Cafe-hopping in Osaka’s trendy Kitahama neighborhood!

The Kitahama neighborhood has lots of businesses and also lots of coffee. I often go for walks in Kitahama and enjoy trying new cafes in the area. Here are 4 of my favorite places in Kitahama.

■ EMBANKMENT coffee

This unique coffee shop only offers brews made from light-roast coffee beans. It’s located along the river too, so the atmosphere is very relaxed and you can take in the river scenery while you sit back with your cup of coffee.
Many of the customers are here alone, so you won’t fee uncomfortable if you are on your own.

The light-roast beans make a refined flavorful coffee that’s not bitter. So they recommend drinking it black without milk or sugar, which can distort the flavor profile.

But of course, they have latte on the menu. And it is delicious!

The cafe offers a great selection of sweets to go with your coffee too. The tiramisu has a subtle creamy sweetness that seems to melt in your mouth.
This is the kind of cafe where you can relax completely and lose yourself in a book.

■ OXYMORON, Kitahama

Located right next door to EMBANKMENT coffee, this popular cafe serves an amazing spicy curry.

I ordered the Japanese style keema curry out of a selection of 4 different types. I was torn between this and a spicy curry, but this one is topped in an onsen tamago (soft slow-boiled egg) and I couldn’t resist. The soft egg complimented the curry flavors and balanced out the dish. I was very satisfied with my choice.
And the curry is served with candied walnuts to cleanse your palate after eating. How thoughtful!
I wanted to order one of their famous puddings too, but will have to come back for dessert next time.

■ Brooklyn Roasting Company, Kitahama

This one is also located on riverfront property. It’s a cafe from New York and it certainly has those New York vibes. There’s a flower shop inside and it’s really stylish. Every time I come here, I feel like I’ve been transported to a foreign country and it is absolutely divine.

Just look at the showcase. I’ve never been to New York, but I imagine this is what it’s like. I wanted to grab a muffin, but they were sold out already. (I guess this means I’ll be coming back.)

The sweets are wrapped in wax paper so they are easy to eat. The terrace seating is very popular when the weather is nice. If you come on a weekday, it’s easier to get an outdoor seat.
This is also a great place to do take out and take your cup for a neighborhood stroll or to relax on a park bench across the river.

■ &island KITAHAMA

This bar & cafe features meat on their menu. Of course they have great coffee too! They offer a takeout menu, so I decided to grab something to go and have a picnic in nearby Nakanoshima Park.

Here is the popular Roast Beef Rice Bowl and the meal comes with a drink and soup. The meat is so tender and delicious. Plus it’s just the right size for lunch.

It’s so nice to be outside when the weather is nice and feel that breeze.

▼Map of the cafes mentioned above

All 4 of these establishments are located along the Tosabori River and within walking distance of one another. You could have a curry lunch, then head somewhere else for dessert, and really just spend the whole day eating.
All of these places are pretty popular, so expect a crowd on Saturdays or get something to go and have a nearby picnic.

▶Exploring Osaka! Coffee shops and bakeries in the Nakatsu neighborhood