A Taste of Showa Nostalgia at Jun-Kissa “Coffee Seibu” Main Store — Relaxing Moments and Signature Dishes in the Heart of Shinjuku

Just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, “Coffee Seibu Main Store” offers a nostalgic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, where you can fully enjoy a relaxing coffee time in a retro Showa-era atmosphere.

Founded in 1964—the same year as the Tokyo Olympics—this beloved jun-kissa (classic Japanese café) has long served as a comforting retreat for people of all ages and nationalities.

Inside, the stunning stained-glass décor creates a unique blend of old and new, giving the space a charming, timeless feel.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the café’s history, popular menu items, real visit experiences, and reviews from around the web.

Founded in 1964: “Coffee Seibu,” a Beloved Jun-Kissa in Shinjuku for Over Half a Century

Established in 1964, the same year as the Tokyo Olympics, “Coffee Seibu” is a renowned jun-kissa (classic Japanese café) that continues to pursue the concept of “old yet new.” While preserving the nostalgic charm of the Showa era, the café adapts to the times with grace. Located just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, it offers a serene atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the heart of the bustling city.

Rococo-Inspired Interiors Illuminated by Stained Glass — A Touch of Nostalgia in the City

The interior features elegant rococo-style decorations and stunning stained-glass windows that have been carefully preserved since the café’s founding. Bathed in soft light, the space evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility—even for first-time visitors. After relocating, all the original stained-glass pieces were reinstalled, and new works by the globally renowned Matsumoto Stained Glass Studio were added, creating an even more captivating atmosphere.

Beloved by All Generations—From Young Locals to International Visitors

While staying true to its traditional coffee shop roots, Coffee Seibu has gained popularity among younger generations through word of mouth and social media. Even on weekdays, it’s not unusual to see lines forming outside. The café has also become a favorite among international tourists, serving as a cultural crossroads where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy a timeless experience.

A Rich Menu Featuring Signature Dishes Like “Seibu Curry” and the Exclusive “Makunouchi Bento”

The menu includes a wide variety of classics such as aromatic blend coffee, nostalgic parfaits, Neapolitan spaghetti, and omurice. One of the most iconic items is the “Seibu Curry,” a simple yet flavorful dish that embodies the café’s history and dedication. The “Makunouchi Bento,” available only at the main store, is another popular choice, featuring a generous assortment of favorites like omurice, Neapolitan pasta, and ginger pork—all in one satisfying set.

Whimsical “Adult Kids’ Lunch” and Housemade Sweets

The playful yet nostalgic “Adult Kids’ Lunch” is a dream plate featuring a colorful assortment of dishes served on a classic aluminum tray. This creative take on a childhood favorite captures the fun of the past with a grown-up twist.
Parfaits and desserts made with housemade whipped cream—rich yet refreshing—are also extremely popular. The perfect balance of sweetness and volume makes them ideal for an indulgent café break after your meal.

Flexible Seating for Every Occasion

With 110 seats, Coffee Seibu is one of the rare large-scale jun-kissa cafés in Tokyo. The café offers separate smoking and non-smoking areas, as well as group seating and private meeting rooms. Whether you’re reading alone, catching up with friends, or holding a casual business meeting, the thoughtful space design caters to a variety of needs—one of the many reasons for its enduring popularity.

Online Reviews

Blend Coffee and Nama Gateau Chocolat

I ordered a blend coffee and a slice of “Nama Gateau Chocolat.”
It was served in about five minutes—quick and smooth. The coffee had a pleasant acidity and was very easy to drink, exactly the kind of flavor I enjoy.
The gateau chocolat had a layer of dark cherry hidden beneath the sponge, adding a sophisticated touch to what felt like a charmingly humble dessert.
It paired perfectly with both coffee and tea.
As always, Coffee Seibu remains a warm and welcoming café where people of all ages can enjoy their time in comfort.

First Taste of “Seibu Curry” — A Satisfying Lunch

On this visit, I tried the “Seibu Curry” (800 yen) for the first time, along with a drink and salad set (+450 yen).
Hot days always make me crave curry, and this day was no exception.

I started with an iced coffee to cool down, and soon the curry arrived—served with the roux and rice on separate plates, just like a classic kissaten style.
I poured the entire roux onto the rice plate and dug in.

The spices were well-balanced, and the pork was tender and perfectly simmered—absolutely delicious!
It had a medium to hot level of spiciness, just right for adult palates.

In my experience, cafés that serve good curry tend to get their other dishes right, too—this place is no exception. Highly satisfying!

Overflowing “Pudding à la Mode” with Nostalgic Charm

What arrived at my table was a towering, absolutely over-the-top parfait—I couldn’t help but laugh at how massive it looked.
The presentation was wild, with layers of ingredients almost tumbling out of the dish!

I had been curious about the yogurt parfait and melon parfait, but to my surprise, the pudding à la mode came with yogurt ice cream and melon too—so I was more than happy with my choice in the end.

The dessert was packed with fruit, scoops of ice cream, Pocky sticks, and more—it was heavy in every sense of the word!
Though I was a bit concerned the whipped cream and ice cream might be too sweet, the fruits held their own.
The melon was especially refreshing with the perfect firmness and sweetness.

The mandarin oranges seemed to be syrup-packed, with an intense sweetness, while the regular orange slices were fresh.
The pudding had a pleasant texture—not too soft, not too firm—with a slight chewy richness.

The interior, accented with stained-glass decorations, gave off just the right amount of retro charm, and the seats were very comfortable. A perfect setting for indulging in a nostalgic dessert like this.

My Visit to Coffee Seibu

I visited on a Saturday around 1:00 PM, and there were already about four groups waiting in line.
There was no sign-up sheet—it was a simple system where you wait outside the shop.
Since the café is located on the second floor of the building, I was able to wait comfortably in the shade, even in the middle of summer.

While I was waiting, more and more customers arrived, and before I knew it, a long line had formed behind me.
After a fairly long wait, I was finally able to enter.

The interior was clean and well-maintained.
The stained-glass ceiling was beautiful, especially when contrasted with the rich red velvet sofas.
There were lots of young couples and people in their 20s—probably customers who found the place on social media.

Looking at the menu, there seems to be a wide variety of dishes such as curry, bento boxes, sandwiches, and hamburg steaks.
There was also a rich selection of drinks available.

This time, I ordered the omurice and a cream soda.

The cream soda arrived shortly after.
It was an old-fashioned style, and on such a hot day, the refreshing carbonation really hit the spot.

The omurice came with demi-glace sauce and featured a fluffy, soft omelet.
The egg was clearly the star of the dish. My only thought was that the portion of rice might have been a bit small.

The staff uniforms were also retro and really cute!
Everyone was friendly and polite, which added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A Timeless Café Where Retro Meets Modern—A Place to Satisfy Both Heart and Appetite

“Coffee Seibu Main Store” offers more than just a nostalgic experience.
From the carefully designed space to the thoughtfully crafted menu, every detail is meant to provide comfort and satisfaction to all who visit.

Each dish and dessert reflects a playful spirit and the meticulous care that only a classic Japanese café can offer—making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful moment alone, have a heartfelt conversation with someone special, or simply treat yourself to a slightly special café time, this is the perfect spot to visit.