ARTICLES
【Hakodate Cafe】Cinema Kitchen: A Hidden Gem for Movie Lovers with Popular Parfaits & Late-Night Hours
- What is Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate? A Hideaway Cafe & Bar
- Enjoyable Even for Non-Movie Buffs: The Atmosphere and How to Spend Your Time
- Don't Miss the Seasonal Parfaits and Classic Desserts
- From Lunch to Dinner: A Wide Variety of Food and Drinks
- Movie Screenings and Private Bookings: A Place to Discover Cinema
- Access and Hours: Essential Information Before You Visit
What is Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate? A Hideaway Cafe & Bar
Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate is a cafe and dining bar located on the third floor of a building in the Honcho area. A short walk down a side street from the main road with SHARE STAR HAKODATE and Mister Donut, you'll see a sign on a white building. The approach, up a flight of stairs and down a hallway, is lined with movie posters, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the films even before you enter. Despite being in the middle of the city, it's a place where you can enjoy a hideaway-like ambiance.
Enjoyable Even for Non-Movie Buffs: The Atmosphere and How to Spend Your Time
As you enter, a large screen on your left catches your eye. The wall-to-wall screen and impressive sound equipment create a space that truly embodies its movie theme.
The calm atmosphere of the cafe, with its wooden tables and sofa seats, makes it a comfortable place to relax. With both table and sofa seating available, it's suitable for spending quiet time alone or enjoying a conversation with friends.
The bookshelves are lined with movie pamphlets, books, and memorabilia, and you can even see celebrity autographs on the walls—a unique feature of this establishment. The bar counter is stocked with liquor bottles, hinting at its dual identity as a dining bar at night, not just a daytime cafe. There are also smoking and restroom facilities inside.
Movies are projected inside, and the background music often features film scores, making it a delightful space for movie fans. That said, you don't need to be a film expert to feel comfortable, and the atmosphere is welcoming even for first-time visitors. On Friday and Saturday nights, it can get crowded enough for all seats to be taken, so it's a good idea to arrive with some time to spare if you plan to visit in the evening.
Don't Miss the Seasonal Parfaits and Classic Desserts
The first thing to check out is the seasonal parfait. The menu features unique combinations like the Sakura Parfait, Kiwi and Yuzu Yogurt Parfait, and Chocolate Cherry Parfait, all as visually stunning as they are delicious. The Sakura Parfait is a spring-inspired creation with layers of sakura monaka (wafer), sakura ice cream, gyuhi (soft mochi), tsubuan (coarse red bean paste), matcha granola, sakura coulis, and homemade sakura jelly. It strikes a perfect balance between Japanese sweetness and lightness, offering a special seasonal treat.
The Kiwi and Yuzu Yogurt Parfait is a refreshing option based on yogurt ice cream and strained yogurt, combined with yuzu jam and dried kiwi. It's a delightful mix of fruity acidity and changing textures. The Chocolate Cherry Parfait, with its tiramisu chocolate mousse, dark cherries, and homemade chocolate cherry ice cream, is perfect for those who want to indulge in a rich, sweet dessert.
Note that parfaits are available for order from 2:00 PM, so be mindful of the time if you're planning to have one. Among the classic desserts, the "Charlie Cha-plin" is also memorable. It has a slightly unusual texture with the first bite. A perfect pairing is one of the hojicha (roasted green tea) menu items, which have a gentle sweetness. The subtle sweetness behind the roasted aroma keeps it from being too heavy.
Another dessert worth mentioning is the Basque Cheesecake. It has a beautifully browned top, and the plate is accented with cocoa powder and sauce. While elegant, it has an understated impression, and its moist, rich texture fits the cafe's atmosphere perfectly.
From Lunch to Dinner: A Wide Variety of Food and Drinks
It's not just the sweets; the meals and drinks also reflect the cafe's unique character. Lunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and includes dishes like fried rice, spice curry, and the Pirate Queen's Roast Beef Plate. A weekday-exclusive daily lunch plate is also a great option. Set menus from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM come with a salad and soup, which are not included with orders placed after 3:00 PM.
In the evening, the selection of appetizers and small dishes expands significantly. Many menu items have movie-inspired names like Whelk and Mushroom Ajillo, Martian French Fries, and Lord of the Ika-Ring (a pun on squid rings), which are fun just to read. It's an easy place to stop by for a light drink or a full dinner. The pasta menu is available from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM, with last orders at 2:00 AM.
For drinks, the menu features imaginative items like the Swallowtail Butterfly Pea and Half-Blood Butterbeer, evoking the world of cinema. The Half-Blood Butterbeer is non-alcoholic, so even those who don't drink can enjoy it.
Orders are placed via a mobile ordering system by scanning a QR code at your table. The available menu may change depending on the day and time, so it's best to check what's on offer when you're there. If you have trouble with the system or have any questions, you can conveniently call a staff member from the mobile screen.
Movie Screenings and Private Bookings: A Place to Discover Cinema
The charm of this place extends beyond its movie-themed space and menu. They also host movie screenings, with schedules announced on their Instagram and other channels. For movie fans, it's a place to enjoy a film while dining. For those who don't watch movies often, it could be a natural way to discover cinema. The celebrity autographs, written directly on the walls, were particularly impressive. This special touch, which speaks to the establishment's connection to the film world, is another part of its appeal.
Furthermore, besides being a regular cafe and dining spot, it can also be booked for private parties and gatherings. They offer party courses, private lunch bookings, and have microphones and projectors available, making it suitable for after-parties, events, and more.
Access and Hours: Essential Information Before You Visit
The cafe is located in the Honcho area, making it easy to visit before or after a meal or drinks. There is a 24-hour parking lot in front of the building, costing 200 yen for 40 minutes. Other parking lots are also available nearby, making it convenient for those arriving by car. If you come by car, you'll receive a 200 yen discount on your bill.
At night, designated driver services can get busy, so it's recommended to arrange one early. There is also a shared taxi stand nearby. Please note that an 8% late-night surcharge is added to the bill after 10:00 PM.
Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate
■Location: Dai-7 LC Kan 3F, 23-5 Honcho, Hakodate-shi
■Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM (27:00)
■Closed: Wednesdays
Click here for details and map for "Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate"
Writer Profile
Writer Osamu Tokuhashi
Born in Sapporo. Currently works at a Council of Social Welfare in the Donan (Southern Hokkaido) area. While addressing community issues and daily life challenges, he developed an interest in community development and regional revitalization, leading him to start freelance writing. He writes articles mainly on welfare and nursing care, as well as on tourism and gourmet food that convey the regional character of Hokkaido.
