Coffee Aristocrat Edinburgh — Restaurant in Tokyo

This classic kissaten, Coffee Aristocrat Edinburg, in Shinjuku. From the moment I walked in, I was transported to another time and place. The old-fashioned décor and soft lighting gave the café a cozy and intimate feel. It does smell like cigarettes and they do have a smoking section. The smell was mild in the not smoking area.

I was greeted warmly by the staff, who seated me at a small table near the window. The menu offered a variety of coffee blends, teas, and pastries, and I opted for the hot American blend coffee to start. The coffee was rich and full-bodied, just what I needed on a chilly day.

As I perused the pastry selection, I couldn't resist trying both the chocolate cake with walnuts and the New York cheesecake. Both desserts were absolutely delicious, and I appreciated the generous portion sizes. The chocolate cake was moist and fudgy, with the perfect amount of sweetness, while the New York cheesecake was light and creamy, with a delicate hint of vanilla.

The atmosphere at Coffee Aristocrat Edinburg was just as delightful as the food and drink. The café was quiet and peaceful, and I could have easily spent hours there with a good book or some work to do. The staff was friendly and attentive without being intrusive, and I felt well taken care of throughout my visit.

All in all, I highly recommend Coffee Aristocrat Edinburg to anyone looking for a classic kissaten experience in Shinjuku. The coffee, pastries, and atmosphere are all top-notch, and I can't wait to return for another slice of that heavenly...

I was there on May 11. I had a dessert at this café—served with ice cream (I don’t remember the name, but it’s in the photos)—and everything about it was lovely, but I was especially amazed by the fresh mint on top. I can still taste that refreshing mint in my mind!

The waiter who took care of us was very kind. While serving, we even had a brief conversation about the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, which made the experience even more enjoyable. My phone had run out of battery, and they had a charger available, which truly saved the day.

I should mention that this is a smoking-only venue. If you’ve gotten used to the fresh, clean atmosphere typical in Japan, it might feel unusual. But it’s clearly stated in the reviews that smoking is allowed here. I have to say—it’s a bit unfair that some people knowingly come and then leave low ratings just because of that. In our own country, we encounter cigarette smoke even while walking down the street; at least here, you’re informed in advance.

Since I knew what to expect, it didn’t bother me at all. Thank you...

If you're jet-lagged and wandering Shinjuku City at odd hours, this 24-hour café is a reliable option for a comforting breakfast. The menu offers a good variety, and the bagels are especially interesting—softer and chewier than what you'd typically find in the U.S., especially if you're coming from NYC, where bagels are known for their dense, crisp exterior and chewy interior. It's a subtle but noticeable difference that gives the Japanese take a unique charm.

The coffee frappuccino here is dangerously good—I enjoyed it so much I ordered another one to go. And as for the matcha? Don’t even question it. It’s Japan. I genuinely don’t think you’ll find a bad matcha drink here.

One thing to be aware of: while there is a designated smoking area, the smell does carry into the non-smoking section, which could be bothersome for some.

Still, for late-night cravings or an early-morning start, this café delivers both convenience and a...