Cafe & Gallery

Looking for a little break while out wandering typically involves sitting down for a cup of tea.  It is a nice rest for our feet and re-energizes our spirits.

Sometimes we find more unique cafes than the norm.  The café known as Hattifnatt could definitely be classified as unique.  From its tiny door (I'm 5'6" and I had to duck to get through it) to its elaborate painted room, guests feel like they found themselves inside a children's book. 

The tiny door leads into a tiny entryway right next to the kitchen.  The staff tells you which table to sit at, all of which are located on the second or third floors.  Going up the steps is a bit like walking up a ladder.  That is, until you get to the second floor and realize the third floor access really is a ladder (it is more of a loft than a floor)!  Steep stairs are very typical in Japan, saving precious real estate inside homes. 

Going down the stairs was harder than going up.

For reference, I wear a size 8 shoe (size 25 in Japan).

The first room on the second story was a lovely, but fairly normal room.  With white walls and natural wood accents, it was quaint, but generic.  Luckily, we were seated in the back room which featured floor to ceiling mural with animals and storybook-like characters.  I loved the bright green background and vibrant colors used for the illustrations. 

My husband and son shared a Japanese pudding covered in whipped cream and served on a pie crust.  Both boys thoroughly enjoyed the layered dessert, diving in with enthusiasm and not stopping until every last crumb was gone.

I indulged in a chocolate mousse with raspberries, covered in cream and topped with a fun face.  It was incredibly rich and I loved every bite.  I also had a glorious chai latte that was very heavy on the cinnamon, just the way I like it.

They had an entire lunch menu as well, but we were only interested in drinks and dessert.

The café was super fun.  Although you would expect it to be very kid oriented, it really isn't.  There isn't a place to play and it is quite precarious moving about in the tiny shop.  As a somewhat accident prone person, I felt a little nervous moving about.  But my nerves were worth it as the café was really amusing escape from the world.