868 Biru

Established in May 2014 and situated in Sakai City, you’ll find the chic “ 868 biru ” cafe, located on a twenty-minute walk from Nankai Line – Sakai Station. Managed by a stylish elderly gentleman often sporting a beret, the cafe’s name, “868,” pays homage to the owner’s father’s company name, who, in turn, adopted it from his father (the current owner’s grandfather) service in the 868th division of the army.

This stylish cafe sits on the ground floor of a three-story office building along the bustling Kishu-Kaido Daido Suji Ave and the Hankai Tramway. The building’s exterior is in cream-white with the cafe facade recessed and consisting of weathered navy-colored window and door frames, complemented by large windows.

From the outside the cafe looks simple however once you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the interior’s unique charm: a spacious, dimly lit interior dominated by raw, unfinished concrete and wired glass windows. The industrial-style interior design seamlessly blends with artistic contemporary elements, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The cafe features an L-shaped layout, with wood and metal tables and iconic Galvanitas S16 chairs lining the front and large antique wooden tables towards the back, alongside a leather chair and an antique mirror that is surrounded by large drapes as one would find in a fitting room.

When it comes to the menu, the star attraction is undoubtedly the delicious warm scones that come in various sizes depending on the season. However, there are other options to consider, such as the mini sweets set and a satisfying gratin lunch. Beverage choices include coffee, tea, homemade ginger ale, ume syrup soda, apple juice, and even beer.

What sets 868 biru apart is its serene atmosphere, a reflection of the owner’s desire to provide a tranquil atmosphere for the customers. The cafe is stylish yet unpretentious, and offers a warm welcome as well as a perfect spot to unwind while enjoying delicious sweets and beverages, 868 is a definitely a must visit.