Nagoya Breakfast – 13 Cafes to Try Nagoya Morning Service

Ever wondered what a typical Japanese breakfast is like? If you have traveled to Japan before, you might have noticed that it could be very different from your usual breakfast. Some of the common Japanese breakfast items could be considered more suitable for lunch or dinner in other countries.

Typically, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists of steamed rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. In addition to those, there are various side dishes such as tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nori (dried seasoned seaweed), natto (fermented soybeans), kobachi (small side dishes which usually consist of vegetables), and sometimes even a green salad.

Enjoy a Marriage of Coffee and Toast: Nagoya Breakfast

If a Japanese-style breakfast doesn’t sound too appealing to you, no worries! We are happy to tell you that the local breakfast in Nagoya might be more up your alley.

In Nagoya, most people prefer toast over rice and enjoy drinking coffee in the morning rather than a cup of tea. To start their day with a light breakfast and a cup of coffee, many locals visit coffee shops and order a ‘Nagoya Morning Service.’

In this post, we will introduce you to the unique coffee and breakfast culture in Nagoya. Finally, we’ll also recommend 13 cafes for you to check out in the morning for a delicious Nagoya-style breakfast.

The Nagoyans and Their Love for Coffee!

Nagoya’s traditional coffee culture is rooted in deep and dark roasted coffee. For decades, Nagoyans have enjoyed their daily breakfast with a cup of this rich brew. However, a slowly rising tide of specialty coffee is gradually changing these deep-rooted traditions.

Especially among the younger generation of Nagoyans, there is a preference for a lighter, easy-to-drink variation of coffee. While traditional coffee houses are still abundant in Nagoya, a growing number of new and modern specialty coffee shops have been popping up in the city.

A great start to getting to know the modern coffee culture of Nagoya are places such as Trunk Coffee, The Cups, or Q.O.L. COFFEE. These places offer new flavors, blending rare beans from all over the world. They guarantee a top-quality, fresh cup of coffee that doesn’t have to hide on the world stage.

What Exactly Is a Nagoya Morning Service?

Now that you know about the Nagoyans and their love for coffee, especially in the morning, let’s get back to the topic at hand: the special breakfast in Nagoya called Nagoya Morning Service.

When you order a drink such as coffee at almost any café or coffee shop in Nagoya (and its surroundings) in the early morning, you will be treated to a free breakfast. Yes, you read that correctly.
You get breakfast for free (or for a very small price, making it a great value for the cost!). This service is called “Morning” or in Japanese: moningu (モーニング). It is sometimes also referred to as Nagoya Morning or Morning Service.

Typical items you will be served for free are a slice of toast, butter or margarine, and a boiled egg. Others include jams, small salads, yogurts, and fruit.
A local specialty called Ogura Toast (toast with sweet red bean paste) can also often be found as part of a Nagoya Morning set.

The Nagoya Morning Didn’t Actually Originate in Nagoya!

Because of its name, most people believe that the Morning Service started in Nagoya. However, that is not the case. It originated in Ichinomiya, a city about 20 kilometers north of Nagoya in the Aichi Prefecture.

The biggest industry in Ichinomiya is textiles, in particular weaving, which is why it hosts one of the largest Tanabata Festivals in Japan. Nevertheless, textile factories, with their many machines, are generally very loud. Consequently, these factories aren’t suitable for hosting meetings. Who would want to shout over the cacophony of machines busily weaving?

For this reason, business meetings were typically held away from the noisy factories, often taking place in local coffee shops. Since business meetings can be time-consuming, this practice proved to be good for the café owners in Ichinomiya.

To maintain loyalty among their business customers, some cafes began offering complimentary snacks like boiled eggs or peanuts. Over time, this practice evolved into a competition, with coffee shop owners striving to outdo each other by offering increasingly generous selections of free food.

It is said that this marked the inception of the Morning culture we know and love today.

The Best Places to Have Free Breakfast in Nagoya

When you visit Nagoya, be sure to explore one of the following places in the morning to enjoy a complimentary breakfast. There’s really no reason to pass up on a free breakfast, is there?

We’ve compiled a list of the best establishments offering Morning Service in Nagoya. You’ll find it challenging to decide where to experience Nagoya’s breakfast offerings first.

Komeda’s Coffee

Komeda’s Coffee might be the most famous coffee chain originating from Nagoya, where its very first shop was opened in 1968. Nowadays, with over 100 shops in Nagoya alone, you can find Komeda’s Coffee shop on almost every corner of the city.

Each establishment aims to be your home away from home, featuring cozy red velvet sofa seats and wooden interiors. The coffee maintains consistent quality across all shops, as it is distributed from a central location. Additionally, other beverages such as tea, cocoa, milk, or even corn soup are also available.

With the purchase of any beverage on the menu, you have the option to choose from three different sets. Set A comprises half a slice of ultra-thick toast spread with margarine and a boiled egg on the side. Set B features the same toast with an egg salad spread. Set C includes toast with Nagoya’s famous Ogura-an (sweet red bean paste), allowing you to create your own Ogura Toast.

Occasionally, there are seasonal or limited-time sets available as well.

Komeda’s Coffee (コメダ珈琲店)
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 22:00
Morning Service: 7:00 – 11:00
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: 460 – 800 yen
Address: Multiple locations around the city.
Website (Japanese Only) | Google Maps

Konparu

Konparu, much like Komeda’s Coffee, is another Nagoya coffee chain with multiple locations throughout the city. Its interior has a decidedly old-fashioned yet cozy charm. The establishment is particularly renowned for its Ebifurai Sando, a deep-fried shrimp sandwich. Additionally, Konparu offers a selection of 25 other sandwich varieties.

Their morning service consists of a delicious ham and egg toast sandwich generously stuffed with sliced cabbage. Unlike some places, Konparu’s morning service is not complimentary; however, for an additional 150 yen, you can enjoy it alongside your morning coffee or tea. It remains a great deal for a satisfying breakfast before exploring Nagoya!”

How about joining the street food tour in Osu after some shopping? One of Konparu’s locations happens to be near the starting point of this tour.

Konparu (コンパル)
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 19:00
Morning Service: 8:00 – 11:00, Weekdays only
Price: Morning Service: 150 yen; Drinks: from 480 yen
Address: Multiple locations around the city.
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Cafe de Lyon

Cafe de Lyon is especially popular with girls because of its cute French-inspired interior and gigantic mouthwatering Instagram-worthy parfaits laden with seasonal fruit.

Cafe de Lyon has three locations in Nagoya. Two of them are located within 15 minutes of walking from Nagoya Station. On the weekends and holidays, Café de Lyon offers a very well-balanced Morning Service. Enjoy two types of mini sandwiches and yogurt with fresh fruits. In addition to those, you get to choose between a toast with either cream cheese or jam.

The main store has limited seating and tends to get crowded. Alternatively, you can visit their second location, ‘Cafe de Lyon Bleu,’ which is a 2-minute walk from the main store and also serves lunch.

For the morning service, make sure to get there on time! Only the first 30 customers will be lucky to get their hands on Cafe de Lyon’s “Morning”. Nevertheless, you can always complement your cup of tea or coffee with one of their pretty parfaits or cakes.

Cafe de Lyon (カフェ ド リオン)
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11:00 – 19:00; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 9:00-18:00, closed on Wednesdays
Morning Service: Sat, Sun, and holidays 9:00 – 11:00
Price: Morning Service: free with your drink. Drinks: from 605 yen
Address: 1-38-13 Nagono, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0001
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Riyon Coffee Shop

This is one of the few places in Nagoya where you can get breakfast at any time of the day. Only a 6-minute walk from Nagoya Station will bring you to Riyon Coffee Shop. Enjoy your Nagoya Morning fix all day long!

Complement your morning coffee, tea, or fruit juice with one of their various Morning Service sets. These sets feature the Japanese standard thick slice of toast with a boiled egg, as well as a selection of pressed toasts. You can opt for a sweet filling like fruit, Ogura-an (sweet red bean paste), or peanut cream, or try a savory option with either potato salad or vegetable salad.

Riyon Coffee Shop (モーニング喫茶 リヨン)
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:00
Morning Service: 8:00 – 16:00
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: 450 – 650 yen
Address: 1-24-30 Meiekiminami, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0003
Google Maps

Okagean

Okagean isn’t your typical coffee shop but rather a Japanese sweets café. Typical items here include Zenzai (sweet red bean soup), Warabi Mochi (jelly-like rice cake with roasted soy bean powder), parfaits, soft serves, and Kakigori (shaved ice).

Although Okagean is a sister branch of Komeda’s Coffee, they also take pride in their selection of Japanese drinks. Thus, you can enjoy a cup of Matcha green tea with your Morning Service. By the way, if you are interested in Matcha and want to try a tea ceremony, read this post to find out more.

In the morning you get to choose between three diverse Morning Service sets. Your first option is the usual toast with a boiled egg and red bean paste. For anyone who wants to try a Japanese breakfast, we recommend the second set. This one consists of an Onigiri (rice ball), Miso soup, and Warabi Mochi. Your third option is to choose a Japanese Wagashi (sweet) that suits the current season.

Okagean Sakae Hirokoji (おかげ庵 栄広小路店)
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 22:00
Morning Service: 7:00 – 11:00
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: 540 -750 yen
Address: 3-21-24 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Hanagoyomi

This Japanese sweets cafe is stylish on the inside with its modern wooden interior. In addition to their delicious sweets, they also offer a variety of Japanese dishes such as Sushi, Udon, Soba, and Donburi. Hanagoyomi also offers the possibility to enjoy your breakfast, lunch, or dinner outside on their roofed terrace. Pets are also welcome!

Compared to most of the cafes listed here, the Morning Service at Hanagoyomi consists of decidedly traditional Japanese breakfast items. Every morning you receive a complimentary salad and Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) with your favorite drink. You can also choose between toast, Onigiri (rice ball), and a seasonal item. From April on you can opt for a cold Ochazuke (rice with tea poured over). In October the Ochazuke is replaced with Okayu (rice porridge).

Hanagoyomi (白壁カフェ 花ごよみ)
Opening Hours: 7:30 – 23:00
Morning Service: 7:30 – 10:00
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: from 450
Address: 4-72 Chikaramachi, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0018
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Cafe Teaser

Cafe Teaser is so popular in the morning that people will gladly stand in line to get their hands on one of their 14 different Morning sets. In addition to being delicious, the servings are relatively big.

These options might be familiar sets that you could find at other places as well. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, consider the chiffon cake or honey/Ogura baguette set. Craving a hotdog? You can substitute the original sausage with egg, tuna, or chili.

If you prefer a lighter breakfast, go for the Morning Drink Set. This includes half a slice of toast and a mini soft-serve ice cream, along with your choice of tea, coffee, or juice.

Cafe Teaser (カフェティーザー)
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 18:00, closed Wednesdays
Morning Service: 9:00 – 11:30
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: 600 yen
Address: 3-14 Senrakutori, Minami Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 457-0852
Google Maps

Cafe de SaRa

Inside a more than 100-year-old building, you will find this adorable cafe. Its location in the old historic townscape of Shikemichi, not far from Nagoya Station, certainly makes it a popular spot.
Eager to know more about Shikemichi and learn about Japan’s history and culture? Join us for the Old Town Nagoya Walking Tour + Tea!

Morning Service at Cafe de Sara consists of a choice between two different extra-thick toast slices: either a plain toast generously topped with egg and a little yogurt on the side, or black sesame and Kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) toast with a little egg salad and homemade jam. Both cost only as much as your coffee or tea.

Cafe de SaRa (カフェ ド SaRa)
Opening Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, and Sat 8:45 – 16:00, Mon and Thur 8:45 – 12:00, closed on Sundays
Morning Service: Mon – Fri 8:45 – 11:00, Sat 8:45 – 12:00
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: 550 yen
Address: 1-30 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042
Instagram | Google Maps

Cafe Cooktown

Thanks to its convenient location, only a couple hundred meters from Nagoya Station, Cafe Cooktown is a popular place for a morning sandwich. Despite the possibility of waiting outside due to the cafe’s popularity, it’s still worthwhile to savor your Morning Service here. The queue outside might actually help you locate the cafe more easily, considering the entrance can be easily overlooked.

This cafe is especially a good deal if you feel like having a bigger breakfast to start your day. Once again, enjoy a free breakfast with your coffee, tea, juice, or soft drink. You will be served four sandwiches filled generously with egg and cucumber and seasoned with ketchup. This will guarantee a good start to your day!

Cafe Cooktown (クックタウン)
Opening Hours: 7:00 – 19:00, closed on Sundays
Morning Service: 7:00 – 10:00
Price: Morning Service: free; Drinks: 450 – 600 yen
Address: 4-24-12 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Google Maps

Bucyo Coffee KAKO

Do you prefer your coffee to be strong when waking up in the morning? Then make sure to head over to Bucyo Coffee KAKO. This retro hole-in-the-wall coffee shop is popular with the locals who come here to get their morning coffee fix.

The Morning Service here consists of a plain toast or Kaiser roll with a limited selection of drinks. However, for a little additional charge, you can try the KAKO specialty: Ogura-an (sweet red bean paste). While this may sound sweet, it actually matches perfectly with their coffee. You can even further upgrade your Morning Service with some whipped cream as well. Their homemade Kinako Butter (roasted soybean spread) is also a very popular item.

We recommend visiting Bucyo Coffee on weekdays, as the lines can get very long on the weekends.

Bucyo Coffee KAKO (ブキョーコーヒー)
Opening Hours: 7:15 – 17:00
Morning Service: 7:15 – 10:30
Price: Morning Service: free, extra items at additional fees; Drinks: 550 -750 yen
Address: 1-10-9 Meiekiminami, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0003
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

Bon Bon Cafe

Bon Bon Cafe is one of the oldest cafes in the city, with a history dating back to 1949. When dropping by this cafe, you can truly sense its enduring legacy. If you’re keen on experiencing a traditional Nagoya-style cafe, Bon Bon is the place to check out.

The cafe offers a standard Morning Service consisting of toast and a boiled egg for an additional 100 yen. They also specialize in cakes but actually, people come here for the nostalgic atmosphere rather than the food. Especially the regulars, who enjoy staying here for a long time in the morning.

Bon Bon Cafe (ボンボン)
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 21:00
Morning Service: 8:00 – 10:00, Weekdays only
Price: Morning Service: 100 yen; Drinks: 360 – 500 yen
Address: 2-1-22 Izumi, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0001
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

New Poppy

Nested in the heart of Endoji, New Poppy is another charming cafe offering great options for morning sets. Originally established in 1976 under the name “Cafe Poppy,” this establishment underwent a few relocations before finding its current home. Despite the changes, echoes of its rich history still resonate in the vintage decor and traditional architecture. Moreover, their passion for serving good coffee also remains unchanged.

At New Poppy, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee roasted daily in the store, morning snacks, and other cafe-style light meals. Their morning sets aren’t free but the quality is definitely worth the additional cost.

With the purchase of a drink, you can choose between two different morning set options: bread or curry. The first one consists of 1 or 2 slices of bread with a hard-boiled egg, a salad, and your choice of jam or Ogura-an (sweet red bean paste). Alternatively, if you are a big breakfast enthusiast, there’s a Japanese-style curry with rice. The first option costs an additional 165 yen (1 slice) or 220 yen (2 slices), and the latter is an additional 600 yen on top of the cost of your drink. If you opt for the first option, we recommend you try their famous black sesame seed bread.

New Poppy (喫茶 ニューポピー)
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 8:00 – 18:00, Fri+Sat 8:00 – 10:00
Morning Service: 8:00 – 11:00
Price: Morning Service: 165 to 600 yen; Drinks: 700 -850 yen
Address: 1-36-52 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042
Website (Japanese Only) | Google Maps

Cafe Tsuzuki

Famous for serving the highest cafe au lait in Japan, Cafe Tsuzuki is also one of the oldest cafes still running in Nagoya. The owner, Mr. Tsuzuki, traveled the entire country to diligently study the art of coffee making. As a result, he developed a unique way of serving cafe au lait using a ladder. Serving from such height, the flavor and quality of the foam are said to improve greatly.

The cafe is located, or rather hidden, on the second floor of the Tsuzuki building. Surprisingly, its popularity extends beyond just locals and travelers. Even national celebrities and artists come here to enjoy their coffee as well as the cozy atmosphere and interior decorated with plants and flowers.

In the morning you get to choose between three different breakfast options. You can opt for a set with Kaiser roll and egg or ham (A), a sandwich with Myogata ham (B), or toast of choice with fruit salad (C). The prices of the morning sets range from 500 to 690 yen and they all include a drink.

Cafe Tsuzuki
Opening Hours: 7:30 – 17:00; closed on Wednesdays
Morning Service: 7:30 – 11:00
Price: Morning Service: 500 to 690 yen; Drinks: 470 – 680 yen
Address: 6-1 Taikotori, Nakamura-ku 2F Tsuzuki Building, Nagoya
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps

This post has last been updated in December 2023. 
Although we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please note that changes may occur nonetheless. We recommend you confirm any relevant information such as event cancelations or changes, opening hours, or possible restrictions using a direct source. Please keep in mind that these sources might be in Japanese only.

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