A kissaten (traditional Japanese cafe) is typically highlighted by retro furniture, warm lighting, casually displayed art, and a calm atmosphere where jazz or classical music plays in the background.
These nostalgic cafes—where you can relax and enjoy carefully brewed coffee and yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine)—are a uniquely Japanese part of food culture.
At “Cafe Bridge,” a long-standing kissaten located inside the Nishi-Ginza Department Store with direct access from Ginza Station, you can experience that charm firsthand.
Many kissaten are often individually owned, and their interiors reflecting the owner’s tastes are worth seeing. Particularly in Ginza, such cafes have long been cultural hubs where writers and artists once gathered for inspiration and connection.
Founded in 1958, Cafe Bridge still carries the essence of that golden era.
The popular “Melon Pancake” is packed with fresh and juicy fruit flavor
Cafe Bridge’s all-time most popular item is the “Melon Pancake.”
This treat looks just like a real melon—its unique dome shape is a delight to see!
“メロンパンケーキ,” Melon Pancake 1,400 JPY (tax included)
To ensure consistent quality every time, the batter’s moisture level is adjusted daily before it’s cooked on a griddle. The result is a pleasantly fluffy texture and a simple, nostalgic flavor—much like a classic hotcake.
The pancake is shaped into a dome and covered in melon-flavored cream and decorated with a lattice pattern using fresh whipped cream.
Cut into it, and you’ll find it packed with large cubes of fresh melon!
Biting into a mix of the juicy melon and the subtly salted pancake, with a hint of vanilla—creates a one-of-a-kind flavor that spreads across the palate. The dessert strikes an exquisite balance: not overly sweet, layered in both taste and texture, and satisfying until the very last bite.
This photogenic dessert draws both local regulars and international travelers who come just to try it.
There’s also a 1.5x size version that’s perfect for groups of four or more to share.
Napolitan spaghetti and special sandwiches: exquisite kissaten staples
No kissaten menu is complete without Napolitan, a classic Japanese pasta dish—not Italian, but an original Japanese creation.
It features thick spaghetti tossed in a sweet and tangy ketchup- or tomato-based sauce, and served with ingredients like onions, green peppers, and sausage.
“ナポリタン（サラダ、ドリンク付き）,” Napolitan (with salad and a drink) 800 JPY (tax included)
At Cafe Bridge, you’ll get the quintessential Japanese version of Napolitan.
The homemade rich sauce clings well to the soft (not al dente) spaghetti. Just before serving, it’s topped with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy, adding a delicious aroma.
The savory flavor, brought out by finishing the dish with a quick stir-fry, is comforting and universally appealing—it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among all ages.
Spice lovers can opt for a “Chili Pepper Topping,” made with fragrant, flavorful Japanese tōgarashi chili peppers, available for an additional fee.
Chili pepper toppings: “辛め,” Mildly spicy 50 JPY (tax included), “しっかり辛め,” Very spicy 100 JPY (tax included)
Cafe Bridge also offers a wide variety of sandwiches, perfect for when you’re feeling a little peckish. The most popular choice is the classic “BLT Sandwich.”
“BLTサンドイッチ,” BLT Sandwich 800 JPY (tax included)
The bread, sourced from a famous bakery, has a deep umami flavor. The sandwich is packed generously with ingredients, primarily fresh tomatoes, making it exceptionally satisfying.
There are also various other options to enjoy, such as “Avocado BLT Sandwich” with added avocado and the double-decker “Clubhouse Sandwich.”
Note: Toasted bread (as shown in the photos) is only available until 5:00 PM. After that, only non-toasted mixed sandwiches are served.
Enjoy a luxurious break with specialty dishes and coffee
A hidden gem on Cafe Bridge’s menu is the “Kissaten Curry Rice.”
The sweetness of thoroughly sautéed onions, a blend of carefully selected spices, and the subtle aroma of Ceylon tea as a secret ingredient all come together in a rich curry roux — a flavor so irresistible, you’ll be reaching for another bite before you even realize it.
“紅茶屋さんのカレーライス（サラダ、フルーツ付き）,” Kissaten Curry Rice (with salad and a drink) 900 JPY (tax included)
The curry is topped with tender pork belly that’s been simmered in black tea, giving it a fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The essence of the kissaten experience lies in leisurely enjoying coffee and food.
Cafe Bridge uses high-quality Toraja blend from Indonesia for its coffee, which is known for its deep richness and mellow taste.
Order the “Hot Coffee,” and you’ll be treated to one free refill.
“ホットコーヒー,” Hot Coffee 900 JPY (tax included)
The cafe also offers a wide variety of drinks, including 100% fresh melon juice, other fruit juices, tea, wine, and beer.
When visiting the cafe, each customer is required to order at least one item.
Classic kissaten are becoming harder to find across Japan. So when you do come across one, why not make the most of it by enjoying not just a drink, but also the variety of nostalgic cafe food they have to offer? It’s a valuable culinary experience.
They also offer English menus, so international diners can feel at ease.
Please note that Cafe Bridge allows smoking, so guests under the age of 20 are not permitted.
They have adopted a smoking separation system that divides smoking and non-smoking seats, so when you enter, first let the staff know whether you will be smoking or not.
Take a break from shopping in Ginza and soak up Japan’s unique cafe culture at your own pace!
Information
| Store name | カフェ ブリッヂ Cafe Bridge |
|---|---|
| Address | Nishi Ginza Department Store B1F, 4-1 Ginza, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Ginza Station Short walk from Exit C7
Yūrakuchō Station 3-minute walk from Yūrakuchō Station Ginza Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-3566-4081 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-20:00 |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Nishi Ginza Department Store official holidays |
| Seating | 84 table seats |
| Smoking | A separate smoking area is available |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/bridge_coffee_ginza/ |
| Other information |
|
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of May 2025.
