Telling Cafe & Gallery

Japan, 〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato City, Kita-Aoyama, 1 Chome−4−5 Vort青山一丁目Dual's 1F 2F
+81 3-6721-1857
$$$ Art cafe
(53 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to Telling Cafe & Gallery, a captivating art cafe nestled in the vibrant streets of Kita-Aoyama, Tokyo. This unique establishment is not only a hub for delightful culinary experiences but also a gallery showcasing the heart and soul of Japanese craftsmanship. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Telling Cafe offers a tranquil setting that celebrates both art and cuisine.

The menu here is a thoughtful blend of traditional Japanese flavors and innovative presentations. One must-try is the 御膳: 一汁三菜, a traditional set that features a harmonious balance of one soup and three sides. Priced at just ¥2,600, it embodies the essence of Japanese dining—where nature and culinary skills converge beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something particularly comforting, the お結び膳 offers a delightful selection for only ¥1,180 during weekdays. Each meal is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring you’re not just enjoying food, but savoring the stories embedded in each bite.

The Telling Plate stands out among the options, featuring a rotating selection of small delicacies that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, seasonal produce. For those with a sweet tooth, the matcha affogato, with its rich milk gelato nestled under a blanket of aromatic matcha, serves as a refreshing conclusion to your culinary journey.

But the experience at Telling Cafe extends far beyond the plates. The atmosphere is infused with creativity and warmth, perfectly encapsulated by glowing reviews from patrons who rave about the cozy vibe and friendly staff. As one visitor, Jerry, noted, "The atmosphere was terrific," complementing the café's ability to provide an unexpectedly filling meal that dances on the palate while drawing on the essence of Japanese culinary arts.

Beyond the sumptuous food, Telling Cafe & Gallery offers a curated selection of eco-friendly, locally made items, allowing customers to engage with and support local artisans. Belle Wang beautifully described it as "a hidden collection of handmade specialties," and it truly feels like a cultural experience where each handcrafted good tells its own story.

During your visit, take a moment to enjoy the art on display, which blends seamlessly with the cafe's ambiance. The use of Yakusugi (ancient Japanese cedar) throughout the interior adds a layer of richness and deep-rooted culture, captivating guests as they explore the artworks while sipping their favorite blends.

In short, Telling Cafe & Gallery is a gem for those seeking a slice of Japanese culinary culture and artistic inspiration. Each visit is an invitation to indulge in a dining experience that nourishes both the body and the spirit, making it a must-visit on your Tokyo adventure.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Organic dishes
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Payments
Credit cards
PayPay
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

53 Reviews
Belle Wang

09 Oct 2025

A truly special place where you can discover a variety of eco-friendly, locally made items — from daily consumables to thoughtfully crafted goods. It’s like stepping into a hidden collection of handmade specialties from all around Japan in one cozy spot. Can really feel the heart and story behind each item. A beautiful way to support local creators while enjoying a peaceful, inspiring space. Highly recommend!!!

Elena Skoullou

03 Oct 2025

The vibe of the cafe is great and the staff super friendly. I would totally recommend it for an Japanese artistic experience

Jerry

06 Sep 2025

¥1000-3000 per person. No complaints. Food (I had the Telling Plate and a yuzu cordial) was very nice and unexpectedly filling; it looks small on a plate (or bunch of plates, as it were) but it's really well balanced. You always feel like you can eat more while eating but the moment you get up it feels like you could go the rest of the day without a bite, magical stuff. Atmosphere was terrific. There were a lot of people when I went but you could tell it'd be incredible to just sit down in and work or chat for half the day. Lots of pots (I think the staff said they're handmade?) and other cozy stuff lining the walls. Some of the chairs are logs on wheels which was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. They had a man-sized urn to put umbrellas in instead of a stand and the sink in the toilet was an a slate brick. Very natural/unplugged feel to the place, working here was like working on a bench in a park except they had air conditioning. Staff was friendly and spoke English. The tables are café sized. There's a pair of giant dining tables carved from what might be a single old tree, but it's not in its own room or anything so I feel like you want to come here with a small group, or maybe alone. I came with one friend and it was cozy even though it was crowded; I'm not sure if the people were just speaking quietly or the interior design was such that it dampened sound. Might be both. For some reason they sell trinkets in the back? Like cutlery and bento boxes and stuff, all carved out of either wood or stone. There was a set of hazy quartz plates that were pretty cool. There was also a piece of soap wrapped in some kind of natural plant fiber, I assume the point is you can just use it like a scrubber with the soap inside it. Really cool for souvenirs. Under the impression there's some kind of museum or gallery upstairs run by the same people. Didn't get a chance to get a look but will stop by again if time permits.

Jonathan Chin

02 Sep 2025

A very nice, cozy atmosphere that provides a variety of options for its customers. Though the options are a bit pricey, the quality of the materials used and the overall taste is enough to justify its prices. The Gouda and Natto riceballs definitely caught my attention with its exquisite taste, and before you know it, I found myself going back to the cafe over and over again.(This is my 4th time going to the cafe)

Lilly Wilson

20 Jul 2025

I happened to walk by and was drawn in by the wonderful atmosphere. Inside, there were art pieces on display, and I was told that they even had Yakusugi (ancient Japanese cedar), which gave me a real sense of Japanese culture. There were many menu options, and after much consideration, I decided on the matcha affogato. The rich yet refreshing milk gelato perfectly complemented the fragrant matcha sauce, creating an unforgettable taste that deeply impressed me. It had been a while since I was last in Japan, and this experience allowed me to truly reconnect with Japanese culture. I had a wonderful time and would love to come again.

Ameli

12 Jul 2025

The cafe is quiet and cozy, full of culture and art. I really loved the atmosphere of this place. The drinks and food were very good too! I even forgot to take pictures of the plates I got

Alex Nguyen

03 Jul 2025

Stumbled across this place while walking through the area, and it ended up being a really nice surprise. I had the yuzu juice which was incredibly refreshing, just sweet enough, and beautifully served. The space itself is calm and quiet, and the small gallery in the back added a nice touch. It’s the kind of place you want to keep to yourself but can’t help telling friends about. Worth a visit if you’re looking for a break from the crowds nearby

Krysten Abeshima

27 Jun 2025

The ambiance of the restaurant was incredibly calming and relaxing, creating a perfect setting for a pleasant dining experience. There was a wide variety of dishes and drinks to choose from, which truly enhanced the visit. I previously ordered the honey lime cola—it was refreshing and delicious! I also appreciate that the menu features sustainable and gut-friendly options, which I highly recommend to anyone looking for healthier choices without compromising on taste.

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