With the amount of interesting cafes and restaurants all within walking distance of Hiro-o Station, Cafe Calva definitely has a lot of competition. I, myself had walked past it on numerous occasions but never given it a chance either due to having already decided on another more impressive location or simply because I couldn’t find the entrance despite knowing that there was a cafe upstairs that one can see from the main road.
Determined to finally try it out though, I discovered that the entrance was easier to find than I thought though, like a lot of cafe and restaurant entrances in Japan, would benefit greatly from a little more advertising to alert pedestrians to it’s existence.
The interior of Cafe Calva, despite failing to create that authentic Italian cafe vibe which it’s trying to achieve, has a very warm feeling and the owner, an
elderly woman, seems genuinely friendly and welcoming to new customers. Unfortunately she only speaks Japanese so it’s worth bringing a Japanese speaking friend with you if you don’t know much of the language to help you order, especially since the menu has no English whatsoever.
I was a bit disappointed with the lack of quality food on the menu which mostly consists of cookies and cakes made by the owner which, while nice, definitely lack the professional flare that other cafes’ foods exhibit.
The coffee was rather good though and I would recommend coming here if that is all you feel like having. If you’re after something more to eat though, I highly suggest the nearby Hawaiian restaurant, Island Veggie Hawaiian Macrobiotic which features a huge choice in both food and drinks.
It is worth mentioning though that Cafe Calva is dog friendly which may make it more worthwhile if you happen to be walking a dog in the area.
Station: Hiro-o
Train Line: Hibiya Line
Features: 100% smoke free, dogs allowed inside and outdoor seating on the balcony depending on weather
Menu Language: Japanese
Hours: 10am – 6pm
Address: 〒106-0047 東京都港区南麻布, 5丁目16-4 村松ビル2F
Muramatsu Building 2F, 5-16-4 Minami Azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone Number: 03-3473-6323
Website: www.r.Goope.jp (Japanese)
Map: View on GoogleMaps
Directions: Take Exit 1 from Hiro-o Station and turn left. Walk to the main intersection and turn left again. Walk up this hill and stop once you get to the second street on your left. Cafe Calva is upstairs in the building on this corner. If you look up, you should see the cafe’s balcony.
Walk around the side of this building and look for the small blackboard on the street level for the cafe. There is a very small, easy to miss stairwell on the side. Head up one floor and you should see the door to the cafe directly in front of you.
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