Sad Cafe

3 Chome-25-7 Nogata, Nakano City, Tokyo 165-0027, Japan
+81 3-3388-5205
$$$ Cafe
(70 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1–1,000

If you're wandering through the tranquil streets of Nogata in Nakano City, Tokyo, you might just stumble upon a hidden gem known as Sad Cafe. This quaint coffee shop is not only a delightful retreat from the bustle of city life but also an inviting sanctuary filled with unique culinary offerings and a soothing ambiance.

Upon entering Sad Cafe, you're immediately embraced by a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. The soft jazz melodies floating through the air mingle harmoniously with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, creating an ambiance that invites you to linger a little longer. The decor, with its vintage touch and shelves lined with eclectic CDs, seems to narrate stories of yesteryears, adding to the nostalgic charm that many visitors love.

The menu at Sad Cafe showcases a delightful array of dishes, with highlight offerings such as their irresistible homemade soufflé, praised for its lightness and perfect texture. Those with a craving for Italian cuisine will be pleasantly surprised by their daily special, the Arabbiata, a dish so flavorful it can easily seize the attention of even the most devoted foodies. And don’t miss the chance to indulge in their delectable desserts, each made with love and creativity. One customer raved about the tart tartan with caramelization that struck the perfect balance between sweet and savory — truly an experience for the palate.

Real customers who have stepped into this wonderful oasis emphasize not just the the food but the experience itself. Gladys Houwen captured it perfectly: "A slightly hidden cafe in Nogata...Pleasantly surprised by their soufflé." Meanwhile, momo yama shared, "I was captured by the delicious daily special, and the generous coffee served in a big mug was a lovely touch!" Everyone seems to agree that the prices are surprisingly reasonable, making the artfully crafted dishes even more enjoyable.

In a world where cafes are abundant, Sad Cafe stands out as a testament to the power of good food and delightful ambiance. It's a place where you can quench your thirst for coffee and sweets while immersing yourself in an atmosphere that embraces warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're a local or a traveler seeking a comforting nook to unwind, Sad Cafe promises to be a rewarding experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Openings Hours

Monday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

Closed

Friday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

70 Reviews
Gladys Houwen

17 Sep 2025

A slightly hidden cafe in Nogata. They have good coffee and nice sweets. Pleasantly surprised by their soufflé.

momo yama

12 Sep 2025

最近近隣に越してきて、初めて立ち寄りました。日替わりのアラビアータ(800円)が予想外(すみません!)に美味しく食いしん坊胃袋つかまれました。メニューにはドライカレーやナポリタンやピザなどからイタリアンディッシュ、デザートたくさん気になるものがたくさん見えたので、これから楽しみです。 食べ終えるころを見計らいブラジル(450円だけど食事とセットで100円引きみたい)を大きなマグカップに並々持ってきてくださいました。美味しい。 私はジャズには詳しくないけれど素敵な雰囲気です。そしてお値段が抑えめだと感じます。

kemekoist

31 Aug 2025

How nostalgic I felt for no paticular reason when I entered this quaint little cafe. The name of the cafe, I immediately thought of Carson McCullers' novel, the Ballad of the Sad Cafe. All those CDs resting at the shelves were very inviting and looked as if they each have special stories to tell us;of course, this is just my imagination, haha. The owner of cafe was kind and patient to navigate me to the cafe when I phoned from outside the famous Ramen shop Hope-ken. Their coffee tasted balanced with a hint of bitterness. A good cup of smoothly brewed coffee after having Hope-ken Ramen. Next time, I'd love to have a light meal here as I saw several local people ordering their fave menu.

문아랑

13 Aug 2025

涙は時に人を欺くことがあるが、悲しみは誰も欺くことができない。 あまりにも大きな悲しみは涙を流さない。 涙は目と口で泣くが、悲しみは肩で泣く。 肩は悲しみの防波堤だ。 悲しみによって肩が崩れ落ちる人を見たことがある。 どこにでもある悲しみですが、甘いデザートとジャズがあれば、しばしの間忘れられますよね。 ごちそうさまでした。

80 36

26 Jul 2025

2回目の来店。 この土地に5年以上住んでなかなか入らず後悔。こんな居心地よいカフェがあったなんて。 ケーキは手作り、添えてあるアイスも手作りと他のお客さんに言っていた。 タルトタタンのキャラメリゼ具合もとても良い。 珈琲も美味しく、量も申し分なし。 なによりJAZZが流れる雰囲気、アナログ、オーディオのセンスが抜群。 このキャパも落ち着く。 前回はおしゃべりな女2人組が入ってきて台無しだったがまぁそれも運か。 もっと早く入るべきだった教えたくない秘密基地。

Tonkatsu888 Mega

22 Jul 2025

一歩、店内に入ると、CDコレクションに眼が行きます。物静かなマスターがカウンター越しで挨拶をしてくれます。 癖のないバランスがとれたハウスブレンドは恐らく、食事やスイーツを食べることを考慮してなのかなと思いました。昭和的なプリンが好きなかたには、こちらの甘さ控えめのプリンはおすすめです。チーズケーキは好みが別れると思います。クリームチーズの風味が生きており、お酒と合わせたい味わいです。 落ち着いた店内で、広くはありません。大人数の対応は無理かと思われます。テーブルは2人席から4人席対応なので、静かに軽食や珈琲を楽しみたいかたにぴったりだと思います。 常連のご高齢者、近隣商店のオーナーさん、近隣で働く若者や中高年まで通うお店です。 Australiaのなかでも個人経営の喫茶店が非常に多い、Melbourneの街中にあるようなcafeです。

Ronald Muir

06 Jul 2025

My favourite Cafe in Tokyo. The atmosphere is dignified and peaceful and Carson McCullers would like the place I think. The owner of this establishment is a gentleman. Great jazz too.

윤아

20 Jun 2025

平日16時過ぎに入店。 お腹が空いてないので、 自家製スイーツ(タルトタタン)と、 アイスコーヒーを頂いた。 コーヒー豆の価格がこの一年で3倍、 インフレなのに給与は上がらないご時世に、 リーズナブルだけど、 めちゃくちゃ美味かった。

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