On a rainy afternoon in Monterey, we were wandering around Fisherman's Wharf looking for something warm, coffee or tea, and a cozy spot with a view of the water. After lunch at Sand Dabs, we stumbled across this really cute café, and it ended up being the perfect stop. When we walked in, the first thing we noticed was that they were making fresh taiyaki, those sweet, fish-shaped pastries. The fillings offered were red bean, Nutella, and Oreo. There's a small discount if you order two, so we started with the red bean and Nutella, and honestly, they were so good that wished we ordered the Oreo too...warm, freshly made, and really delicious. I'll admit, I've had Taiyaki desserts before and was never a huge fan, sometimes they're bland or overly sweet. These were different. Even my friend said the same thing, we were both pleasantly surprised by how good they were. We both ordered hot teas, which felt perfect for the rainy weather, and I was totally intrigued by their ramen vending machines. You pick your ramen, choose your toppings, place it in the machine, and it fills with hot water and cooks right there. A few minutes later, your bowl is ready. It felt very Asia-inspired and not something you see very often around here, especially in a café setting. This spot is the café version of their main restaurant, which I believe is on Alvarado Street (I haven't been there yet). The service was genuinely great. The guys working were friendly, patient, and took the time to explain everything to us without rushing. You could tell they enjoyed what they were doing. Because it was raining, it wasn't crowded at all, which made the experience even better. We ended up hanging out for about an hour, just chatting, sipping tea, enjoying dessert, and looking out at the water. They also carry Marianne's Ice Cream, so I'm already planning a return visit on a warmer day. And honestly, next time I'll probably try the ramen too, if only for the fun of it and all the topping choices. Parking around the wharf is paid. We parked in a nearby lot and walked over, which was pretty easy, just something to keep in mind. Overall, the vibe was fun, cozy, and relaxed. Great desserts, a unique experience, kind staff, and a really nice place to spend a rainy afternoon by the water. I'll definitely be back. read more

I thought the cafe name was super cute. After browsing the menu, I decided to give this place a try. It's the only place that offers matcha/taiyaki so I thought it was worth a go. I ordered the mango matcha latte, which was a whopping $8.75 ($9.55 after tax). I gulped pressing the "pay" button; part of me wanted to swallow the doubt and see if it was any good. TLDR: it was bad. I'm not sure what the mango is made out of, but it is not smooth like a mango jam or puree. The texture is like blended up unripened mango meat. I will say, matcha taste is there, but the entire drink was just extremely sweet and there was little to no mango taste, besides chewing on the chunks in each sip. It's as if the drink was purposely made extremely sweet to hide the quality of the matcha and fruit. I tried finishing the drink since I paid nearly $10 for it but I couldn't, and had to throw the rest away. However, the worker who made my drink was kind and seems very friendly. The interior is very simple and cute, and there is a nice view of the ocean from the outside seating. I just wouldn't recommend the matcha here. Especially for what I paid for, I am pretty disappointed! :( read more

Kafe Toribashi - mango matcha latte - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

A decent spot to get coffee, brunch, ice cream, desserts, pastries, ramen, and more! Pricing is ... reasonable. The going rate! I ordered their small hot vanilla latte with oat milk, and it was $7.50. It tasted good. Not amazing, but it satisfied my craving! There were lots of families here. The food ordering system is via self-kiosk. It's located on the Wharf, which makes it a fun stop if you're in town, but not somewhere I'd go out of my way for just for the coffee. Still, it's a good option at the end of the Wharf if you're craving something, and it has cute vibes inside. I wouldn't mind stopping by again... but can't say it's a 5/5 read more

See all

Day out in Monterey- we had been sampling drinks all vacation and this little matcha place looked yummy. We ordered a blueberry and a mango matcha milk tea. The nice guy behind the counter shared that he made all his fruit purées from scratch- you could definitely taste it! Between the hand whipped matcha and fresh purées the drinks were so yummy. The Taiyakis were also delicious- we got a 3 pack of Oreo, Nutella, and Crème. Crème was our favorite- Such a cute clean place right on the Wharf. Added a nice experience to our day out! read more

See all

This place is so cute! I got their matcha affogato and it was so good! I also got a strawberry matcha, but it was too sweet for me. I don't really like super sweet drinks, but I'm sure a lot of people would have enjoyed it! The service is nice too! read more

Kafe Toribashi - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Ooh... super excited to see this here on the wharf. We checked it out. but will have to come back and give it a try. They had coffee, dessert, ramen, and much more. The prices seemed reasonable too. Definitely a place to try on our next trip. read more

Kafe Toribashi - The taiyaki sign caught our eye! yum! - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

Found this location while walking on the pier and I was wonderfully surprised to find a Japanese cafe with Japanese/asian snacks. I love Japanese Taiyaki and was so happy to see that they had it there. 1. Taiyaki: I know it was made by Kafe Toribashi since they have a machine in the back counter but I was worried because they're already premade. However they rebake it for you when you order. I was wary of how fresh it would taste but it was actually really delicious and fresh tasting. I loved the custard but the red bean was also really delicious. Lots of filling. Overall, love this place and I would definitely be back. The prices are super reasonable and fresh/authentic tasting. read more

Kafe Toribashi - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

Nice little spot on the wharf with quick service and ample seating indoors. There was a singe table outdoors in front of the shop where I sat to eat the Marianne's ice cream they served. Their ice cream selection was much smaller than the Santa Cruz location, but it was still nice to have access to it here. read more

Kafe Toribashi - 1020 ice cream - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

Kafe Toribashi is near the end of Monterey Wharf. It's a cozy little spot that feels like a secret tucked into a seaside postcard. I ordered a sugar-free vanilla latte it was flavorful enough to convince me sugar-free can be gourmet. My son grabbed a caramel latte and while he didn't offer a manifesto on the flavor, he did give the classic concise compliment "Pretty good." I took a sip and can confirm. Value-wise, $6.00 is a solid price for a waterfront experience in this area, especially given the quality and vibe. The space is cute and bright, with little touches that make you want to linger which is exactly the plan for the next visit. I can't wait to come back and try the ramen or the ice cream. If the coffee is any indication, I'm betting the ramen will be a delicious surprise to complement that same easy-going, "I know good coffee" confidence. read more

See all

This little shop at the end of the wharf is a hidden gem. They have coffee, ice cream, ramen, and other goodies. They didn't have taiyaki the day I went :( but that's ok I'm sure it would've been yummy. I opted for the ramen. You order on a screen and then the people make it for you. The gentleman helping behind the counter was super nice. The patrons around me seemed to enjoy their lattes. They had plenty of seating. I opted to sit outside and watch the sea lions and boats. Excellent experience for a nice treat. read more

Kafe Toribashi - Decor lighting made of different tea pots. - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

2nd time here and service is excellent each time. The matcha latte tastes great, I'm someone who doesn't like my drink sweet, so I did ask for half sweetness and it was perfect. Hubby got the strawberry matcha latte and he enjoyed it. Better than some of the places in the bay. Ice cream is good here as well. The girls got the strawberry cream. read more

Kafe Toribashi - Matcha latte - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

8.5/10 I tried two vanilla taiyaki, one filled with custard and the other with red bean. The red bean filling was a 7.7/10 for me; a bit savory and not quite my preference. The custard, on the other hand, was a solid 8.8/10 sweet, smooth, and really hit the spot! They make the taiyaki fresh in-house, which is a great touch. A little messy to eat, but totally worth it. Service was excellent super friendly staff and owners. The ambiance was relaxed and welcoming, and the place was very clean. Overall, a great experience! read more

Kafe Toribashi - Vanilla ice cream with tayaki - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

We love this place as a family. My kids enjoy the instant ramen, the ice cream, and the friendly service! We came in during their soft opening and then again this time around, approximately a year after our first visit. We're so glad that it's around at the warf area. It's a no frills place to grab some quick food, coffee, while you sit and enjoy the scenery. If you're in the area, stop by and grab yourself some coffee or ice cream and relax. Try tv instant ramen...it stays hot the entire time that you're eating it! read more

See all

Ordered the Soy matcha. It lacked bitterness and intensity of the high end, hand whisked spots I go to around Berkeley. As for this being a ramen joint: it's cheap cup Ramen with fancy hot water machines you might find in trendy college towns. I do love a good instant ramen, but it's a sometimes food I can make at home and elevate with an egg, onions or whatever else. read more

This is a cute spot that adds a nice place to leisurely hang out on the Wharf in a cafe vs restaurant setting. The atmosphere is modern, bright, & clean with cool lighting fixtures. There's a lot of indoor seating at tables & at a bar with stools. There's also an outdoor table in front & stools out the back door overlooking the water. All the seating is metal. We came on a Saturday afternoon & luckily beat a rush of people that followed. Some of my family ordered with the man at the counter, but once it got busier, the rest of us who took more time to decide were directed to a large order screen. Customer service was friendly & welcoming, but the staff was kept busy. We are longtime fans of Marianne's Ice Cream (a Santa Cruz institution), which is what we came for. There were 8 flavors to choose from. We ended up getting macapuno, rocky road, mint chip & Heaven (vanilla ice cream with chocolate swirl, peanut butter swirl, and brownies). I also got a latte from the beverage menu, which I enjoyed. They serve Alibi coffee. They call out names when your order is ready, but not very loudly, so you have to pay attention as many customers had to be called multiple times. Their menu has taiyaki that you can get filled or used as an ice cream cone. DIY ramen is also offered with a variety of packages on display to choose from & the use of EZ Cook machines. read more

See all

The wharf has a lot of places to have a lunch or dinner. Though they're all quality places, they're similar to each other and often pricey. There's a void in places to just hang out. Until now. Kafe Toribashi replaced the tea place that used to be here. They've kept the decor pretty much the same. That means you can still enjoy food and drinks on th patio overlooking the water. There's one outside table in front of the venue, which I sat at the first time but it was full last Saturday so I had to go inside. I'm glad because that's how I realized the service is fun and friendly. I thought they were a ramen place where you warmed up your own bowls of ramen. That is true. They are a casual ramen spot but they also serve Japanese pastries, reaaallllllyy good coffee and ice cream. I've had the iced lavender latte twice. It's better than ones I've had at nearby coffee houses. It's worth trekking down the wharf just for that coffee!! There's a shelf full of games so customers can just hang out for awhile. When a came a couple of Saturdays ago, a couple of young people were doing just that. Playing a game and sipping a drink. I've been here twice and service is helpful and friendly. It's the type of place where customers chat with each other and the workers. Skip past all the dinner spots and stop in and chill. You won't be disappointed. read more

See all

I like this place, I think it's cute, the location is awesome; I got the blueberry matcha which was honestly super good- my only thing would be that for 2 matchas our total was like $20, so although I understand that's kinda just what matcha costs sometimes idk if it's something I'd get all the time. Given the location and that it was really good, I do think it makes sense though, and I'd still recommend this place, but just adding that for what it's worth read more

Kafe Toribashi - Blueberry matcha & Oreo matcha - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

I love love their coffee! | got the lavender latte- it smelled amazing and tasted even better. Not too sweet, just perfect. My daughter had the strawberry matcha. It was really nice! I love that they hand-whisk the matcha the traditional way. It wasn't too creamy, and the oreo added a fun twist without overpowering the flavor. The balance was spot on. They also offer ice cream and instant ramen, which I think is super unique and fun. Definitely a cool twist for a café! read more

I truly give it a 3.5 but there isn't an option! My only true issue with this place was my table was super wobbly. Plus the rice was terrible but the ramen was fun to make and loved the toppings but honestly whoever was working today (2/19/2026) he was AWESOME! Very helpful and a great worker overall! The vibe of the place was nice and comfy! read more

Kafe Toribashi - Sitting Area - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

This place has gotten to be one of the best Cafe I've ever been to. The blueberry matcha is HEAVENSENT. And the cashier was super nice and handed my friends and me some BTS stickers. It's right by the water, super cool, super chill. Please consider checking out this place! read more

See all

Cute coffee shop along the pier. The inside is pretty unassuming. We ordered lattes and matcha for a quick coffee break Saturday morning. The matcha in particular was very high quality read more

We had the strawberry matcha and nutella taiyaki and they were both SO GOOD! Seriously, I was looking for a proper matcha and wasn't expecting to find it at the wharf. Will definitely come back to the wharf just to go back and try their other offerings. A definite must stop here read more

Great service and fun foods! My family from out of state came to visit! We had a wonderful time. I love visiting the wharf and this place is a new shop for me to visit as a local. I ordered ice cream, flavored 1020, which is cookie and cream and brownie bits in it in a fish waffle cone called taiyaki. My youngest ordered a ramen. We just forgot to pick up our side of rice. Oops! What a cute little shop! The prices are shown on the chalkboard on the wall. The way to order is from a large digital monitor. It's super easy! The place is clean and has board games near the back of the restaurant. At the back, you can also walk outside and sit which is nice because you can see the other side of the harbor. The ramen was a self making ramen station. That was neat. My youngest was able to make it without any hesitation. So yummy he said! My family had a great time! read more

See all

The little gem near the end of Monterey wharf. The coffee and food are so good. All are made with decent quality. You really can tell with every sip and bite. You won't be disappointed. The environment is so cozy and friendly with awesome views.... Must try if you're in the area!! read more

See all

Really good, pretty restaurant, just was overpriced . Would recommend if your into those Korean convenience stores!

This charming little coffee shop is tucked away at the end of the wharf. We went there for coffee but they also serve food and ice cream. The service was fantastic, and the lattes we ordered were excellent. I had a lavender latte that was absolutely delicious, and my husband's cappuccino was just as impressive. We were looking for a quick coffee pick me up before walking back to downtown, and this spot was perfect for a to-go treat while enjoying our stroll at Fisherman's Wharf. read more

See all

Amazing spot! I tried their matcha latte absolutely delicious! They have plenty of coffee options, ramen and ice cream! Really nice small patio in the back to enjoy the view and enjoy your coffee read more

Amazing views, service, and atmosphere. Enjoyed my experience here very much, the environment was very calming and family friendly. Felt like I was in an anime with the musical background! Staff was very helpful and friendly guiding us through our order and even allowing us to stay after hours. If you come here you'll enjoy the food, beverages, and atmosphere. Had such a good time with my family! read more

Kafe Toribashi - Views - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

I tried this place yesterday, had an iced matcha it tasted really good! Only reason I'm giving it a 3 star review is because most items on the menu were sold out which was disappointing . I like how it's a self checkout type of place so you can order specifically to your needs. read more

Ramen with a view! It was very nice/peaceful to eat ramen while looking over the water at the patio. Will be back again to try more drinks and Taiyaki. read more

Kafe Toribashi - Ramen with a view at the patio - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

Expect flies and the occasional bird to pop in since the front of the shop is always open. There are games to play while you wait, but the service is plenty quick. The coffee isn't the best, and the milk was burnt when i ordered a cappuccino, but i see most people come for the ice cream so that must be their big selling point read more

Super cute. The coffee was good (I got an iced mocha with an added shot). Very quiet, I was here on a Saturday around noon and had the whole outdoor patio overlooking the water to myself. read more

Kafe Toribashi - Iced mocha with an added shot and the perfect calm viewing spot - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

We saw this place on Instagram and wanted to check it out. They serve DIY ramen, coffee and tea, and ice cream. We weren't hungry so we didn't eat ramen, but we did have the taiyaki (fish shaped waffle cone?) with Marianne's ice cream. It was absolute perfection! The taiyakis were freshly made-soft with a bit of crunch, and sooo delicious. The owner and staff were super friendly and welcoming. And the view!!! There's private seating out behind the cafe, where you can eat/drink with an unobstructed view of the water. One last thing, they're dog friendly, which is always a win in my book. We'll definitely be back! read more

Kafe Toribashi - Interior - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

This place is a hidden gem! The ice cream was absolutely delicious--rich, creamy, and made with quality ingredients. I had the 1020 with a taiyaki cone and it was so delicious! What really sets this place apart, though, is the ambience. It's got a relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes you want to hang out for a while. It also had an amazing view of the ocean. I would definitely come back and try the ramen stations. read more

You will always get amazing service at Kafe Toribashi! All ramen options are delicious and can be customized to your taste buds with added extras such as spam, boiled eggs, corn or cheese, etc. If you visit you must try their taiyaki. Our favorite is the Nutella. Their ambiance is chill and if you sit out in their patio area, you might get to see seals or otters. The place is a hidden gem! We enjoy it every time. :) read more

super nice vibe they play chill music like jazz and serve to there customers needs, they have an ocean lookout as well. read more

Kafe Toribashi - Super cool vibe this is the dining area - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

I am a local and like to take a walk down the wharf with my dog around sunset. I discovered Kafe Toribashi by walking by the Kafe and seeing Marianne's ice creams featured. Angela and her husband are welcoming and invited me to try any ice cream I wanted. I chose Heaven which is incredible! They make these cool waffle-like edible ice cream holders which were super convenient while walking a dog...I love their concept! Ice cream, affogato, jasmine matcha tea...AND make your own ramen! Sitting on the deck and enjoying the sunset was really relaxing. Try this place, its great! read more

Terrible customer service. We decided to go somewhere else for ice cream because they told us the wait would be 15-20 minutes for them to make us a fish. We said oh never mind thank you. And the two guys working decided to call us names not knowing someone that was with us was still in the store. Absolutely terrible behavior and customer service. Will never go again. read more

If you're looking for coffee and do not want your typical corporate chain. This Kafe has REAL coffee, amazing espresso! The staff here is amazing and friendly. Dominic and Jun were awesome!! read more

Kafe Toribashi - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California

Ambience is great and customer service is very calm and pleasant. Ice cream is delicious and they give generous scoops :) read more

Kafe Toribashi - Cafes Near Me - Monterey, California