Tokyo boasts an abundance of must-visit attractions. For fashion enthusiasts, two iconic destinations stand out: Ginza and Omotesando. These streets are adorned with international luxury boutiques, and stylish theme cafés are aplenty. One particular café catches the eye with its striking exterior—a captivating blend of green and white tiles. In the heart of Japan, this boldly American-style establishment adds an extra dose of vibrancy to the streets!
RALPH LAUREN, a stalwart in the fashion industry for over 50 years, has brought the aristocratic charm of New York’s Upper East Side to Tokyo’s trendiest district. Its presence transcends that of a mere fashion store; it’s an embodiment of style. Last year, the much-anticipated RALPH’S COFFEE made a lively debut! Fashion enthusiasts unanimously recommend it, and without hesitation, I can’t wait to add it to my must-visit list.
Walking outdoors along a row of open-air seats, one feels transported to New York. The seamless fusion of boutiques and cafés is a stroke of genius by RALPH LAUREN. It’s truly remarkable how they’ve beautifully connected high-end stores with coffee shops!
The coffee cart at the entrance reflects the egalitarian spirit of coffee culture, symbolizing the pioneering ethos of early America. During the heyday of coffee culture across the United States, these coffee carts were as essential as our beloved pearl milk tea, transcending social strata.
This isn’t just a sticker! It’s a large neon light decoration directly on the glass wall, forming the iconic Ralphs Coffee coffee cup pattern. Beneath the design lies the cozy sofa area inside the café.
Dark green ceramic tiles adorn the walls, complemented by a gleaming Tang-style ceiling and a white marble counter. The design seamlessly continues the quintessential American aesthetic.
The three-dimensional geometric tiles on the floor, alternating between green and white, unmistakably declare that these are the dominant colors throughout the entire establishment. The café features small round white tables and precisely 30 wooden chairs. Here, sipping coffee feels like an instant connection between people, narrowing the distance.
The café menu offers three main categories: coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks. Among them, the special espresso, drip coffee, and hot chocolate stand out, with RALPH-style latte being the true signature.
Americans excel at creating visually stunning and awe-inspiring desserts. Take, for instance, this towering six-layer fruitcake, each tier adorned with a different color. Beneath the surface, you’ll find a delicate and creamy lemon chiffon layer interwoven with a walnut pie cake.
Multigrain Fruit Wheat & Blueberry Yogurt & Mixed Fruit Ice Bowl: Perfect for brunch with friends and family, especially when paired with Greek yogurt.
The coffee beans used in the café are sourced from the boutique coffee brand La Colombe in Philadelphia, especially supplied for Ralphs Coffee. Coffee enthusiasts flock here, and missing out would be unthinkable!
The chatty server delivers this cup of authentic, classic latte with an intricate latte art on top. The true depth of flavor is concealed beneath this beautiful pattern. Go ahead, take a sip! Each mouthful is rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.
Arriving at the café precisely at 11:30 AM, I wasted no time in ordering my all-time favorite— Avocado Toast. The unforgettable taste sensation was nothing short of sublime. Creamy avocado, perfectly toasted bread, and a sprinkle of sea salt—it was a symphony of flavors that lingered on my palate.
A crispy French baguette, generously spread with velvety avocado mash, yet retaining the delightful texture of finely diced avocado. Adorning this masterpiece are several marinated mozzarella pearls. Topped with alfalfa sprouts and delicate French baby radish slices, the pièce de résistance is the sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper and the burst of fragrant olive oil upon that first bite…
The meticulously chosen tableware within the café includes cereal bowls, dessert plates, cookie jars, sugar containers, and spoons—all available for purchase right in the store.
Strictly speaking, the entire coffee shop isn’t very large, but visually, it exudes brightness, comfort, and spaciousness.
The passages in the café and the clothing boutique are connected to each other and can be interconnected.
While this piece initially focuses on introducing Ralphs Coffee, I actually spent an additional hour exploring the entire clothing boutique within the store.
The real hidden gem lies on the 1st to 3rd floors! It’s impossible not to admire Mr. Ralph Lauren’s dedication—both in effort and investment—poured into this establishment. Here, fashion and the spirit of America are elevated to new heights.
After finishing my coffee, I casually strolled over to the glass display case next to the sofa. There, I found an array of exclusive Ralph Lauren-designed merchandise with a laid-back vibe—T-shirts, baseball caps, mugs, and various dining accessories—all part of the Ralphs Coffee-themed collection.
And there’s a handcrafted chocolate bar from Fine & Raw, a chocolate manufacturer in Brooklyn, New York. It comes in both espresso coffee and sea salt flavors.
This tea perfectly embodies the red tea flavor and quality standards beloved by RALPH himself. It’s aptly named ‘Omotasando Breakfast’.
The store manager revealed that this café is occasionally visited by celebrities. Perhaps on an unsuspecting day, while sipping coffee here, you might just encounter a casually dressed star.
In the next article, let’s explore a high-end fashion boutique that even Japanese celebrities love to visit! The interior design is truly awe-inspiring.
