Island Stone Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Utsunomiya

My favorite coffee shop in Utsunomiya! Treat yourself to some smooth coffee and perfectly balanced sweets.

Its located in the perfect area: close to all of the things you want to do but not too close to be overcrowded by tourists. Island Stone sits on a quaint road near the statue of Kanon and close to the Oya stone museum so you're never further than a stones throw away from popular places.

The coffee options are great. They give you countries to choose from all whilst showing information on their bitterness level and types. But if choosing coffee by country is overwhelming then just stick with the basics. You can order black, cappuccinos, and lattés all while choosing hot/cold or dark/light. They even have a coffee soda.

Dessert is great as well! Ive now tried three deserts (the cheesecake, coffee jelly float, and the strawberry Frasier) and I must say the Frasier is the best. Its got quite flavor depth to it with each layer engulfing you with a new level of bliss. Even the coffee jelly float has a bitter coffee powder on top to balance out the sweet vanilla ice cream. These deserts are well thought out and are very well balanced.

The price is... well, on the higher side. But it doesn't have to be. You can get a coffee for ¥300 to ¥500. Basically Starbucks prices. But at least here they will grind and brew your coffee fresh. You can tell that time and effort is put into their craft and you can really feel that from the coffee where thats something thats missing from Starbucks. Desserts can cost a couple hundred yen up to ¥1,000. But again, you can really tell the process and hard work that went into creating this dessert, so.. do like the name and treat yourself.

Great view with second story seating. Enjoying viewing the countryside backed by Japanese mountains as you blissfully sip the morning away with your craft coffee. The interior is modern yet traditional, clean yet simple, and most of all not enough to distract you from your coffee. A true experience of joy.

My only thing I'd change is that I wish I could change the coffee bean bag size that I buy to take home. I'd like to order more, and maybe I can (as I dont speak Japanese). However I didnt see a sign and there are only 100gram bags.

In total, its a wonderful place that has earned its spot as best coffee shop in Utsunomiya. I'll surely return here again to treat myself to the passing clouds over the Japan countryside with a beautiful...

・来店→ 平日水曜日15:40頃 ・注文したもの→ カプチーノダーク、チーズケーキシトロン

接客× →案内が不親切 珈琲△ →期待したほどでも無い スイーツ◎ 環境△...

3.7 stars Very interesting coffee-based cocktail made with tonic water and espresso shot and herbs. It's kind of unique and probably not for everyone but I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of some kind of exotic energy drink.

The coffee seems fresh. We didn't have any of the baked goods or sweets but they seem to use quality ingredients. The barista and staff there are very friendly. A good alternative to typical chain shop coffee!!

Come out to support the little local...