tōno coffee project — Restaurant in San Jose

It does only one thing, and that is coffee which is great for coffee purists. It’s located in the lobby of a residential building, so there isn’t much space indoors to sit, but they have some chairs and tables outside, which is nice on a clear day. The menu is super simple. You can either choose coffee or coffee with milk or non-coffee drinks. I got the ice latte, which is simply espresso and oat milk and then sweetened with simple syrup. I asked for flavours but did not have any and they also did not ask me my choice for milk which makes me assume that they do all the drinks with oat milk, which is not a problem for me at all. The latte was super creamy and smooth. My only issue with the latte was that it wasn’t strong enough for me. I probably would have liked one more shot of espresso. Although this is my fault because I probably could have asked for it in the beginning, but I just assumed that it will be pretty strong. Had a lovely chat with the barista, who is very welcoming and patient. I think this place is really good for people who enjoy “coffee” coffee and not coffee based drinks like I do. Also, the prices are...

Tōno Coffee Project is not your typical coffee shop—it’s a masterclass in simplicity and excellence. Their menu is refreshingly straightforward, specializing in black, white, and chocolate drinks, each brewed with incredible care and precision. Annie and Brian, the owners, bring a personal touch to the experience with their warm, friendly attitude and genuine passion for the art of coffee. What sets Tōno apart is how effortlessly they turn simplicity into an art form. There’s no pretense here, just an unrelenting focus on quality and flavor.

The space itself mirrors this philosophy—clean, cozy, and inviting, making it the perfect spot to savor a moment of calm. Whether you’re enjoying the bold richness of their black coffee, the creamy balance of their white, or the indulgent decadence of their chocolate drinks, Tōno Coffee Project delivers an elevated yet approachable coffee experience. Annie and Brian’s love for what they do is contagious, and it’s impossible to leave without feeling inspired by their dedication to...

If I opened a cafe, I'd want my menu to be as minimal yet customizable as tono coffee project. It's tucked in an apartment complex in Japantown next to an art gallery and you can either get a water-based "black", milk-based "white", or chocolate milk-based "extra" at whatever ratio you'd like. I got a white at a latte milk ratio. The coffee is toasty and subtly sweet and they only offer Oatly oat milk which was a bit strong, so I'd probably try a 1:1 ratio next time, but I still really enjoyed my drink!

The barista was sooo friendly too! There’s no bathroom or WiFi but there’s some outdoor seating and some couches inside that make it a great place to...