Dive into Delight at Mermaid Coffee Roasters in Tokyo - Ikebukuro
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We had a day filled with activities in Ikebukuro, so we were looking for a coffee shop that was open early to start out the day. Unlike many Japanese coffee shops, Mermaid Coffee Roasters opens early (9 AM) and also stays open pretty late (until 10 PM).
We're so lucky that we found this gem because it wasn't just a coffee shop; it was an experience.
Your Brew, Your Adventure
Stepping into Mermaid Coffee Roasters, we were greeted by the aroma of freshly roasted beans. These folks take their coffee seriously, offering a wide selection of beans from around the world. The best part? You can actually sample them before committing to your brew. There was a delightful tasting counter on the opposite side of the register with a variety of brews labeled with its origin and type.
Coffee Samples
And if you're feeling adventurous, their menu has some quirky and interesting concoctions like the "California Latte" (salted caramel). While that sounded like fun, we opted for a comforting Matcha Latte and Cappuccino (bitter blend). Not a coffee person? No worries, they've got some lovely tea options as well.
Bitter Blend Coffee Samples
MIld Blend Coffee Samples
Feeling a bit hungry? They've got you covered with small snacks like pastries, scones, and cookies all at a reasonable price. At the time of our visit, they offered Spinach Cheese Danish, Sweet Bean Paste Croissant, Matcha Scone, Roasted Green Tea x White Chocolate Scone, and a variety of cookies.
For the cookies, they came in a set of three and we were able to choose any flavor we wanted. They offered Green Tea, Earl Grey, or Coconut. Being total matcha (green tea) fanatics, we absolutely had to try their Matcha Scone and Green Tea Cookies. We also ordered the Earl Grey cookies as well.
Scones and Cookies
Matcha Scone
A Whimsical Wonderland of Decor
We had no idea just how eclectic and quirky this cafe would be, and it was such a pleasant surprise. Picture this: every inch of wall space adorned with frames, art, and mismatched antique furniture, creating a wonderfully whimsical, almost "art museum" vibe. Yet, despite all the wonderfully "bizarre" decor, it still managed to feel incredibly homey and cozy.
Crystal with ther Matcha Latte
Cappuccino and Matcha Scone
And why "Mermaid Coffee Roasters," you ask? Well, the mermaid theme is sprinkled throughout the cafe, from their adorable logo and cups to subtle decor on every floor. It's like a fun game of "Where's Waldo" trying to spot all the hidden mermaids.
Second Floor
What truly blew us away was the sheer size of the place. We're so used to the charmingly tiny cafes in Japan, but Mermaid Coffee Roasters was the glorious opposite. This Ikebukuro main store spans multiple floors (basement, second, third, and rooftop), and each level has its own slightly distinct atmosphere and collection of antique treasures.
It's truly a fantastic spot to hang out, buckle down and get some work done, or simply unwind. We noticed that practically all their tables came equipped with outlets, and Wi-Fi was readily available. Oh, and a fun little bonus: each of their bathrooms (located on each floor) has a different theme, making a trip to the restroom an unexpected adventure in itself.
Enjoying our coffee and scones
Basement Floor
Service with a Smile
The staff here were genuinely amazing – super friendly and welcoming. Right when we walked in, we were greeted with a cheerful, “Irasshaimase—-!”, which means “Welcome to our store!” in Japanese. It’s a polite and formal way to greet customers and you’ll often hear it when entering shops, restaurants, or other businesses throughout Japan.
As we were ordering, the cashier was incredibly patient with us as we were overwhelmed with all the delightful selections to choose from. We had a little mix-up with our order, but when we politely pointed it out, they fixed it without a moment's hesitation.
To top it all off, as we were leaving, we were pleasantly surprised to see that one of the staff members actually came down to open the door for us, waving goodbye with a friendly smile and thanking us warmly for our visit. Talk about top-notch customer service that truly makes an impression!
THird Floor
Staircase leading to the balcony floor
Mermaid Coffee Roasters in Ikebukuro is a heavenly blend of high-quality, freshly roasted coffee, a charmingly eccentric atmosphere, and exceptionally friendly service. If you find yourself wandering through Ikebukuro, we wholeheartedly recommend diving into this unique spot, whether you're a serious coffee enthusiast or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind or get some work done.
MERMAID COFFEE ROASTERS - IKEBUKURO
〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−23−4 池袋ビル (map)
