Photograph:又 三 郎
Mito is an area where the calm air of its historic streetscape drifts through town, with coffee shops scattered around that make you want to stop by during a walk. Retro cafes in particular are a big draw, offering an old-school atmosphere and a sense of time passing gently. This time, we have rounded up some recommended retro cafes in Mito that you should definitely visit.
Last updated: July 24, 2026 (Created: July 21, 2026)
This article is based on691Tabelog reviews.
Table of Contents
Photograph:ジゲンＡＣＥ
Tucked away quietly at the end of an alley like a hidden retreat, cafe RIN is a retro cafe located just steps from the Izumicho Nichome bus stop.
With tasteful interiors that make use of a traditional kominka (old Japanese house), the cafe has the feel of a classic kissaten (Japanese coffee shop), where you can relax and take your time.
Photograph:treasure_gourmet
The "today's cheesecake" can be chosen from the blackboard in the shop. The "ichijiku (fig)" in the photo is a moist cheesecake layered with the sweetness of fig and a Tsubu-tsubu texture.
You can enjoy it with the separate sauce and cream to change things up, and its rich cheese flavor is also well liked.
Photograph:ジゲンＡＣＥ
The “Mukashi-nagara no Kissaten Purin (old-school coffee shop pudding)” has a classic cute look, topped with fresh cream and a cherry.
The firm pudding has a dense, pleasantly chewy texture, and it is said to pair very well with the blended coffee, which has a nicely balanced bitterness.
kodokuozy
Maybe because it’s close to the center of Mito, this nice cafe has a stylish interior that updates a classic old-school space. The cafe food had a bold kick and tasted great too. The cheesecake set I ordered later was moist, not too sweet, and very tasty as well.
Source:kodokuozy's review
とも3583
It faces a main street, but it sits in the back of the building, so it really feels like a hidden gem! It is also stylish, retro, and has a great atmosphere! With nostalgic menu items and limited daily cakes, it seems like a fun place to visit anytime. The mizudashi coffee (cold brew coffee) is also very good, and it is the kind of place you will want to come back to again and again!
Source:とも3583's review
153
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Photograph:食いしん坊のダヤン
Fruit Basket, located on the second floor of Choshiya Kudamono Ten, is a retro cafe about a 15-minute walk from Mito Station.
The interior has a calm old-fashioned feel, and the menu features parfaits and drinks made with fresh fruit, just what you would expect from a fruit shop.
Photograph:美味しいを求めて…
The "Fruit Parfait," made with plenty of seasonal fruit, is a bright and colorful dessert packed with fruits like strawberries, melon, and kiwi.
The whipped cream is lightly sweet, and together with the vanilla ice cream it seems to be quite satisfying. Since the contents change depending on the season, part of the fun is coming back again.
Photograph:Eltoro
The "Fruit Sandwich (Double)," made with soft shokupan (Japanese milk bread), lightly sweetened fresh cream, and colorful fruit, is also popular.
The generous amount of fresh cream is said to feel lighter than it looks, and some say they can finish it in no time.
グルメマニア男2020
I visited Fruits Basket, a long-established kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) in central Mito♪It’s a coffee shop attached to a fruit store. On this day, I had the fruit parfait! A parfait you can only get from a fruit store, packed with lots of cut fruit like strawberries, pineapple, and banana! It’s irresistible for fruit lovers.
Source:グルメマニア男2020's review
タ熊
A retro kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) a little way from Mito Station, famous for its fruit parfaits. Since it is also a fruit shop, the fruit is of course delicious (and reasonably priced), and they have a wide variety of parfaits, which made choosing one fun!
Source:タ熊's review
106
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Photograph:リーマン龍
Pro Cafe is a retro cafe located a 4-minute walk from the north exit of Mito Station.
With its calm atmosphere, it is a place where you can relax and enjoy coffee and light meals. This homey spot has been loved by locals for many years.
Photograph:生レモン
The "BLT Sandwich" on the Breakfast menu features lightly toasted sandwich bread filled with lettuce, tomato, ham, and cheese.
It has just the right amount of volume, and people say you can enjoy a classic kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) morning with the set salad, boiled egg, and coffee.
Photograph:imo0212
The “blend coffee,” drip brewed for each order, is also one of Pro Café’s standard cups.
It is known for its deep body and satisfying drinkability, and some say it has great balance. Many people also seem to choose it when they want the classic taste of an old school kissaten (Japanese coffee shop).
8c5da2
A kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) less than a 5-minute walk from Mito Station. The interior is more spacious than expected, and the warm-toned lighting creates a cozy feel in this retro-style kissaten. You order at the counter rather than at your table, and after ordering, they show you to your seat.
Source:8c5da2's review
ごん4129
You can enjoy good sandwiches from the morning. Better yet, they have a very Homemade feel. This was my first time choosing the tomato sandwich. It had something like tuna mayonnaise as a hidden touch, and that worked really well. The finely chopped onion also added an extra hidden touch, and it was tasty.
Source:ごん4129's review
143
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Photograph:PONTA310
Pitcher Goro is a retro kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) about a 3-minute walk from the Ibaradaimae bus stop.
Some say the slightly dim interior feels nostalgic, almost like stepping back in time. It has a homey atmosphere, and it gets busy with locals at lunchtime.
Photograph:ちぎりパン
As the name suggests, the "Jumbo Hamburger Steak" stands out for its large size, and it comes as a very filling set meal.
With a home-style ketchup-based seasoning, it is served with rice, miso soup, and salad, so it is said to be satisfying when you want a solid meal.
Photograph:セブン王子
The "katsu kare (pork cutlet curry)" is a popular menu item, and many people choose the Large size. It is an easy-to-eat plate with roux filled with the good taste of onions and a thinly sliced cutlet.
The spice level is mild, with a tasty and familiar flavor. It is also nice that it comes with salad, miso soup, and iced coffee.
チョコミント安田
The interior really shows its age, with a retro atmosphere that is a little on the dim side. Still, that is part of this restaurant's charm, and it is easy to see why so many regulars have been coming here for years. If you eat here even once during your student days, it will surely stay with you as a memorable taste.
Source:チョコミント安田's review
フユソラ
I had katsu curry at the coffee shop Pitcher Goro in Mito. First, I was blown away by the volume and couldn't help shouting "Whoa!" in my head (lol). It was a satisfying dish with a good taste and great bite. Inside, the place had a nostalgic feel, almost like being at my grandmother's house, with a soft atmosphere that made me feel at ease.
Source:フユソラ's review
77
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Photograph:chiru28
Located a 2-minute walk from Minamimachi Kaku, Bon's is a cafe with a calm feel, featuring a retro-modern interior with counter seating and koagari (raised floor seating).
This restaurant is run by Shakaifukushi Hojin Momiyamakai (Momiyamakai Social Welfare Corporation) and also serves as a community hub where local residents can casually stop by.
Photograph:mail1311
"Bon's Toast" covered with plenty of powdered sugar is French toast that is popular for its soft and chewy texture.
Adding maple syrup brings out its mellow flavor and gives it a gentle sweetness.
Photograph:kayomuchi
The popular dessert "anmitsu (Japanese sweet with agar jelly and toppings)" is a colorful dish served after the meal, with matcha jelly, anko (sweet red bean paste), vanilla ice cream, and fruit.
It is a Japanese style dessert eaten with kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) poured over it. One of the best parts is enjoying the changing textures as you eat.
sera.771
I visited Bon's, a place with the feel of an old school kissaten (Japanese coffee shop), and they also serve lunch. This time, I ordered the Omurice. The Omurice was not at the level of a coffee shop Omurice, but at the level of a full fledged yoshokuya (Western style Japanese restaurant). The egg was wrapped nicely, and it went perfectly with the demi glace sauce.
Source:sera.771's review
なみタロス
My first visit! The retro atmosphere felt so relaxing〜(^^)I ended up coming in before 11, so they were still serving the light meal menu and I ordered a parfait first. They kindly brought me the lunch menu early too, which was very nice,, and then the parfait arrived! It was bigger than I expected!! It was really delicious!
Source:なみタロス's review
29
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Photograph:バナナンバナナン
Neutral Cafe, a 3-minute walk from the Honcho Nichome bus stop, is a cafe where you can relax and take in the view of the trees.
Along with its retro style exterior, it has a bright and spacious interior and terrace seating. The whole place has a cozy, comfortable atmosphere with a nice sense of privacy.
Photograph:17bd38
The "Cake of the Day" changes daily.
The cheesecake in the photo has a satisfying, substantial texture, and it goes very well with the spiced chai. It is popular as a satisfying combination.
Photograph:さくらibaraki
The photo shows “Gura-pan,” a thick cut loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with gratin. The rich runny yolk of the poached egg is said to add a mellow touch and pair well with the béchamel sauce.
This dish combines playful presentation with a hearty portion.
wallstadt
The antique goods are all stylish, and the cafe interior is lovely too. It feels like time moves more slowly here than anywhere else. The staff were soothing too.
Source:wallstadt's review
tibim51702
・Today’s sandwich (rofuuto poorku (roast pork) sandwich)
The coffee was a carefully made cup with a light taste. The rofuuto poorku was tender, and the dressing was fresh, making it quite good. Delicious. I’ll definitely order this again. This shop also has a general store attached, so it’s a dangerous (in a good way) place for people who love miscellaneous goods and antiques, because you may end up buying on impulse.
Source:tibim51702's review
63
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Photograph:funko198
Tropical, quietly tucked away in a back alley, is a retro cafe about an 8-minute walk from the north exit of Mito Station.
JAZZ plays inside, and the calm atmosphere has a somewhat nostalgic feel. It is a cafe where you can enjoy a relaxed time.
Photograph:funko198
The classic "blend coffee" is popular for its well balanced bitterness, acidity, and body, making it easy to drink.
It goes down smoothly even black and is loved as a gentle cup that pairs nicely with quiet moments.
Photograph:りす３
The old-school kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) favorite "Napori Supagetti (Napolitan spaghetti)" is also a well-regarded dish. The ketchup’s sweetness and tang stand out clearly, and the flavor of the ingredients coats the noodles nicely.
Many people also seem to enjoy it piping hot with grated cheese sprinkled on top.
グルメマニア男2020
I visited Coffee House Tropical, a long-established kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) in central Mito City♪It is a hidden coffee shop tucked away in a back alley, known only to those in the know. It is exactly the ideal kissaten I have been looking for. Jazz plays in the background, and it feels as if time has stood still. Both the exterior and interior are full of retro charm♪I think coffee shop lovers will find it irresistible!
Source:グルメマニア男2020's review
petitlapin1030
This old-school kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) sits in a back alley one street in from the main road. Some people might find it a little hard to walk into on a whim. It was the kind of place where the relaxed music and atmosphere made me want to stay a long time. The food menu is extensive, with lots to choose from. Maybe they really focus on curry and spaghetti? There were quite a few things that caught my eye. I’d like to come back and take my time again.
Source:petitlapin1030's review
35
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Photograph:Eltoro
"Sawa Coffee" is a retro cafe near the Higashinocho bus stop.
Inside, good old nostalgia blends nicely with a modern sensibility. There are counter seats and table seats, making it a comfortable spot with the calm feel of a neighborhood kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop).
Photograph:Mr.tetten
The "Breakfast Set" is a satisfying spread with a croissant, a German roll, and salad.
Along with the pleasantly chewy bread, you can also enjoy the aroma of coffee brewed with a nel drip (cloth filter). It is also perfect when you want a solid meal from the morning.
Photograph:マイペースで独り言
The "Tori Hikiniku to Hiyokomame no Yakuzen Curry (medicinal curry with ground chicken and chickpeas)," which comes with a mini salad, is also a healthy yet satisfying dish.
This mildly spicy curry has a rich savory taste, and people say it pairs well with multigrain rice and an onsen tamago (soft-cooked egg).
Mr.tetten
Since I hadn’t added hotel Breakfast, I stopped by this coffee shop on the way for Breakfast. The iced coffee was dark roasted with no acidity, just the way I like it, and very good. The Swiss bread and croissant on the plate were also tasty. I’d like to stop by again if I have the chance.
Source:Mr.tetten's review
マイペースで独り言
This is a cafe on the outskirts of Mito (Mito). The whole place is stylishly decorated. The taste in decor leans a bit toward an older crowd, but it has a retro charm and is more than satisfactory.
Source:マイペースで独り言's review
22
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Photograph:リーマン龍
Hanatoko is a retro cafe in a stylish space surrounded by flowers, books, and small goods, located right by the Motoyamacho bus stop.
The kominka-style (traditional Japanese house style) interior makes use of an old building, and the high ceilings create an open feel where you can relax and spend time at ease.
Photograph:246_246
The “fruit anmitsu (traditional Japanese dessert with agar jelly)” is a visually refreshing sweet made with well chilled kanten (agar jelly), fruit, and anko (sweet red bean paste).
It is popular for being light rather than too heavy, making it easy to enjoy. This is a sweet menu item you will want when you feel like taking a break.
Photograph:リーマン龍
The "Espresso Con Panna," topped with light cream over hot espresso, is another cafe menu item full of care.
The bitter coffee and smooth cream slowly come together in your mouth, and the unique mouthfeel created by the temperature contrast makes this an exquisite cup.
ぽてと801
• Lunch
The food is seasoned gently in a way that feels good for you, and everything is handled with great care. The whole cafe has a stylish, calm atmosphere, and I was able to relax and spend my time there comfortably.
Source:ぽてと801's review
246_246
It is located along Mito-Iwama Sen (Mito-Iwama Line), the main road a little down the hill from Tokugawa Museum, on the way as you walk toward Mito Station. From the outside, it feels like a cafe attached to a general goods shop. Step inside, and the interior has a bit of a kominka (traditional Japanese house) feel.
Source:246_246's review
39
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Photograph:かめてりあ
Café Trois Chambres is a retro cafe where you can relax in an exotic atmosphere, located an 8-minute walk from the south exit of Mito Station.
The calm interior, lined with warm lighting and stately furnishings, is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation.
Photograph:かめてりあ
Noir is known for its style of using a generous amount of coffee beans and brewing with a nel drip cloth filter.
Along with its deep aroma and smooth mouthfeel, it opens up with rich body and a clean bitterness, making it a satisfying cup.
Photograph:けびんしゅわんつ
For a light meal, the tamago sando (egg sandwich) is also popular. It has a simple combination of egg, ham, and lettuce, and the toasty aroma of the lightly crisped bread is said to bring out the gentle flavor of the egg.
It is satisfyingly filling, and it is the kind of menu item you will want to choose with a cup of coffee.
アルトタンゴ
It’s a short walk from the south exit of Mito Station. This is such a wonderful place that I almost don’t want to tell anyone about it. I love everything about it, from the exterior, interior, decor, and the master’s vibe to the Copenhagen cups, the taste, the BGM, and even the atmosphere of the other customers there.
Source:アルトタンゴ's review
かめてりあ
Torowa Shanburu has a branch in Mito Keisei Department Store, but this location in Jonan, Mito City is the Honten. At Torowa Shanburu, you can enjoy coffee and sweets served in Royal Copenhagen cups and saucers!
Source:かめてりあ's review
24