KOFFEE MAMEYA — Restaurant in Tokyo

This coffee shop is a "coffee show". It should be labeled as an educational experience rather than a cafe, which is not a bad idea at all depending on your expectations.

While the baristas were friendly and engaging, they have 8-15 minutes conversations with each customer, which results in a long waiting time (one hour in my case) and there are no chairs inside so I recommend bringing your own foldable chair, otherwise you'll have to stand for more than 1 hour. During these 8-15 minutes, the baristas try to get to know you and build rapport, then proceed to give you a lecture on coffee beans and flavors that you might like, which can be a nice experience if you want to learn more about coffee.

However, unless you are coffee connoisseur, chances are that you won't be able to distinguish the different coffee beans and the variety of flavors. They may taste just bitter or less bitter for the untrained tongue. If you're looking for a place to sit, eat, and read a book or work with your laptop, this is not the place for you. You'd be better off going to any other cafeteria with imported beans and good baristas and getting the same coffee quality.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something different and are interested in learning more about coffee, this is the place for you. The prices are reasonable, and the staff is super friendly. They're knowledgeable about their craft and passionate about sharing their expertise with their customers. The overall experience was enjoyable, but it's essential to know what you're signing up for before you visit.

As a suggestion for the business owner, I would prefer to have a barista engage me in conversation for 8-15 minutes while I wait in line and not so much inside the cafe. Outside, staff members could help customers choose which beans and flavors would suit their palates. This way, everyone can make an informed decision before reaching the counter, saving the time of the others in the queue.

For instance, the café could have one or two baristas interacting with customers outside and offering samples or pamphlets with information about the different beans. Such an approach would not only enhance the overall experience but also help customers choose their coffee more efficiently, allowing them to simply enjoy their beverage without any confusion or hesitation once inside.

Also, this approach would allow the baristas inside to focus on what they do best - crafting delicious coffee. Engaging in conversation with every single customer could be excruciating and mentally draining for the baristas, particularly during peak hours when there are many customers. By delegating the responsibility of engaging with customers to a few individuals outside, the baristas inside could concentrate on their craft and create high-quality coffee for everyone to enjoy.

In conclusion, if you're a coffee enthusiast and want to learn more about coffee, this is a great place to visit. However, if you're looking for a traditional coffee shop experience, this may not be the place for you. Just be prepared to wait in line and enjoy the experience for what it is - a...

During my recent visit to Shibuya City, I had the pleasure of stopping by Koffee Mameya, a standout in the world of specialty coffee shops. This isn't just your average café; it's a place where coffee is elevated to an art form. The unique atmosphere of the shop is a testament to its philosophy of coffee appreciation.

Koffee Mameya's approach is deeply rooted in the Japanese concept of 'kodawari', which translates to an aspiration for perfection and attention to detail. This philosophy is evident in everything from the selection of the beans to the expert brewing techniques employed by the baristas. The customer service here is more than perfect; it's an educational journey. The staff, clad in crisp white, are not just baristas but educators in the world of coffee, offering insights into the origins and qualities of different beans.

The shop itself, a renovated warehouse, is a blend of austere elegance and minimalism, with a focus on raw materials like wood and concrete, creating an environment that enhances the coffee experience. The interior’s design, with its high ceilings and striking wooden frames, provides the perfect stage for the baristas to showcase their skills. Here, coffee is not just served; it's a performance.

Every visit to Koffee Mameya is an opportunity to learn and indulge in exceptional coffee. They don't just sell coffee; they build relationships with their customers, guiding them to discover the perfect brew. The shop focuses on selling beans from world-renowned roasters, ensuring that every cup is a reflection of their commitment to quality.

For those who appreciate the finer aspects of coffee culture, Koffee Mameya is more than just a coffee shop; it's a destination. Their focus on education, quality, and customer experience makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary coffee...

For the pure coffee lover. I really enjoyed my entire experience, but be warned, there is no seating at all. You’ll wait in line and then stand at the bar. Thankfully the wait wasn’t that long when I went. Their English is quite good, so you won’t have a problem ordering though capturing some of the nuances might be difficult. My barista recommended a couple of great beans to try. Though when I asked for something else, he did reply a bit mockingly that made me feel a bit embarrassed, but I think it was more the language barrier and not his intention as he followed up a bit later regarding my question. Another barista served me my last cup and he was very friendly. This shop is meant to be fast, so unfortunately that means you won’t get the intimate service you might desire from a small coffee bar or like their other location which is reservation only. They had me switch spots quite often, a total of four times. I did not mind, but wanted people to be aware that it could happen. They explain their whole process quite well, though I felt it was a bit too structured. The coffee itself was excellent. I had the Jansen which was about $20 a cup and it was exceptional. One thing I learned though is that they source their beans from various roasters. Some of the roasters have provide exclusive roasts to Mameya, but it’s a great way to find some amazing roasters. The beans were reasonably priced and the one I bought to take home was better than what I remembered having at the shop. This may be due to their extraction method. They do a surprisingly small dosage (10g) which is extremely hard for a pour. I’m not saying their pour is bad, it’s really quite excellent. But you really should take some beans...