"Calling Takagi a coffee shop doesn’t do it justice. Yes, this cafe chain from Osaka takes its coffee seriously—there’s a whole display of beans and origins at the front—but it’s just as committed to brunch, serving souffle pancakes, burgers, pasta, and rice plates in a space that looks like a modern kissaten. We’d send you here for the enjoyable rice dishes, especially the one with a not-too-dense hamburger steak in demi-glace, and the omurice, draped with a silky egg. As for the pancakes on every table? They aren’t quite as light or fluffy as the ones you’ve seen jiggling on influencer trips to Japan, but piled high with berries and drenched in syrup, they’re a decent sweet breakfast to pair with your single-origin Sulawesi Toraja. Food Rundown photo credit: Cathy Park Hamburger Steak This is essentially a Japanese version of steak frites (it even comes with a side of miso soup). The hamburger steak has a nice seared crust, and the meat is light and fluffy enough to sponge up all the sweet demi-glace sauce. The fries could use a bit more salt, but you won't mind if you dip them in the sauce anyway. photo credit: Cathy Park Omelette Rice This unfortunately isn’t one of those cool runny omelets that gets sliced open in one swift motion tableside, but the egg is still soft and goes well with each bite of ketchupy rice. photo credit: Cathy Park Strawberry & Mix Berry Pancake These pancakes have zero jiggle to them, but the good news is that even flat pancakes taste good with sweet cream, berries, and chocolate drizzle. If berries aren’t your thing, Takagi also has options that are topped with caramel apple, matcha, mango, or chocolate banana." - Cathy Park
