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I had been wanting to check out Kitahama Retro for some time now. This past Saturday, we got the chance.This building built in 1912, was originally bought by a businessman who fell in love with the building. He quit his original job and sold his house in order to finance the upkeep of the building. (or something like that)
In 1997, the building was refurbished into a cafe. Though very small, it has a very homey atmosphere.
In this business area, this building is very "short" in comparison to the skyscrapers and office buildings around it, and has a flavor all its own.
Satoshi and I got there just as they were opening and ordered two sandwich sets 1600 yen (about US$16) each for lunch.
The set comes with the sandwich of your choice and tea of your choice.
Satoshi chose the mixed sandwich, this came with an omlette, some ham, cucumber, potato salad and lettuce layered into a sandwich.
For his tea, he chose a fragrant apple tea.
For my sandwich set, I chose the BLT. I liked the bacon even though it wasn't crispy.Since the weather was very humid and sunny, I chose a tea with lemon. And with lemon it came! I was quite surprised that they gave me so many slices. Very puckery but refreshing.
These sandwiches were really filling!
After our orders came, we noticed other tables ordering the Afternoon Tea set 2100 yen (about US$21)...this comes with your choice of cake, 2 scones and some finger sandwiches.
In fact, we saw a table of 4 ladies order 4 AT sets and split their cakes 4 ways (you go ladies!)
We definitely should have ordered something like that! (Next time for sure.)
And as we left, there was already a line waiting for seating.
Kitahama Retro
1-1-26 Kitahama
Chuo, Osaka
Phone: 06.6223.5858
Weekdays: 11:00-21:30
Weekends/Holidays: 11:00-19:00
Very Cool looking building - not many of those type of building left in Osaka yes? Cannot wait to give that High Tea service a try thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteHi there Jonathan,
ReplyDeletethere are still a few buildings left but you need to look for them like treasure :) Here is a link to different "walks". I hope the cafe won't disappoint.
Take care.
Kat
What a neat place. Your sandwich and tea look scrumptious.
ReplyDeleteTo be able to do something like that (quit your job, sell the house, buy that perfect piece of property) is like the ultimate dream. Always nice to read or hear about someone that actually went through it and succeeded!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jalna, I hope to go back for scones :)
ReplyDeleteRowena, I know! and back then $$ was hard to come by too.
Take care you two.
Kat
I love that building--the perfect place for lunch or tea. Your lunch looks great--can't wait to hear about the tea set and how the scones are when you try them.
ReplyDelete;-)
Thanks Debinhawaii, I'll be sure to post about it when I go :)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat
Nice looking building Kat.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara, I love the hardwood floors in there too :)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat