Kunimatsu — Restaurant in Sasebo

To call this merely a coffee shop would not do this place justice. Kunimatsu is a personality, an artist, and an experience.

Starting off, the location serves to separate the business from the busy shopping arcade of Yonkacho. Located behind the 7/11 convenience store lies a tucked away cafe known simply as, "Kunimatsu." Upon entering, customers are welcomed in to cozy shop that radiates nautical energy, a clear reference to the Navy base and port town of Sasebo. While seafaring decor and maps of coffee distributors line the walls, the main counter displays the chemistry-like set of coffee beakers that Kunimatsu uses to create works of art.

Speaking of Kunimatsu, the man is an absolute legend. While it may be difficult to have full length conversations in English, try out a little Japanese and he will certainly meet you half way. For those who have trouble reading Japanese, a full English menu is available! Highly recommend trying to chat with him even for a little as he is a kind and humble man. Taking over from his father, Kunimatsu runs the cafe with his mother while continuing his father's legacy as a coffee enthusiast. In addition to being a wonderful individual, his coffee and small bites go above and beyond. Every single cup is unique and full of craftsmanship. You really can't go wrong!

As for what to order, the Irish coffee is an excellent blend of rich coffee with fresh cream on top. The sugar on the bottom means you can enjoy multiple levels of flavor in one sip. For food, the cheese toast is a great pairing to your coffee. Fluffy Japanese bread with a slice of cheese held together by what I take is a wasabi mayo. Surprisingly delicious.

Once again, Kunimatsu is more than just a shop. It's a place you can relax, converse, and indulge in some excellent food and drink. Do yourself a favor and give this place a shot because you may find it hard to order coffee...

Craft coffee and more in a little spot built like the interior of an old ship.

The range of coffees is extensive and each cup is a single painstakingly perfect pour over.

Nice touches included liquid sugar for the extraordinarily strong and delicious ginger ale my wife had and bringing milk for my coffee without asking. I like a good bean, and will always sample the brew black, but I like milk/cream in my coffee and places as specialized as this often make you feel like a philistine if you ask for it.

I also took home some beans and asked for the house blend (the one I had just had as it was really smooth yet complex) and he proceeded to hand blend my little batch. What a treat.

The barista is a gem and we both got a pretty serious soul handshake with fist bump as we left!

If you like coffee or cool places or nice...

The ONLY place to go in Sasebo if you want artisan coffee. "Kunimatsu" is run by Hiroki-san and his mother, and he specializes in siphon filter coffee via alcohol burner. Stepping inside is like going into an old sea cabin, all of his coffee drinks are served in separate porcelain styles from Arita. He features coffee from around the globe, and other unique brews such as his "Dutch" coffee, an 8 hour cold brew. There's a small selection of food here as well, ranging from fruit smoothies, to ice cream, to cheese sandwiches, and he has a small drink bar for "adult" coffee.

The pin is misleading, there is no access from 35, you have to go in via the alley on the backside of the Super...