accessories visible at the bar seemed to reflect the grandfather owner's taste impressively, and it was really nice and quiet in the morning time.
Katachi Coffee
Cozy and warm Katachi Coffee cafe. It was a cafe with a calm neighborhood regular cafe atmosphere with warm wooden interiors. Perhaps because I visited before lunchtime, it was very quiet and peaceful, and the cafe offered a carefully selected coffee. Especially in Japan, no matter which cafe you visit, if you order a warm Americano, they ask if you need milk, and it tastes different if you drink half of it and then add milk. I used it a lot throughout my stay in Japan :) I personally like this warm woody interior, so it's a cafe that remains a lot in my memory among the cafes I visited in Sapporo. The music wasn't loud, and the atmosphere itself was so peaceful and quiet that I could enjoy my coffee very leisurely. Only cash payments are possible, so please check before visiting.
THE RELAY (ใถ ใชใฌใผ)
The best cafe I personally visited in Sapporo. Very friendly staff and you can find beans from all over the country. It has good lighting and music. Located about ten minutes by taxi from Susukino, so it's not bad in terms of accessibility. THE RELAY (ใถ ใชใฌใผ) ๐17 Chomeโ1-11 Yoshida Building 3F, Chuo Ward, Kita 4 Jonishi, Sapporo ๐12:00~17:00 / Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays / Check Instagram feed for February operating days
unique
Unique, a cozy and charming restaurant, offered a peaceful atmosphere distinct from the bustling streets of Sapporo. Though slightly removed from Sapporo's main areas, it allowed for a fully immersive experience in the leisurely vibe of a small town within the city. The food was exceptionally delightful. The beef stew, reminiscent of a minced meat hamburger steak, was warm, unburdening to the Korean palate, and comfortably familiar. The set menu of beef stew + salad + coffee facilitated a leisurely lunch experience. Notably, despite being the last to enter, the relaxed dining atmosphere had me leaving the establishment firstโa testament to the serene environ. The unique flavor of the appetizer salad, featuring grapes and strawberries, occasionally comes to mind. A restaurant worth visiting for those wishing to experience the calm of Sapporo.
PLANT SATO COFFEE
Sato Coffee is a famous local cafe in Sapporo along with Morihiko.
Morihico Coffee
An old wooden building with a Ghibli-like exterior, parking available, quiet atmosphere so care is needed when taking photos. All staff members are kind.
CAFE LA BASTILLE
CAFE LA BASTILLE is a cheesecake spot near Sapporo TV Tower. The coffee is good, and the signature cheesecake is unique, but one slight issue is that it's a smoking cafe. As a nonsmoker who thought Japan would be culturally similar due to its proximity, I was surprised by the cultural differences starting from the little things. I didn't know that most old Japanese traditional cafes (kissaten) still allow smoking to this day. I only stopped by for the cheesecake, not knowing it was a smoking cafe, and was quite taken aback. However, as soon as I entered, the atmosphere was warm and cozy, and the coffee was delicious. Especially, the cheesecake, served with blueberry sauce, was so delicious in its unique style. For smokers, it might be a great cafe in Sapporo.