Located in Kochi City along the Enokuchi River and within walking distance of Kochi Castle, GRAYGE COFFEE ROASTER (instagram.com/grayge_coffee) is around a five-minute drive from central Kochi, with Irinaka Station about a five-minute walk away. The café occupies the upper floor of a two-storey building, with parking available in the garage below and in the neighbouring parking area. Opened in September 2022, the café takes its name from the owners’ concept of combining grey and beige throughout the shop’s branding, a colour scheme also reflected in its cups and coffee packaging.

The building has received recognition in Kochi City’s urban beauty design awards. It is a small reinforced-concrete structure featuring several different concrete finishes, including exposed concrete, textured surfaces and a wood-grain-like finish. The same grey-and-beige palette continues inside, where concrete surfaces are combined with wood-toned furnishings and large green plants. A central planting area is surrounded by bench seating, while large openings bring in plenty of natural light and offer views of the river and surrounding greenery. The café has counter, table and terrace seating, as well as Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Coffee is at the heart of the café, with beans roasted in-house and several varieties available to suit different preferences. Attention is given to details such as water temperature and extraction time to bring out the individual characteristics of each bean. Alongside coffee, the menu includes drinks such as café latte and a selection of baked goods, including scones and cakes. The scones are made with a blend of three types of flour and come in flavours such as chocolate and matcha with macadamia nuts, while monthly cakes provide another changing option.

What makes GRAYGE COFFEE ROASTER particularly appealing is the way its coffee and architecture come together. The carefully roasted coffee is complemented by a thoughtfully designed concrete building, softened by wood, plants and views towards the river. It is a contemporary café with a calm and distinctive atmosphere, offering a pleasant place to enjoy good coffee while still feeling connected to the greenery and quieter side of Kochi.