Nikainofrank

If you’re looking for a stylish and cozy café in Kobe, look no further; ‘Nikainofrank’ instagram.com/nikainofrank / has got you covered. Conveniently located just a short walk from Motomachi Station, and also easily reachable on foot from Hankyu Kobe Sannomiya Station, this café is tucked away on the second floor of the Imagawa building, nestled along a quiet street that runs parallel to the crowded Kobe Motomachi shopping district. Nikainofrank cafe opened in March 2021 but is part of the brand ‘Frank’ which dates back to 2013 where the owner Kitajima-san started with a small coffee stand in an alley in Motomachi area. Currently the brand has grown into two cafes, a roastery, periodically a pop-up store, online shop and also holds seminars and lessons for coffee enthusiasts.

“Nikai” means ‘second floor’ in Japanese and as the name implies, Nikainofrank cafe sits on the second floor, accessible through a narrow and steep stairs (watch your step) in the back of the Imagawa building. Through the glass sliding door on the second floor you will find a standing-bar counter on your left and a seating area on the right that consists of counter seats along the window and three tables for two on the wall on the right. The interior has an industrial vibe mixed with retro elements, raw unfinished concrete combined with dark wood furniture that give the cafe a cozy atmosphere, adding to that atmosphere is the vynil music player that streams music throughout the space. A second flight of stairs will lead to Yamacino on the third floor, a pastry shop that opened in October 2021 and sells freshly baked pastries to can be bought to go but are also available at Nikainofrank. Next to Yamacino is Coffee LABO Frank, a coffee specialty shop that sells many types of coffee for coffee enthusiasts.

Being a coffee specialty shop, the menu offers a large variety of different coffees including drip coffee, americano, latte (700 yen), shakerato, coffee float, cold brew, espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, espresso tonic, affogato and more. The cafe also offers coffee cocktails including Irish Coffee, Black Russian, Kahlua Latte Glace and other appealing variations. Coffee is available in decaf option and there are also drinks available for people who don’t drink coffee. The food menu comes with a brunch menu that includes croque-monsieur, french toast or egg sandwich. Delicious sweets from 3rd floors Yamacino include: cake ecossais, financier, gateau nantais, conversation (a crunchy pastry filled with almond cream), pudding and many more.

Nikainofrank is a must visit if you are in Kobe, with friendly English speaking staff, a cozy relaxing atmosphere and a menu with a large variety of options you cant go wrong. Make sure to also visit Yamacino and their delicious pastry shop on the third floor for some delicious sweets for at home.