ARTICLES
Hakodate Cafe: Immerse Yourself in a Movie World at Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate - A Hidden Gem with Popular Parfaits and Late-Night Hours
- What is Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate? A Hidden Gem of a Cafe & Bar
- Enjoyable Even for Non-Movie Fans: The Atmosphere and How to Spend Your Time
- Must-Try Seasonal Parfaits and a Full Lineup of Classic Desserts
- From Lunch to Dinner: The Impressive Variety of Food and Drinks
- Movie Screenings and Private Bookings: A Place to Discover Cinema
- Access and Opening Hours: Essential Information Before You Go
What is Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate? A Hidden Gem of a 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. Walk a short distance down an alley from the street with SHARE STAR HAKODATE and Mister Donut, and you'll spot 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 Fans: The Atmosphere and How to Spend Your Time
As you step inside, a large screen on your left immediately 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 interior, with its wooden tables and sofa seats, makes it a comfortable place to relax. In addition to table seating, there are also sofa seats, making it suitable for both a quiet solo visit and a chat with friends.
The bookshelves are lined with movie pamphlets, books, and memorabilia, and you can even spot celebrity autographs on the walls—a unique feature of this establishment. The bar counter is stocked with liquor bottles, hinting at its identity as a dining bar at night, not just a daytime cafe. Smoking and restroom facilities are also available inside.
Movies are projected in the cafe, and the background music often features film scores, creating a delightful space for movie lovers. 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.
Must-Try Seasonal Parfaits and a Full Lineup of Classic Desserts
The first thing to check out is the seasonal parfaits. The menu features creations like the Sakura Parfait, Kiwi and Yuzu Yogurt Parfait, and Chocolate Cherry Parfait, each with a unique combination of ingredients and a stunning appearance. The Sakura Parfait is a spring-inspired delight, layered with a sakura-shaped wafer, sakura ice cream, gyuhi (soft rice cake), red bean paste, matcha granola, sakura coulis, and homemade sakura jelly. It strikes a perfect balance between Japanese sweetness and lightness, giving it a special seasonal feel.
The Kiwi and Yuzu Yogurt Parfait is a refreshing treat based on yogurt ice cream and strained yogurt, combined with yuzu jam and dried kiwi. It's a combination that lets you enjoy the tartness of the fruit and a variety of 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.
Parfaits are available for order from 2:00 PM, so be mindful of the time if you're planning to try one. Among the classic desserts, the "Charlie Cha-plin" is also memorable. The first bite leaves you with a slightly mysterious texture. To go with it, try one of the roasted green tea (hojicha) 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 is accented with cocoa powder and sauce on the plate. While elegant, it has a composed appearance, and its moist texture fits the cafe's atmosphere perfectly.
From Lunch to Dinner: The Impressive Variety of Food and Drinks
It's not just the sweets; the meals and drinks are also packed with 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 Female Pirate's Roast Beef Plate. There's also a weekday-only daily lunch plate. The 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 Tsubu (whelk) and Mushroom Ajillo, Martian French Fries, and Lord of the Ika-Ring (a pun on squid rings and Lord of the Rings), which are fun to just read. It's a great place to stop by for a light drink or for 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 that evoke the world of cinema, such as the Swallowtail Butterfly Pea and Half-Blood Butterbeer. 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 menu displayed can change depending on the day and time, so if you have a specific item in mind, it's best to check the menu on the spot. 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 appeal of this place goes 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 where you can enjoy a film while having a meal. For those who don't watch movies often, it can be a natural way to discover cinema. The celebrity autographs, written directly on the walls, are also impressive. This special touch gives you a sense of the connection between the establishment and the world of film, which is part of its charm.
Furthermore, in addition to being a regular cafe and dining spot, it can also be used 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 Opening Hours: Essential Information Before You Go
The cafe is located in the Honcho area, making it easy to stop by before or after a meal or a night out. There is a 24-hour parking lot in front of the building, which costs 200 yen for 40 minutes. There are also other parking lots nearby, so it's accessible by car. If you come by car, you will 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 information for "Cinema Kitchen Eiga no Kuki Hakodate"
Writer Profile
Writer Nobuto 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 primarily writes about the welfare and nursing care sectors, as well as articles that convey the regional character of Hokkaido through topics like tourism and gourmet food.
