L'OCCITANE Café SHIBUYA TOKYO — Restaurant in Tokyo

I recently visited this café at Shibuya Crossing with a friend. It wasn’t busy at all, and we were seated right away, which we appreciated. The woman who welcomed us was neutral—not particularly warm, but not rude either. She directed us to the second floor, where we noticed there were many empty tables with great views over Shibuya Crossing.

Surprisingly, we were seated in the far corner of the room, with absolutely no view—despite the abundance of better, available tables. It felt unfair, and honestly, both my friend and I felt like we were being judged. My friend is a person of color, and it’s hard not to wonder if this played a role in the seating decision. It gave us the uncomfortable feeling that we were seen as “less than,” or perhaps assumed to be poor.

When we asked a male staff member for help, he was very kind and tried to assist us. Thank you to him. He checked if we could be moved, but a woman—possibly the manager or supervisor—intervened. She made a very unpleasant face, clearly showing that our request annoyed her. It was not the kind of attitude you expect in hospitality, especially in such a high-traffic, internationally recognized area.

She later claimed the better tables were “reserved” and placed a “Reserved” sign—after we had asked. It felt like an excuse, not the truth. Meanwhile, we observed that some of those tables were later given to guests who appeared more affluent or “polished.” We ended up spending over 4,000 yen—more than many other guests around us who shared just one drink—but were made to feel like second-class customers.

The food was good, but the service and overall treatment were extremely disappointing. When you run a business in such a globally known location, it’s important to treat all customers equally, regardless of how they look or what assumptions you make about them.

We simply wanted to enjoy a nice view and a quiet afternoon, not to feel mistreated or unwelcome.

Would...

This place is VERY overpriced just because they have a view of the crossing. The view is good. The food is good, the service is not the best. Food: we had the BLT waffle croissant which was very good. I liked it a lot. Thick cut bacon and the waffles were just right. It also came with a mini butternut squash soup which was a nice touch. We also had the strawberry waffle dessert. The best part of that was the strawberries. Unfortunately, this waffle was overcooked. Also nothing spectacular…. Noting the 1680 yen price tag, I expect more.

Service: we made our coffee orders and one coffee came within a few minutes… then another 5 min went by, then another. I asked the server if there was an issue with my iced coffee as I saw people who entered after us already have their drinks…. Then another 5 min went by and finally it came. It was good coffee but given the fact that we were one of the first people in and first to submit our order and one of our coffees arrived promptly, this is not acceptable. Server also seems to straight up not care, not rude, just not eager to serve.

Atmosphere: I can’t talk about this without mentioning the view. The view is amazing! Inside, they have filled the room with lavender flowers and the aesthetic is nice. Overall good atmosphere.

Overall: overpriced and not the quality you would expect for the price paid. If you’re going to charge through the roof, the food and service better...

L'Occitane Café Shibuya is a hidden gem amidst the bustling energy of Shibuya. Strategically located near the iconic Shibuya Crossing, this luxury café offers a serene and upscale retreat for those seeking a more refined experience.

The ground floor showcases a boutique with L'Occitane's signature products, featuring their well-loved skincare, fragrances, and beauty items, making it a great spot for those who appreciate the brand. Moving up, the second and third floors transform into a charming café, perfect for indulging in desserts and artisanal coffee.

What sets L'Occitane Café apart is its relaxing ambiance and panoramic views of Shibuya Crossing. Unlike the overcrowded Starbucks nearby, the café feels intimate, offering a quieter and more comfortable space to unwind. The décor reflects the Provence aesthetic L'Occitane is known for, with warm lighting, elegant furnishings, and touches of floral motifs.

The menu features a delightful array of desserts, including tarts, parfaits, and cakes, along with premium coffee and tea selections. The presentation is as exquisite as the flavors, aligning perfectly with the café's luxurious vibe.

Whether you're a tourist seeking an elevated perspective of Shibuya or a local looking for a refined spot to relax, L'Occitane Café Shibuya is a must-visit. Its combination of luxury retail and café dining creates a uniquely...