Iwata Coffee Shop - Kamakura

Iwata Coffee Shop is a true gem. The hotcakes are an absolute delight, with their fluffy texture and delectable flavor. The service is top-notch, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Even on a Monday, around midday and without a reservation, we were promptly seated. A must-visit spot for delicious hotcakes and excellent service in town.

Yummy tuna and potato salad and traditional Japanese coffee. Price is reasonable. Staff are courteous and considerate. Beautiful courtyard behind.

Good…. And food also good… Suggest the glass house seat…

Suggested by one blog, I think this place is overrated (at least for me). I ordered the hotcake which was suggested by the blog I read, but got disappointed because it’s more like a chiffon cake. I thought it would be moist in the middle. The top is crispy, which is fine. They don’t allow customers to use the outlets/sockets in the store so take note to bring your own charging equipment. It was crowded, especially during the afternoon. Located in the shopping district, it can really get crowded at some point. However they have many seats.

We came in and wanted to try one pancake plate. A warning on the menu said it would take 20-30 minutes. That was cool, we just wanted a snack before we started the afternoon. A family got seated next to us 10 minutes after we arrived and a couple across from us about 5 minutes after we arrived. Both of those groups received their pancakes (four plates total) plus additonal food 10 minutes (no exaggeration) before we go ours. Mistakes happen I get it. No staff came to us to address what was happening so we were confused and a little bit annoyed but just chatted and enjoyed the afternoon anyway. What made this experience noteworthy was that when they came with the plate after 40 minutes, they held the plate, gave us a menu and proceeded to tell us that we had to order something else if we just get one pancake plate to share.... They must have known what they were doing because they quickly showed us the cheapest things we could get. The whole time they wouldn't even put the plate down in front of us. They could have told us anytime during the 40 minutes so we wouldn't wait there getting hungrier waiting for our one plate. We were served by three different staff as well who took our order, refilled our drinks and came with the food. Terrible and alienating experience. After all that, the pancakes basically taste like warm, unsweetened pound cake with a crusty top. Fine, but not worth the wasted time we could have spent trying something more interesting.