What is “Smart Coffee Shop,” a local favorite for many years? Their French toast is delicious!

Have you heard of a café called “Smart Coffee Shop” in Sanjo, Kyoto?

This coffee shop has been a local favorite for over 90 years, and many people visit not only for the coffee but also for its delicious light meals.

So, what kind of place is this “Smart Coffee Shop,” and what does its popular French toast taste like?

In this post, I’d like to introduce “Smart Coffee Shop,” a local favorite for many years, and share my recommendation for their French toast.

■ What is a “Smart Coffee Shop”?

It's just a few minutes' walk from Keihan Sanjo Station.

When you enter the Teramachi-dori Shopping Street, you may notice many lines of people.

The coffee shop with such a long line of people is called “Smart Coffee Shop.”

Founded in 1932, this coffee shop has long been a favorite among locals, who come to enjoy its original coffee made with beans roasted in-house.

In the morning, many people line up for breakfast, and come lunchtime, many more come back to enjoy lunch, desserts, and light meals on the second floor.

In addition to toast, sandwiches, and parfaits, light meals such as fried shrimp and hamburger steaks are also becoming popular.

■ The French toast at “Smart Coffee Shop” is delicious!

French toast is especially popular at "Smart Coffee Shop"!

You can order this item either à la carte or as part of a drink set.

When the food I ordered arrives, the plate features a stylish “smart” logo.

This French toast has become a local favorite for its exceptional taste; thick slices of bread are coated in batter and baked until fluffy.

When you take a bite, the outside is crispy and the inside is fluffy…

I just can't get enough of that melting sensation.

I think the secret to its popularity lies in the rich flavor of the eggs and butter, as well as its texture.

Try drizzling some maple syrup on top, if you like.

■Since this is a popular restaurant with long lines, are reservations required?

"Smart Coffee Shop," which is always bustling with customers.

You can enjoy coffee on the first floor and lunch on the second floor.

Since phone reservations are only available for lunch on weekdays, we recommend making a reservation if you plan to visit during the weekday lunch hour.

Since we're closed for lunch on Tuesdays, please check our official website or other sources to confirm our operating hours before visiting.

■ Reviews of “Smart Coffee Shop”

Let's take a look at the reviews for this famous coffee shop where people line up starting in the morning.

・I ordered the French toast and pancakes set. It's so delicious! I've ordered it many times, and it's always delicious.

・A long-established shop founded in 1932. The coffee is delicious, too. I hear it was also selected for Tabelog’s “Top 100 Cafés of 2022.”

・Egg sandwiches, French toast, pudding—it’s all about eggs… and everything is absolutely delicious. Many people come back time and time again.

・You absolutely must try their exquisite French toast. It’s a long-established coffee shop that has been beloved in Kyoto for many years, and it’s always packed with people waiting in line.

・It’s simple, yet you can’t stop eating it. Just like the French toast, the exquisite egg sandwich is a must-try for breakfast.

■ Address and Directions to “Smart Coffee Shop”

Finally, let's take a look at the address and directions to "Smart Coffee Shop."

○ Address of “Smart Coffee Shop”

537 Tenseiji-mae-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

○ How to Get to “Smart Coffee Shop”

Approximately 1 minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line

Phone number

075-231-6547

○ Homepage

https://www.smartcoffee.jp/

■ Summary

How was it?

In this article, we introduced “Smart Coffee Shop,” a local favorite for many years, and the appeal of French toast.

The house-roasted coffee and light meals served in the shop’s retro atmosphere bring joy to many people.

The French toast, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser, so be sure to stop by!