le café japonais — Restaurant in Arles

Excellent craft coffee with soul

First let’s talk about the quality of the coffees and teas. Everything that I’ve been served there comes from handpicked producers (coffee from Cafar in Arles - exceptional both in terms of quality and ethics) and is perfectly executed by Marina, the host.

She is warm, friendly, and personable. The first few times I couldn’t help but go back because her hosting is so warm and brings me back to Japan where you are welcomed like a king. I came back over and over because of the constant quality of the drinks and the cakes.

The cakes are simple and well executed. The place is so full of soul I could spend a day there. Going to le café japonais always feels like a treat, like a highlight.

Thank you Marina-chan. Your service, warmth, dedication, and simplicity are so so...

I had an odd experience at this cafe.

I was waiting outside for café to open, a Chinese person budged me. I move to the front again as I am in a hurry and I respect queuing. The owner when opening a minute later mistook me for the person budging! I correct her and tell her I was actually here first. She took my order but was quite cold to me. She then served the Chinese person their coffee at same time as me.

The owner speaks French, Japanese, and English well.

I think the coffee is good. But the yuzu bread was terribly dry and cost 4€. I would not order bread again from here.

I was saddened by the lack of おもてなしの心.

I have lived in Japan before and I think maybe this café is more western in...

Le Café Japonais is a good option if you’re not in a rush and have the time to actually enjoy your coffee on spot. They don’t do take away and I think that’s great. They have onigiris if you’re looking for something salty. The matcha tea cake was good, but slightly on the drier side. Service is cool, the lady behind the bar was friendly and helpful. We took some chairs from indoors and placed them outside, since the weather was nice and the surroundings are beautiful (they’re next to the Amphitheater) and she was fine with that. Will stop by again. The...