Cafe & Sweets · Practical guide
Takakura Machi Coffee
Legendary Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes & Beatles Nostalgia
Prices, ordering steps, payment details, and common mistakes — in one place.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Japanese name | 高倉町珈琲 (Takakura Machi Coffee) |
| Category | Dining / Premium Japanese Cafe Lounge & Artisanal Ricotta Pancake Specialty (Takakura Machi Coffee Official Website) |
| Store Count | Approximately 35–40 spacious suburban and urban locations centered in Tokyo (Hachioji, Kunitachi), Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Tochigi, and Gunma (Store Directory) |
| Ordering Style | Full table service: hostess greeting and escort to plush velvet armchairs or private booths; digital tablet or verbal ordering; table delivery; payment at front counter upon exit |
| Membership Required? | No reservation, membership, or ID required |
| Approximate Price Range | Ricotta pancakes ~¥1,100–¥1,800 (just-size ~¥850–¥1,200); specialty coffees ~¥550–¥700; pasta/stew/doria ~¥1,100–¥1,500; strictly zero table fee (¥0 Otoshi); tax-included (subject to revision) |
| Payment Methods | Cash, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express), transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO), electronic money (iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, 楽天ペイ) |
| Multilingual Support | Clear illustrated menus with full-color photos and English dish names; digital ordering tablets support English display at modern branches |
What it is
Takakura Machi Coffee (高倉町珈琲), founded in Hachioji, Tokyo in 2013 by the former chairman of Skylark Group Mamoru Yokokawa, is celebrated across Japan as the ultimate "adult relaxation cafe." Renowned for its unrivaled fluffy Ricotta Pancakes (特製クリームのリコッタパンケーキ), the cafe bakes each pancake to order with fresh meringue and creamy low-fat Italian ricotta cheese, creating a cloud-like texture that melts on the tongue without greasiness. Decorated with original artwork, plush Italian-upholstered sofas, warm amber lamps, and vintage Beatles memorabilia playing soft acoustic soundtracks, Takakura Machi Coffee provides a luxurious, tranquil sanctuary favored by couples, families, and solo travelers.
How to order
- Hostess seating: Step through the grand entrance; staff will guide you to high-backed sofa booths or plush leather armchairs designed for extended relaxation.
- Complimentary water & ¥0 Cover Charge: Relax in the spacious seating. There is strictly zero cover charge or seat fee (¥0 Otoshi).
- Browse the menu (Tablet or Paper):
- Ricotta Pancakes (リコッタパンケーキ): Choose between Plain with Canadian Maple Syrup, or the iconic Special Cream Ricotta Pancake (特製クリームのリコッタパンケーキ) smothered in velvety, airy whipped milk cream.
- Portion Options: Full size (2 massive souffle discs) or "Just Size" (1 disc, perfect after a meal).
- Savory Fare: Slow-cooked Beef Stew with buttered toast, Japanese Neapolitan Spaghetti, or Creamy Shrimp Doria.
- Specialty Drinks: Takakura Machi Blend Coffee, Royal Milk Tea, or cold-brew iced coffee.
- Pancake wait time: Because pancakes are freshly whisked and pan-baked from fresh meringue upon ordering, expect a 15–20 minute baking time. Enjoy your coffee while you wait!
- Bill & Checkout: Present your numbered table docket to the front register. Pay with international credit cards, transit cards, or cash.
What to order first
- Special Cream Ricotta Pancake (特製クリームのリコッタパンケーキ): Two ultra-fluffy, souffle-soft ricotta cakes blanketed in lush, lightly sweet vanilla milk cream and toasted almond slivers.
- Takakura Machi Blend Coffee (高倉町ブレンドコーヒー): Specially selected beans roasted to bring out dark chocolate richness that pairs harmoniously with sweet pancakes.
- Beef Stew with Rice or Toast (特製ビーフシチュー): Tender chunks of beef simmered for hours in rich red wine demi-glace with root vegetables.
- Seasonal Fruit Ricotta Pancake (季節限定リコッタパンケーキ): Autumn Japanese chestnuts, summer white peaches, or winter Amao strawberries.
Payment & practical info
Prices and details checked: November 2026.
- Payment Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Suica/PASMO, iD, QUICPay, PayPay, and cash.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, power outlets at numerous booths, immaculate restrooms, and designated soundproofing zones.
- Breakfast Hours: 7:00 AM / 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (includes discounted drinks with free toast toppings).
Good to know / Common mistakes
- Baking Patience: Fresh souffle ricotta pancakes take 15–20 minutes to bake. If you are catching an express train or flight, inform the staff or choose a faster sandwich dish.
- Half Portion "Just Size": If dining alone or after a heavy lunch, order the Just Size (ジャストサイズ) pancake to save room!
- Beatles Connection: Look closely at the walls—original Beatles concert photographs, vintage album covers, and memorabilia personally curated by the founder adorn every location.
FAQ
- Q: Can I share a pancake order?
- A: Yes! Sharing plates and extra forks are gladly provided upon request.
- Q: Is takeout available for ricotta pancakes?
- A: Yes, chilled takeout versions of the ricotta pancakes and freshly brewed drip bags can be purchased at the register.
- Q: Are vegetarian choices available?
- A: The plain ricotta pancakes with maple syrup and cheese toast options are vegetarian-friendly (contain eggs and dairy).
Sources
- Takakura Machi Coffee Official Website (Verified: 2026-11-07)
- Takakura Machi Ricotta Pancake Menu & Specifications (Verified: 2026-11-07)
- Takakura Machi Coffee Store Directory (Verified: 2026-11-07)