Sou Sou Hirakata

Located deep in a quiet neighborhood in Hirakata city, at the foot of the Okami shrine is the charming and rustic café called ‘Sou Sou Hirakata’ . This hidden gem opened its doors on November 19, 2010, and is located in a renovated house that was built during the first year of the Meiji era (Keio 4) in 1868, making it over 150 years old.

The spacious interior of Sou Sou Hirakata is adorned with a retro and rustic interior design, featuring antique furniture and goods that give the cafe a unique and cozy ambiance. Even with seating for up to 50 people, including tables and counter seats, the café is quite popular, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

The menu at Sou Sou Hirakata offers two daily lunch menus and a variety of sweets. The lunch plates come with fresh daily vegetables, such as potato rosemary, purple cabbage coleslaw, persimmon with balsamic vinegar, pickled cauliflower, and many more. While the prices may be a little steep, the food is exquisite and well worth the cost.

In addition to Sou Sou Hirakata, the same owner also runs a general goods store called ‘repos-de-midi’ which is located on a five minute walk from the cafe. The store sells a wide variety of unique and carefully selected goods, including pottery, kitchenware, accessories, and more. Many of the items sold in the store are handmade by local artisans and are one-of-a-kind. For those who appreciate unique and handmade goods, repos-de-midi is definitely worth checking out.

For people who visit by car, there is parking available but access to the parking is through a narrow street so be warned.

Overall, Sou Sou Hirakata is a charming café with a cozy, rustic interior that serves exquisite food, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone in the area.