Cafe Itadaki
About This Spot
Step inside Cafe Itadaki and you’re gently invited into a calm, sunlit refuge nestled in Brookline’s vibrant Harvard Street. The soft murmur of a carefully curated jazzy playlist weaves through the cozy dining area, where warm wood tones and thoughtful touches evoke the quiet charm of a neighborhood café in Japan. It’s the kind of space where time slows just enough for a meaningful pause—whether you’re diving into a book, catching up with a friend, or simply savoring the moment all to yourself.
The pace here feels unhurried, a subtle nod to a lifestyle that values careful preparation and gentle hospitality. Friendly, unobtrusive service complements the atmosphere, making you feel cared for without ever rushing the experience. It’s the kind of place where the baristas and servers offer more than just food and drink—they offer a glimpse into the rhythms of everyday Japanese life, translated thoughtfully into this Massachusetts corner.
On the table, the culinary offerings blend comfort and care in every bite. You might find yourself wrapped in the rich, soothing embrace of a tonkotsu miso ramen or savoring the delicate balance of flavors in a signature Omurice, its fluffy omelet softly cloaking chicken fried rice with a luxurious Hayashi demi-glace. Refreshing matcha beverages, crafted with an eye toward vibrancy and smoothness, appear as natural companions—fuelling study sessions, quiet reflections, or lively conversation alike. And for a playful finish, sweet treats like matcha mille crepes or deep-fried taiyaki bring a subtle delight that feels both special and homey.
Whether it’s the thoughtfully considered teas—bright and smooth rather than sharp or bitter—or the simple joy of sitting on one of their uniquely comfortable stools, Cafe Itadaki invites visitors into a small ritual of calm engagement. It’s not just the food or drink but the quiet human moments that linger: a shared smile, a thoughtful gesture, the calm assurance that you’ve found a spot that feels like a pause from the busy world outside.
What’s Available Here
-
Takeaway - Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great tea selection
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Rachel Gladstone 19 Dec 2025
I love this place. Their signature matcha is amazing and their Japanese pancake is incredible! I don’t live in the area and go out of my way to stop here for delicious Japanese food whenever possible.
Esma Abib 06 Dec 2025
favorite cafe in the area! the ambiance is conducive for studying so i come pretty often- it's quiet, sunny, with a fixed playlist that is very jazzy compliments the interior decor well. their green tea is bright in color and is super smooth. it's not bitter after seeped in water for a while compared to the higher grade green teas i own. the matcha tea and latte are great as well- both vibrant green and a perfect level of sweetness. the matcha used is very good quality & remind me of the matcha i had in japan :,) as for food- i haven't tried much of the options yet but the spicy salmon, tuna, shiitake onigiri is yummy and rice usually fresh and soft. also the taiyaki and other deserts are light, not too sweet overall, i'd definitely recommend! the workers are kind and super attentive. there's a very detailed list of allergens which was so helpful for me, and my sibling who has allergies to wheat (no soy sauce), among other restrictions
Kristy Johnson 27 Nov 2025
Truly tasty matcha tea, but also: THEY HAVE BUCKWHEAT TEA!!! Buckwheat is incredibly nutrient dense, and it’s so hard to find the tea anywhere. Buckwheat noodles are often mostly flour, so I prefer to get buckwheat from the groats or the tea, and I’m thrilled to learn I can do that here! Also, this is the most comfortable stool I have ever sat on: memory foam AND a back. Delightful.
Masashi Kai 20 Oct 2025
The atmosphere was lovely, and the service was polite and super friendly. It felt just like a nice café in Japan. The food was also really delicious!
Jenny Chu 01 Oct 2025
A beautiful cafe! Prices are pretty fair. Overall ambiance is nice. Their signature matcha latte is delicious. Must try! I ordered two hand-rolls (spicy salmon and shiitake) which were sizable. The only critique I have would be the hand rolls should have a little bit of seasoning. I highly recommend stopping by!
Nick S 26 Sep 2025
Cafe Itadaki is having their soft opening until August 4th. I tried the Omurice. The server brings it out to you and cuts it open as well, resulting in the signature pour seen with omurice. I thought the dish was very good, not much to elevate it but the sauce included tastes decent with it. I also tried the original omurice, which was pretty good as well. It only includes ketchup as a sauce, but the included meat and rice was good. We also tried the onigiri, which had good portions and was affordable for what they offered. Not sure if the price will change when they do open, but the prices here lean a bit cheaper than other places, and the portion size here is decent. I definitely will want to try and go back once the restaurant opens.