Sweet Pea

Opening its doors at 7:00, Sweet Pea in Fushimi Ward's Yodo area is a traditional kissaten that keeps diners well fed throughout the day. In the morning hours, guests can ease into the day with freshly brewed coffee alongside a morning set of thick, fluffy toast served with fried eggs or bacon and eggs.

Come lunchtime, the main draw is a range of teishoku (set meals) that goes well beyond typical café fare. Choices include fried prawn sets—featuring plump prawns fried in a light, crisp batter and accompanied by a croquette, small side dishes, and miso soup—as well as hamburger steak, grilled beef yakiniku, and yakisoba noodles tossed in a fragrant sauce. Each set is generously portioned to go hand in hand with steamed rice. The daily set meal, served with post-meal coffee, is another popular staple, offering the simple pleasure of checking the day's board before ordering.

For an afternoon break between meals, the café serves classic coffee-shop treats like mixed sandwiches, pancakes, retro melon cream sodas, and mixed fruit juice. Inside, the interior features calming brown tones with both counter and table seating, making it comfortable to dine solo. Free parking is available on-site for those arriving by car, though visitors should note that payment is cash only.