The front of the cafe (Photo: Kim B)

South Cafe

Tasty eats and drinks in beachside Shimoda

The front of the cafe (Photo: Kim B)
Kim Bergström   - 2 min read

There's something about a trip to the beach that works up an appetite, and thankfully if you're in Shimoda there's a wonderful spot to grab a bite to eat nearby. South Cafe is around fifteen minutes drive from Shirahama Beach - in my opinion one of Japan's best coastal locations - and the menu has a range of delicious options for patrons to enjoy.

Now, when I say a range of options, that's no exaggeration - there are hearty salads, soups, curries, pizzas, burgers, and more on offer here. We're not just talking one or two choices in each category, either. The pizza varieties hit double digits, with the likes of basil chicken, grilled veggies and anchovies, or the classic Margherita naming just a few. The burgers come piled high with toppings, and there are also plenty of side dishes if you're not in the mood for a full meal. Traveling with children? They have kids meal options with either a burger or fried chicken, and on our visits we've always seen families there - a good sign, in our book!

Maybe you want to just stop in for coffee and a sweet treat, and South Cafe have you covered there, too. There are a range of mouth watering desserts on the menu, including brownies, tortes, pies, and even strawberry trifle. Their smoothies are fabulous (my personal vote goes to the açaí berry option!), but if you want something with a little more oomph there are mojitos and beers available too.

Aside from the food and drinks being well worth the trip, the atmosphere is ultra-relaxing - I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area!

Getting there

South Cafe is located in the Kisami area of Shimoda. It's around a fifteen minute drive from Shirahama Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area, or under ten minutes drive from the Shimoda Underwater Aquarium. There is a small parking lot on site.

Do note that they are closed every Thursday if you're planning to visit.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸