
- Showa Retro Charm: Grande Coffee - A Hidden Gem in Osaka's Namba District
- Step into Showa-era Japan at Grande Coffee, a hidden retro café in Osaka's Namba area. Enjoy authentic coffee, classic menu, and nostalgic ambiance. Smoking permitted.
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In the heart of Osaka lies Namba, a bustling district filled with countless restaurants and cafes. Among the crowded underground shopping streets where hundreds of thousands pass daily, there’s a modest kissaten that quietly attracts a loyal crowd.
There’s no flashy sign or trendy exterior, yet the café fills with patrons as soon as it opens at 7 AM. Regulars, with cigarettes in hand or reading newspapers, settle into the counter seats. In a station dominated by modern coffee chains like Starbucks and Tully’s, what draws people to this humble coffee shop?
The answer lies in the warm smiles of the staff and the inviting, nostalgic atmosphere of this traditional kissaten.
Today, we introduce Erica Coffee Stand, located in Namba Walk. With its all-smoking seating, hearty breakfast options starting at ¥450, and a cozy ambiance reminiscent of old Japan, this café has preserved the charm of a classic kissaten.
Erica Coffee Stand is a kissaten located in the underground shopping street of Namba Walk, directly accessible from the Osaka Metro Namba Station. Just a few steps from the ticket gates of the Midosuji Line, its convenient location makes it a popular stop.
Inside Erica, all seating areas permit smoking, making it a haven for smokers in Namba. Non-smokers may need to consider the smoke and smell before entering, but for many, it remains a treasured spot in an area with few smoking-friendly cafes. Regulars frequently visit, both day and night, for breakfast or a break.
Erica starts its day at 7 AM, offering traditional breakfast options. Their staple morning set includes toast, a boiled egg, and coffee for just ¥450.
The thickly sliced toast is generously buttered—simple, unpretentious, and nostalgic. Having it at a kissaten brings back fond memories.
You can choose coffee or tea as the drink for the morning set.
Menu | Price |
---|---|
Toast | ¥450 |
Jam Toast | ¥470 |
Cheese Toast | ¥500 |
Mini Sandwich | ¥470 |
Hot Dog | ¥500 |
Pancakes | ¥600 |
Waffles | ¥600 |
Toast, jam toast, mini sandwiches, and hot dogs come with a boiled egg.
Erica primarily offers counter seating, with only a few two-person tables available. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet breakfast or a peaceful break during the day.
Namba Walk is vast, with famous coffee chains like Tully’s and CAFE Eikokuya. Compared to these, Erica might go unnoticed as a small, local café. However, the warm atmosphere created by the staff makes it worth highlighting.
Regular patrons come and go throughout the day, and casual chats with the staff bring a lively touch to the tranquil space. The staff’s cheerful service, coupled with the presence of polite and distinguished regulars, gives Erica a timeless charm.
Despite its underground location, Erica offers the experience of a true old-fashioned kissaten. Its existence in Namba Metro Station makes it a rare gem in Osaka.
Like Starbucks, where welcoming staff enhance the ambiance, Erica exemplifies how a café’s atmosphere stems from its people. From the personal touch of its staff to its cozy setting, Erica stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic kissatens.
In the corner of Namba Metro’s underground streets, Erica continues to warm the hearts of its visitors with coffee.