Yokohama is home to many hole-in-the-wall cafes and eateries. Every so often, if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble on a hidden gem like Nagi Coffee. Nestled in Matsumoto-cho just minutes from the hubbub of Yokohama Station, this charming little cafe is situated on the first floor of a lovely red-brick apartment which also houses an antique store. Nagi Coffee’s food is both delicious and generous in its portions. The atmosphere is cozy and nostalgia-inducing. And, of course, the coffee is top quality. It’s one of those rare cafes that’s well-rounded in every aspect. The cafe exudes warmth and calm, and one can understand where it comes from on meeting Kohei and Miruki Nakamura, the friendly couple that own it.
Nakamura previously worked at a long-established coffee shop for 14 years, but the rapid decline of good, old, independent cafes ignited a sense of fear and determination. He decided to prevent further loss and ultimately opened up his own cafe. Nakamura’s specialty brew, Nagi Blend (¥450), is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Well-balanced, flavorful, simple yet full of depth, this blend is truly one-of-a-kind. It tastes excellent even without cream or sugar. Nakamura enhances the best characteristics of 4 types of coffee beans by roasting them on different days and combining them when they’ve reached the freshest, most flavorful point. “Staggering the roasting stage of the beans and mixing them during their different peaks results in a harmonious and unique blend,” explains Nakamura. “Our signature brew was the result of much trial and error. I can only hope that I’ve succeeded in creating a blend which my customers can enjoy on a daily basis.”
It’s not just the coffee that’s impressive. The Egg (¥400, half-size) and Avocado (¥450, half-size) Sandwiches (full-size available too) are loaded with fresh vegetables, the latter with pickled carrots which added a tangy, sour kick and crunchy texture to complement the creamy avocado. Carrot Cheesecake (¥450) was infused with the strong flavor of cinnamon, and the subtle taste of carrots blended well with the cream cheese. The Cinnamon Toast (¥350, half-size) is must-try. Though topped with a thick layer of whipped cream, it’s not heavy or intensely sweet. You’ll clean off the plate in no time.
Beyond delicious food and coffee, at the heart of Nagi Coffee is the Nakamura’s heartfelt consideration toward their customers, and their shared passion for protecting old-style cafes from fading. “I’ve seen many beloved local coffee shops close down since I started Nagi Coffee three years ago,” says Kohei. “Yokohama is constantly changing and adapting to the times, but I want to maintain the familiarity and qualities found in older, historical parts of this city.” One thing that hasn’t changed? “The warmth of this city I constantly feel and receive through my customers,” says Nakamura. “It’s my job as a cafe owner to create a comfortable, pleasant space for them, and to provide them with the best service possible.” When asked about his goals and desires for the future, he answered, “Nagi Coffee is still very new. In the years that follow, I hope that it’ll grow into a long-established coffee shop deeply rooted in this city’s culture, spanning generations to come.”