“Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” is a stylish Italian restaurant near Shinjuku Gyoen, known for its chic interior. It was even featured in a popular movie, and the place is bustling with visitors every day. Here’s an overview of the restaurant, customer reviews, and what it’s really like.
Contents
What Is “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen,” the Café Featured in Movies?
Why It Appears in So Many Movies and Dramas
Romantic Interior That Perfectly Matches the Cinematic Atmosphere
One of the greatest charms of “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” is its romantic and extraordinary interior. The antique-style furniture, candlelight, and classical décor create an atmosphere reminiscent of Europe. This stylish space is especially popular among Japanese visitors.
Appeared in That Movie Too
This café was also featured in the Japanese hit movie “Your Name.” It appeared as the part-time workplace of the main character, Taki!
The Concept and Features of the Restaurant
Classical Interior Reminiscent of an Italian Castle
As you step into “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen,” you’re welcomed by a grand atmosphere that feels like visiting an old European castle. With arched ceilings, stone walls, and antique-style furnishings, the space exudes a classic and elegant charm.
Versatile Experience from Lunch to Dinner
“Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” is appealing for its variety of ways to enjoy the space throughout the day. During lunchtime, you can relax in a bright, sunlit setting. In the afternoon, unwind with desserts and drinks. In the evening, enjoy Italian cuisine paired with wine. The café adapts perfectly to different occasions and moods.
Location and Access: How to Get There & Opening Hours
Just a Short Walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
Easy-to-Find Location Near the Station
“Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” is just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, making it extremely accessible. Even first-time visitors won’t have trouble finding it. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re in a hurry, the convenient location makes visiting hassle-free.
Easy to Spot on Shinjuku Street
The café is located along Shinjuku Street and has a striking exterior, making it easy to find. Its European-style design stands out and creates an inviting atmosphere that makes passersby want to stop and take a look.
Check the Opening Hours and Regular Closures
Holidays and Seasonal Operating Information
The café is generally open year-round with no regular holidays. However, temporary closures may occur during the New Year holidays or for maintenance. It’s best to check the official website or social media for the latest updates before your visit. Especially during long holidays or busy seasons, checking in advance is recommended as the café tends to get crowded.
Reservations and Peak Hours
“Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” accepts walk-ins, but it gets very crowded on weekends and holidays, so making a reservation is recommended. Popular spots like sofa seats and window-side tables tend to fill up quickly. You can easily make a reservation through the official website or restaurant booking platforms. If you have a specific time in mind, it’s best to book early to secure your seat.
Enjoy It Alongside Nearby Attractions
Take a Nature Walk in Shinjuku Gyoen
Just a short walk from the café, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s top spots for enjoying nature throughout the seasons. In spring, you’ll find beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, and in autumn, stunning fall foliage. A stroll through the garden before or after your meal is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge. It’s an ideal location for those who want to enjoy both nature and a stylish café experience.
Hanazono Shrine and Isetan Are Also Within Walking Distance
In addition to Shinjuku Gyoen, both Hanazono Shrine and Isetan Shinjuku are within walking distance, making this area perfect for enjoying culture and shopping. Hanazono Shrine is a popular historic spiritual spot, while Isetan offers the latest in fashion and gourmet food. With the café as your base, it’s easy to plan a fulfilling day around these attractions.
Recommended Spots to Visit Before or After the Café
The area around the café is dotted with places like Kinokuniya Bookstore’s Shinjuku Main Store, Lumine Shinjuku, and small galleries and boutique shops. Whether you’re in the mood for quiet reading, shopping, or exploring art, a quick stop before or after your café visit lets you enjoy another side of Shinjuku. With the right plan, there are countless ways to enjoy this vibrant neighborhood.
Popular Menu Items and Taste Reviews
Recommended Lunch Set Menus
Variety and Price Range of Pasta Lunches
At “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen,” a wide selection of pasta dishes is available during lunch hours from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. You can choose from over 10 options, including classics like Carbonara, Arrabbiata, and Japanese-style Mentaiko pasta. Prices start around ¥1,000, making it an affordable option. On weekends, they offer a “Pasta Set” starting from ¥2,100, which includes a salad and drink.
Weekday Lunch Set Menu (PDF)
Holiday Lunch Set Menu (PDF)
Italian Dishes to Enjoy at Dinner
Fragrant Stone-Oven Pizza
At “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen,” you can savor authentic Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a traditional stone oven. Each pizza is freshly baked to order in a large wood-fired oven inside the restaurant. Popular options include classics like Margherita and Quattro Formaggi, as well as more luxurious choices topped with prosciutto and other premium ingredients.
Assorted Appetizers
During dinner, the assorted appetizers are a perfect match with wine. The platter of prosciutto and salami is not only visually appealing but also great for sharing. There are also plenty of other options, such as seafood-based appetizers, making it fun to choose what to enjoy.
Don’t Miss the Seasonal Specials
In addition to its regular menu, “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” offers seasonal specials that highlight fresh ingredients of the season. For example, in spring, you might find pasta with whitebait and rapeseed blossoms, while in autumn, options like Bismarck-style pizzas with bacon and mushrooms let you enjoy the rich flavors of fall.
Reviews and Impressions from Visitors
Well-Known for Its Great Atmosphere
Popular Among Couples
During my visit, I noticed that many couples were using the café for dates. Its romantic interior clearly makes it a favorite spot for those looking to enjoy a special time together.
Perfect for Instagram-Worthy Photos
The European-style interior creates a movie-like backdrop that’s perfect for photos. The majority of the customers were noticeably young, likely drawn by the café’s photogenic atmosphere.
Customer Feedback on Taste and Service
Many Reviews Praise the Friendly Service
“Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” has received many positive reviews about its staff’s attentive service. Comments like “They greeted us with a smile,” “The food was served at just the right timing,” and “They explained the menu carefully” highlight the restaurant’s high level of hospitality.
However, when I visited, I noticed that both the staff and customers spoke quite loudly, which gave the place a bit of an izakaya (Japanese pub) vibe. While the staff were indeed friendly and smiling, those looking for a quiet and calm atmosphere might not find it ideal.
Feedback on Portion Sizes and Flavor
There were many positive comments such as “The salad dressing was delicious” and “The pasta was chewy and tasty.” However, some reviews were more neutral, saying things like “The flavor was average” or “The coffee after the meal was lukewarm.”
I ordered the Caesar salad and the pasta of the day. When we ordered one salad to share between two people, the staff kindly served it on two separate plates, which was very thoughtful. The flavor was a bit on the strong side, but overall it was a delicious salad.
The pasta of the day had a tomato-based sauce. The noodles were pleasantly chewy and tasty, though I wouldn’t say it was exceptionally memorable.
Areas for Improvement
Be Prepared for Long Wait Times During Peak Hours
Due to its popularity, the café tends to get very crowded—especially on weekends and during lunch or dinner hours. Some reviews mention waiting over 30 minutes or seeing a line extending outside the restaurant. It’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly. If you’re short on time, arriving right when the café opens or avoiding peak hours can help you get seated more quickly.
Many Say Reservations Are a Must on Weekends
On weekends and holidays, it’s not uncommon to be turned away without a reservation. Many visitors have shared experiences like “We walked in, but it was already full.” Popular spots like the sofa seats or window-side tables fill up quickly, so if you’re planning a weekend visit, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended. Online booking is easy and convenient, so be sure to secure your spot early.
The Atmosphere Can Be Surprisingly Lively
Some visitors who expected a calm, classical ambiance mentioned that the café was livelier than anticipated. Especially during weekends or when there are large groups, the atmosphere can get quite energetic. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, it’s best to visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
How to Make a Reservation, Special Tips & Final Summary
How to Book a Table and What to Watch Out For
Steps for Making a Reservation Online
You can easily make a reservation at “Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” through the official website or popular gourmet booking platforms such as Tabelog and Hot Pepper. Simply enter your preferred date, time, and number of guests to complete the process. However, since these sites are in Japanese, it may be challenging for those who do not understand the language at all.
If you’d like to book through the official website, here is the reservation page. Be sure to read the important notes listed first:
Important Notes About Reservations
Currently, all standard reservations are accepted online only. If no slots are available via the online system, you may visit the restaurant directly and wait to be seated in order of arrival.
For groups of 6 or more, or for those wishing to reserve a course meal or birthday plate, please call the restaurant directly. Phone reservations are only accepted in these cases.
If you are reserving a course meal or birthday plate, please indicate any food allergies when booking. Be specific (e.g., “severe wheat allergy”).
For birthday plates, please also include the message you’d like written on the plate.
Due to high call volume and in-store traffic, we may not be able to answer phone calls promptly. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Please note that you cannot request specific seating through the web reservation system.
Same-day reservations are not accepted. Please visit the restaurant directly if you wish to dine today. For birthday plates or course meals, please call instead.
To change or cancel a reservation, please call the number listed on the reservation page.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes past your reserved time without contacting us, your table may be given to waiting guests.
If the phone number or email address you provide is incorrect, your reservation may be canceled. Please double-check your contact details before submitting.
Please note that if you miss a reservation without notice, you may not be allowed to make future bookings.
If everything above looks good, please check the green box labeled “I have reviewed the above information” and then click the button below.
Next, please enter your reservation details.
Important notes and policies are listed above, so please make sure to review them carefully.
Requests and Questions
Please enter any special requests or questions regarding your reservation below. Allergy information is required.
(Examples: food allergies, dislikes, meal preferences, seat type requests, etc.)
※ For birthday plates (¥3,300 from May 25, 2025 onward), please include the message you would like written on the plate.
※ If you would like a special in-restaurant celebration with dimmed lights and music for birthday plates after 6:00 PM, please call us directly.
(Quantities are limited and may not be available. Starting from May 2025, the celebration performances will only be held at 18:00, 19:00, and 20:00. If you’re dining during that time, the plate will be temporarily removed after the celebration and re-served after your meal without the performance.)
※ We cannot guarantee specific seat types due to varying levels of crowding.
※ Please note that payment is cashless only.
※ Allergies must be specified at the time of booking.
(If using the online booking form, please make sure to include this in your notes.)
Difference Between Course Reservations and Table-Only Reservations
When booking, you can choose between a “table-only” reservation and a “course reservation.” A table-only reservation is ideal if you’d like to order freely from the menu. On the other hand, a course reservation comes with a pre-set menu, offering the benefits of faster service and clear pricing. For special occasions or group gatherings, a course reservation provides peace of mind. However, please be aware that cancellations or changes in the number of guests may be limited, so be sure to check the cancellation policy in advance.
Summary: The Charm and Considerations of Cafe La Boheme
“Cafe La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen” is a stylish café where you can casually enjoy Italian cuisine in a romantic setting that feels like a scene from a movie. Its excellent location—just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station—makes it ideal for lunch, café time, or dinner.
Whether you’re on a date, having a girls’ get-together, taking a break from sightseeing, or celebrating a special occasion, this café suits a wide range of needs. That said, the lively atmosphere may make it more appealing to a younger crowd.
