Japanese Style Cafe
Takagi Coffee is a famous Japanese cafe chain that started in Osaka in 1958, known for its freshly roasted coffee made in-store and mille-feuille pancakes made to order. In February 2025, it will open its first U.S. location in Los Angeles, continuing to spread the brand’s appeal beyond Japan. The LA location features a variety of menu items, including the popular soufflé pancakes from Japan, as well as pasta, sandwiches, and omelets, quickly gaining popularity among locals.
We visited this cafe twice, and even though we arrived 20 minutes before opening, there were already people lined up outside. During our meal, the place started to get busier with guests wanting to add their names to the waiting list, and we could really feel the popularity of this spot as it quickly filled up right after opening. Some of the dishes we enjoyed included Omelette Rice, Hamburger Steak, Strawberry & Mix Berry Pancake, Chocolate Banana Pancake, Ethiopia Queen City Harrar, and Matcha Oats Milk Latte.
The dishes we ordered were overall neat and satisfying. First, the Omelette Rice had soft and moist eggs, and the ketchup rice inside was lightly seasoned and mild, creating a good balance overall. The sauce on top was not overpowering, which was nice. While it wasn’t a flashy flavor, it was clean and comforting, making it a dish anyone could enjoy. The Hamburger Steak was thick yet cooked through and juicy, with just the right amount of meat juices. The demi-glace sauce had a deep umami flavor and paired well with the fries served alongside. Overall, it had a light finish, making it easy to enjoy without feeling heavy.
And Takagi’s signature pancakes exceeded our expectations. The pancakes themselves were moist and fluffy, with the Strawberry & Mix Berry Pancake featuring a refreshing combination of whipped cream, ice cream, strawberries, and blueberries, all of which were fresh. Even with syrup drizzled on top, the sweetness was not overwhelming, allowing for a clean finish that made it suitable as both a dessert and a brunch item. The Chocolate Banana Pancake offered a different yet equally appealing flavor, featuring bananas that were slightly caramelized in sugar, cocoa, and chocolate syrup. The chocolate syrup was rich but not overly sweet, creating a good balance overall, and the softness of the banana paired well with the fluffy texture of the pancake. Both pancakes were delicious, but personally, I found the Chocolate Banana Pancake to be more special.
Lastly, the Ethiopia Queen City Harrar was a coffee with a distinct acidity, offering a light initial taste but a strong aroma that lingered, pairing well with the pancakes. The Matcha Oats Milk Latte had a clear matcha flavor with almost no bitterness, and the nuttiness of the oat milk wrapped everything smoothly. While it wasn’t overly sweet and paired well with the food, it felt a bit heavy when enjoyed alongside the pancakes due to its substantial volume.
Takagi Coffee
Takagi Coffee is a great place to enjoy neat Japanese-style brunch and desserts in a clean and warm interior. Experiencing firsthand the reasons for its popularity, which often leads to a wait, makes you start thinking about what menu items to try next. If you want to enjoy a special brunch, why not stop by Takagi Coffee?
