Cafe Freundlieb

Cafe Freundlieb occupies a stunning 1929 former Anglican church in Kobe's Kitano district, where soaring arched windows and whitewashed stone walls create one of the most atmospheric cafe settings in all of Japan. The bakery was founded by a German baker, and the tradition continues with excellent European-style breads alongside the signature roast beef sandwich, which features tender, thinly sliced beef on freshly baked bread. Lunch sets and afternoon tea are served on the second floor amid the original ecclesiastical architecture, where sunlight streams through tall windows onto wooden pews repurposed as seating. The building alone justifies a visit, and the bakery counter on the ground floor sells loaves and pastries to take away.