Japanese Style Coffee and Dessert
Located in Pasadena, Kissa by Motto is a coffee and dessert café that harmoniously blends Japanese sensibilities with modern coffee culture. The warm and cozy space features decor that evokes a Studio Ghibli vibe and a stylish interior, creating a comfortable atmosphere. It was impressive to experience both the mood of a classic Japanese café and specialty coffee. It was a perfect place to enjoy coffee and desserts slowly while spending leisurely time.
During this visit, I was able to taste the Nutellamisu Cloudy Latte, Green Grape Tonic, Iced Pour Over (Ethiopia), Matcha Jasmine Basque, Hojicha Basque, Pistachio Chocolate Scone, and various flavored Canelé. With a variety of canelés and unique desserts available, it was a delight to sample several menu items together, which paired well with the coffee.
First, the Nutellamisu Cloudy Latte featured a harmonious blend of smooth cream and rich coffee, with the subtle sweetness of Nutella enhancing the drink’s appeal. The Green Grape Tonic was refreshing with its fizzy carbonation and the tangy flavor of green grapes, making it perfect for a light enjoyment on a hot day. The Iced Pour Over (Ethiopia) impressed with its bright aroma unique to Ethiopian beans and a clean finish, pairing well with the desserts.
The desserts were also satisfying. The Matcha Jasmine Basque combined the rich bitterness of matcha with a subtle jasmine aroma, offering a unique charm, while the Hojicha Basque featured a nutty and deep hojicha flavor that complemented the smooth cheesecake beautifully. The Pistachio Chocolate Scone was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, making it a great companion for coffee. Overall, the desserts were not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine through. Among the various flavored canelés, the Chocolate Pistachio, Matcha Raspberry, and Tiramisu were particularly impressive, each with distinct personalities, making it fun to choose and taste different flavors.
Kissa by Motto
Kissa by Motto was an attractive café where you can enjoy specialty coffee and unique desserts in a space infused with Japanese sensibilities. It was a great place to spend time leisurely in a cozy atmosphere, and the variety of desserts that paired well with coffee added to the joy of choosing according to personal taste. In particular, the not overly sweet desserts and the various flavored canelés stood out as unique charms of this place, making it a great spot to visit if you’re looking for a café that offers a taste of Japan in Pasadena.
