There is no shortage of cafes in Shinjuku, but if you’re looking for the best French Toast, you need to find Cafe Aaliya.
Tucked away in a semi-basement (B1F) just a few steps from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, this “kissaten” (old-style coffee shop) is a certified Hyakumeiten—one of Tabelog’s “Top 100” shops in its category.
Why? In a word: its one of Best Japanese French Toast.
You can check the menu here (Scan the QR):
Cafe Aaliya Highlights
Legendary French Toast: Utterly delicious. The outside is perfectly golden-brown and slightly crisp, while the inside is unbelievably soft and moist.
English-Friendly Service: The staff’s English is excellent, and with QR code ordering, there are no communication problems.
Perfect Custardy Texture: The toast is completely soaked through in a rich egg wash, creating a tender, decadent, and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The Food: More Than Just French Toast
While the classic French Toast set is the star, we recommend the Brunch Set (available from 11:00 AM).
This set comes with the famous toast alongside a perfectly poached egg, savory bacon, and a fresh salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
The toast itself is a masterpiece. It arrives hot, soft, and unbelievably fluffy, with an airy lightness. The outside is seared to a perfect golden-brown crisp, but the inside is where the magic is. The bread is so thoroughly soaked in a rich egg batter that it transforms into a fragrant, soft, almost custardy texture. It’s “Top 100” quality, and you can taste why.
It comes with three sauce options to choose from:
- Vanilla Ice Cream & Blueberry Sauce (A classic combo)
- Caramel Cream
- Cinnamon Apple
⚠️ A CRITICAL WARNING: Don’t Go to the Wrong Cafe!
This is the most important tip for visiting. There is another cafe nearby with a confusingly similar name and a nearly identical menu.
You MUST make sure you are going to the correct Cafe Aaliya, which is located in the B1F (Basement Floor) of the Yamamoto Building. If you’re not walking downstairs, you’re in the wrong place!
🚫THIS IS WRONG CAFE
📍 Visitor’s Guide: Know Before You Go
| Category | Information |
| Address | B1F Yamamoto Bldg, 3-1-17 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, 160-0022 |
| Transport | Short walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station |
| Hours | Mon–Fri: 09:00 – 20:30 Sat & Sun: 09:00 – 21:00 |
| Payment | Credit Cards & Debit Cards accepted. |
| Service | Dine-in & Takeout; Serves Coffee, Dessert, and Breakfast. |
| Facilities | Restroom available. |
| Contact | 03-3354-1034 |
Quick Q&A: Ordering, Wait Times & Tips
Q: Is it easy to order for non-Japanese speakers?
A: Yes. This is one of the best parts. You order directly from your phone using a QR code, so you don’t need to worry about the language barrier. The staff’s English is also very good.
Q: Is there a long wait?
A: It’s a famous shop, so expect a line on weekends. On weekdays, the set menu is around 950 JPY, making it a popular spot.
Q: Any downsides?
A: Be prepared to relax. This is not fast food. The toast is made with care, so service can be a bit slow during busy times. But honestly, it’s worth the wait.
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