Beans & Leaves

Standing at an intersection near Nippori Station, Beans & Leaves is an easy café to drop into amid the aroma of brewing coffee. The signature espresso can be ordered as a solo or a lungo; opting for the longer extraction gives the shot a gentler, rounder mouthfeel, and adding a touch of sugar brings its bitter depth and sweetness into fine balance. Other bean-forward choices range from foamy cappuccinos and light American coffee to rich espresso shakes.

As the shop's name suggests, tea receives equal attention. Highlights include a matcha café latte made with milk and green tea selected by a historic purveyor, alongside various brewed teas. For a cooler refreshment, the menu features a fruit smoothie packed with berries and seasonal produce, as well as a brisk pineapple vinegar soda with sparkling bubbles.

Around lunchtime, sets combining drinks with savory bites like keema omucurry—balancing the tang of tomatoes with savory minced meat—make it a handy spot for a quick, satisfying meal. On the sweet side, desserts such as bittersweet coffee jelly topped with cold vanilla ice cream and rice-flour crepes layered with apple compote easily satisfy an afternoon craving.

Inside, counter seats and tables along the window create a compact, quiet space for watching passersby on the street outside. Takeout is available, and whole coffee beans and tea leaves are sold by the counter, making it simple to pick up your favorite flavor while exploring the Nippori neighborhood.