Istacoffee, run by one of Japan's top bartenders with a championship experience in world competitions, is a coffee x cocktail shop where you can enjoy coffee cocktails as well as non-alcoholic drinks and lattes. They recently offered a cocktail inspired by a trip to Mexico, featuring tequila, cactus, and coffee. The ingredients include a caramel-like sweetness of popular Mexican tequila, syrup made from the agave plant used in tequila production, and coffee beans with a mango-like aroma from Mexico. The resulting cocktail has a bright orange color and a subtle sweetness with hints of caramel and vanilla, with the coffee balancing the strength of tequila and the sweetness of the syrup. It's a unique and delicious drink that you can only find at Istacoffee. Congratulations to Istacoffee for winning the Japan final of WORLD CLASS 2023 and good luck in the upcoming world competition in Brazil!

Barista and award-winning bar owner Fumiaki Nozato renovated his Italian bar last October after running it for 11 years. The bar now focuses solely on coffee and coffee cocktails, with no food menu. They offer four types of single-origin coffee at all times, and also provide custom blends to suit your taste. They welcome orders for cafe latte and cafe mocha as well. Their cocktails incorporate coffee flowers and leaves, with some resembling desserts or featuring the latest techniques. One popular choice is the "ELEMENT" cocktail, priced at 1540 yen, which includes a cream of cream and Campari, raspberry sauce in the center, and a beautiful appearance reminiscent of a dessert crafted by a pastry chef.

Originally operating as a bar, the establishment was renovated in October 2021 with the theme of "savoring coffee to the fullest." While they also sell cocktails with alcohol, they focus on being a coffee specialty shop, rumored to serve specialty coffee from Unir in Nagaokakyo City. The espresso machine in the shop catches the eye, but I decided to try a deep roasted single origin coffee using the pour-over method. I ordered the Brazil Carmo de Minas (660 yen). The coffee had a unique aroma that differed from the usual coffee beans, with a dark chocolate-like scent and a subtle bitterness. While the richness was lacking, a subtle wave of flavor emerged afterwards. The aftertaste combined fresh notes with a different taste profile, making for an enjoyable and dynamic drinking experience. Despite the initial mildness, the coffee showcased rapid changes in flavor with each sip, culminating in a short but intriguing finish reminiscent of tea leaves. The large cup allowed me to fully appreciate the nuances of the coffee, making it a delightful coffee break on that day.

Fortunately, the COVID infection situation has settled down, so I have been able to visit every weekend since the renovation. This time, I ordered a double cafe latte and received a cute design on top. My companion had an espresso tonic. I wasn't very familiar with how to drink espresso tonic, but since the shop owner was so close at the counter, they guided me and I was able to enjoy it. The shop owner has a very approachable personality, so I think it's easy to try various menu items besides the usual ones. Personally, I love cafe lattes and tend to order them all the time, but this shop offers different ways to enjoy coffee. On my third visit, I am now sharing a photo of the daytime menu.

This is my second visit. Just like last time, I ordered a decaf coffee bean café latte double. My companion ordered a double espresso. I always end up ordering a café latte because I want to see the latte art. I also tried the double espresso for a taste, and it was delicious too.

The famous bar Bar ISTA reopened as ISTA COFFEE ELEMENTS on October 5, 2021, after a renovation. Despite the ongoing pandemic situation, the location of the shop remains the same, but it has been transformed into a more stylish and lovely space. The menu no longer includes meals or desserts, focusing instead on a lineup that allows guests to truly enjoy coffee. The shop roasts its own coffee beans, which are available for purchase as well as for drinks served in the shop. When enjoying a drink in the shop, customers can also choose their coffee beans. If you're unsure of what to choose, the owner, who is a world champion, is very approachable and will recommend the perfect coffee beans for you. Personally, I love coffee but had a period where it made me feel unwell, so I was recommended a decaffeinated option that was delicious. The shop has only a counter, which may feel a bit intimidating at first, but the warm personality of the owner creates a cozy atmosphere where even coffee novices can feel comfortable visiting.