AFTER ALL, It’s Just Okay: A Light Bite in a Busy Corner of Shinjuku
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Time of visit: July 2025
AFTER ALL COFFEE is a small café tucked away in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offering house-made sweets and a quiet promise of calm—but only partially delivering on that last part. At first glance, it’s a cozy little spot, but once inside, the tight space and busy atmosphere made it feel more cramped than charming.
The espresso was fine, though not quite on par with places like Blue Bottle. On the other hand, the chai rooibos tea was surprisingly interesting and enjoyable—a nice alternative if you’re looking for something different from your usual coffee order.
As for the sweets, it’s clear they put care into their offerings: the cakes and donuts are made in-house, which is always appreciated. However, flavor-wise, they cater more to those who prefer light, subtle treats. The cake lacked richness and intensity, and the donut, while incredibly soft and fluffy, might feel too delicate for those craving a bolder dessert experience.
The staff were kind and polite, though clearly preoccupied, bustling between cleaning and prepping for the next day. The AC worked, but just barely, and the café felt a bit too warm and crowded to fully relax.
We paid 3,140 yen, which felt a little steep given the modest portions and overall experience. AFTER ALL COFFEE has its charm—especially for fans of lighter sweets—but for a relaxing café escape, it might not be the quiet haven you’re hoping for.
After All Coffee – Review
Summary
AFTER ALL COFFEE is a small, busy café in Shinjuku with friendly staff and house-made, light-tasting sweets. The espresso and cake were just okay, but the chai rooibos tea stood out. Unfortunately, the cramped space, weak AC, and noise made the overall experience less relaxing than expected.
Details of the Restaurant
After All Coffee
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bthMsUE6Km7rP1g97
Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7 Chome−15−14 １F-A
Tokyo-based Japanese home cook and food writer, sharing easy, low-carb recipes featuring Japanese staples like shio koji. I also explore the city’s dining scene through honest restaurant reviews and food adventures. Learn more at sakurayubi.com/about.
