Enjoying a parfait to cap off a meal or a night of drinking is a unique part of Sapporo's food culture known as "Shime Parfait." Today, we're introducing "Parfait, Coffee, Sake, Sato," a driving force behind Sapporo's Shime Parfait scene. Affectionately known as "Parfait Sato," it's a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. After relocating and reopening in 2024, the shop now welcomes guests not only for evening parfaits but also for afternoon tea.

The atmospheric entrance. You're lucky if there's no line!

Parfait Sato, a pioneer of Sapporo's Shime Parfait culture, is an incredibly popular spot that almost always has a line. Opened in 2016, it relocated and reopened in the heart of Sapporo's Odori district in April 2024. Conveniently located near Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower, and Odori Subway Station, the entire building, from the first to the third floor, is dedicated to "Parfait Sato."

The green and white noren curtain at the entrance is its signature mark.

Since its relocation and reopening, the shop has more seats, and the line seems to move faster than before. With an elevator, it's now more accessible for those with strollers or large luggage. It's also a huge hit with international tourists; you'll often see visitors, like couples from Korea, arriving with their suitcases in tow.

Parfait Sato is popular at all times, but when I asked staff member Ms. Takemura about less crowded times, she mentioned that weekday afternoons are often quieter. With fewer customers compared to evenings and weekends, you'll have a better chance of getting your preferred seat without a wait.

The second-floor counter seats offer a sophisticated atmosphere.

This time, I sat at the second-floor counter. Watching the parfaits being made right in front of you while enjoying a drink is a unique pleasure of the counter seats.

The second-floor terrace, open only in summer.

Although it was closed for the winter during my visit in December, an open-air terrace is available in the warmer months. It's another popular spot, I'm told.

The "Tasting Course" lets you enjoy both drinks and a parfait. Coffee is also included.

I ordered the "Tasting Course" (3,400 yen, tax included), which comes with five appetizers, a drink, a parfait, and coffee. It's a course that truly lets you savor what Parfait Sato has to offer.

Enjoying drinks and appetizers while waiting for the parfait.

The appetizers change slightly with the seasons. On this day, they included pickles, pâté, canapés, and carrot râpées, which I enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine. The colorful presentation is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It would also pair well with wine or whiskey. They have an extensive selection of single malts, including Yoichi and The Macallan, making you want to try various options.

"Salted Caramel and Pistachio" 1,599 yen (tax included)

For the parfait, I chose the most popular "Salted Caramel and Pistachio." While the seasonal parfaits and sundaes are also delicious, many would agree that this is the quintessential Parfait Sato dessert! The two plump scoops of ice cream nestled together, accented by a fragrant almond tuile, make for an incredibly cute parfait.

The fluffy texture of the cassis mousse is addictive.

Inside the glass, you'll find cassis mousse and apple compote, adding a refreshing yet deep flavor. The balance between richness and lightness is exquisite, ensuring you enjoy every bite without getting tired of the taste or texture.

Don't miss the classic and charming coffee cups.

After the appetizers and sparkling wine, coffee is the perfect match for the parfait. You can choose from three types: Mild Roast, Italian Roast, and Iced Coffee. The Mild Roast I had was aromatic and paired well with the dessert, offering a crisp flavor. For those who prefer a darker roast, the Italian Roast is also recommended. Be sure to also admire the cute coffee cups and saucers, which come in a variety of colors and patterns.

In addition to the course and individual parfaits I've introduced, the menu offers a variety of other options, such as a pistachio confectionery platter and cake sets. It's a versatile place you can enjoy as a cafe or a bar to suit your mood.

The spacious third-floor table seating.

While I enjoyed my parfait and drinks at the second-floor counter, the third floor offers a completely different atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a projection mapping show on a large table.

The projection mapping creates an extraordinary experience.

The projection mapping adds another layer of ambiance to the already cute and beautiful parfaits, making it a very popular feature. It's a space where you can fully engage all your senses. If you have a seating preference, be sure to let the staff know when you arrive.

Speaking of the staff, one of my personal favorite things about Parfait Sato is their outstanding hospitality. Despite how busy they always are, their subtle attentiveness and smiling service always leave a lasting impression.

The "Satodo Shop," where you can shop while paying your bill.

On the first floor, where the cashier is located, you'll find a shop for "Satodo," a pistachio confectionery brand by Parfait Sato. They offer their iconic "Kuma Monaka" (bear-shaped wafer), as well as other pistachio sweets, chocolates, and assorted gift sets.

The showcase is filled with a variety of fresh cakes.

The cakes in the showcase can be ordered to eat in or for takeout. In addition to sweets, they also sell cute items like badges and masking tape. They make great souvenirs from Hokkaido.

The self-checkout register allows you to "pay separately."

Payment is made at a self-checkout register, where you scan a QR code printed on your receipt. You can also choose to pay separately, making it easy for groups to split the bill.

In the fast-paced world of sweets, the Shime Parfait has become more than just a passing trend; it's now an established part of Sapporo's food culture. And "Parfait, Coffee, Sake, Sato" is the quintessential representative of this culture. It offers a sense of comfort while still feeling fresh, and it's both delicious and fun. It will undoubtedly continue to lead Sapporo's parfait scene and delight many people for years to come.