Café Mori — Restaurant in London

I can confidently say it’s one of the most delightful spots I've discovered in South London! From the moment you walk in, you’re enveloped by a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly balances modern design with cozy comfort. The aesthetics are simply stunning; the thoughtful decor creates a serene environment, making it an ideal place to unwind, catch up with friends, or dive into a good book.

A delicious Hojicha hot tea will cost £3.50 and a very tasty pistachio cake £5.20 (quite expensive for a small slice of cake) - Total Price £8.70. Let’s talk about the drinks, because they truly steal the show! The tea selection is nothing short of exceptional—each cup is brewed to perfection, showcasing a variety of flavours that beautifully highlight the essence of Japanese tea culture. I particularly enjoyed the sencha tea for £3.70, which is incredibly tasty and refreshing. Whether you prefer something light and floral or a robust and earthy blend, there’s something for everyone. I found myself savouring every sip!

And the coffee—oh my goodness! It’s rich, aromatic, and expertly crafted. You can tell that the baristas at Cafe Mori take their coffee seriously, delivering a perfect brew that stands up to the finest cafes. It’s the kind of coffee that not only wakes you up but also warms your soul.

Now, let’s move on to the food. The cakes at Cafe Mori are truly a treat! Each slice is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. They are moist, decadent, and simply irresistible. I could easily have spent the entire afternoon sampling each variety they have to offer.

However, I must advise caution when it comes to the dumplings. For £5.80, you get four rock-hard dumplings that simply won’t fill you up, and they’re quite a letdown compared to the high standards set by the drinks and cakes. While they might have potential, they need a lot of refinement to match the quality of the rest of the menu. It’s definitely a dish to avoid if you’re looking for something satisfying.

One aspect that really impressed me was the cleanliness of Cafe Mori. This cafe is truly immaculate! It’s not just clean; it’s hygienically pristine, making it the most well-maintained coffee shop I’ve encountered in all of South London. The attention to detail in maintaining such a fresh and tidy environment is commendable and adds to the overall experience. It’s clear that the team takes pride in their space, and that sense of care resonates throughout the entire cafe.

However, I did notice that when the old staff is on holiday, the new staff doesn't seem to clean the tables as thoroughly. It’s a minor inconvenience, but be prepared to ask them if you need a table cleaned. Additionally, the atmosphere can be quite quiet, with staff engaging more with each other than with customers. You might find yourself just getting a simple nod or “hi” from the barista or tea makers, so don’t expect a community vibe during your visit.

The cafe is equipped with plenty of plugs and fast WiFi, making it an ideal spot for those who want to work remotely or study. However, do keep in mind that the toilet is quite small, which could be a slight drawback during busy times.

In conclusion, Cafe Mori is a fantastic addition to the South London cafe scene! With its brilliant tea, exceptional coffee, and delicious cakes, it’s a place I wholeheartedly recommend. Just be sure to avoid the dumplings; they’re the only minor drawback in an otherwise wonderful experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to relax or a vibrant spot to socialize, Cafe Mori is the perfect destination. I can’t wait to return and explore more of what they...

UPDATED - 09/22 They seemed to read my review before summer and they started serving drinks in proper cups as soon as I posted it. They even mentioned the paper cup thing with a comment and a smile, etc. I noticed that every time I go since they were eager for me to change the review. Although I truly appreciate the efforts, I felt “seen”. 😬Of course I’ll give them 3 stars instead of 2 for all the efforts. But maybe if you stop charging for the oat/vegetal m*lks? Other places don’t do that anymore and some people can’t drink dairy stuff, it’s not just a choice. :-) We can’t simply afford spending almost £5 in a hot drink as regulars. Thanks guys! —- Sadly I have to say that Mori is not as it used to be. I gave them some buffer before writing this review, some time for them to recover from COVID times, etc., but it seems that top managers have used that time to save money. Staff changes a lot, they still serve the drinks on a paper cup, but they charge more if you're having it in? Not to mention that there are many other coffee places in the area with proper coffee (and their own roasters) and matcha for half the price. Wi-Fi is very unstable too. It saddens me to write this, but it's far from what it used to be years ago. Staff seems rushed or unskilled (probably because they can't keep the same people, wages and shifts issues?), prices went up several times in a few months, coffee is burnt (they claimed to use Ozone, at least a while ago, but I know the brand and they don't know how to prepare a proper latte/flat white). Decoration details and toilets are not on point anymore (which is a secondary thing, but it gives you an idea of how things are in a place). Again, I'm not complaining about the staff, which is rather young/new (I'm sure it's hard for them to keep it up). It's just the business, which is not being taken care of...

First of all, The cakes are delicious and taste good.But I would like to share the experience of the staff at the counter of front.What is not impressive about staff in front of counter, He sees that there are people waiting to order coffee and cakes But he act like didn’t see client in the front off counter! I can’t believe, He didn’t make eye contact , don’t ask anything ,not welcome. So, I ordered 5 cakes in separate box packages without putting them in big bag. He don’t think that how about I can take the cake 5 box’s , And there’s a take a way hot matcha latte ,which we actually order the ice matcha latte. So if the customer is hesitant, He should ask to make sure what the customer wants to order and he not smile seem look like his face angry with customers.If he not have service mine he should to be work behind the shop.I have a lot of stuff 5 boxs cake. I don’t have hand to hold the cake and coffee back and he not give a big bag for us, I just ask him for big bags but his feedback like reluctantly handed over the bag. With a dissatisfied look! (the shop owner can check cameras on January 9th at 4:05pm) The staff on this shop that service mine is the worst I’ve ever seen before. He is rude with and he don’t have common sense. He just look at us and ignore us and it’s look he is racist because we are from different countries or we are not...