An old baroque style residence building turned into a cafe. The building is reasonably maintained as bs preserved the details of a grand mansion in the early 21st century. The garden in the courtyard is very interesting and beautifully kept. The coffees and food offered are very tasty and worth a try although a little expensive.
Overview
If you’re looking for a cozy spot in Taipei City to unwind, enjoy some great coffee, and experience a charming atmosphere, Aka Café 老宅咖啡廳 should be on your radar. Located in the vibrant Datong District on Minle Street, this quaint café is a hidden gem that has quickly become a local favorite. It’s an inviting place that seamlessly blends the old and new, making it the perfect place to relax with friends or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The moment you step inside Aka Café, you’re greeted by its charming old-house design that gives it a nostalgic feel. The café is housed in a traditional Taiwanese building, which adds a unique character to the space. The rustic wooden floors, vintage furniture, and warm lighting create an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to settle in with a good book or spend hours chatting with friends.
One of the standout features of Aka Café is its menu, which offers a delightful mix of beverages and light bites. Whether you're in the mood for a smooth cup of coffee, a refreshing tea, or something a bit more indulgent like a creamy matcha latte, there’s something for everyone. For those who enjoy a hearty snack, the café serves up a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and savory dishes. The food here is made with fresh ingredients, and the flavors are always spot-on.
Aka Café also has a great variety of seasonal drinks that keep the menu exciting and fresh. For instance, during the warmer months, you might find yourself sipping on a chilled iced coffee or a fruity smoothie, while in the cooler months, their hot drinks like spiced lattes and warm teas are the perfect choice. Each drink is carefully crafted, ensuring that you get a satisfying experience with every sip.
But it’s not just about the food and drinks here; it’s about the vibe. The café’s decor reflects its location in the heart of Taipei’s Datong District, a neighborhood known for its rich history and cultural heritage. This gives Aka Café a sense of authenticity and local charm. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of natural light filtering through the windows, making it an ideal place for remote work, a quiet meeting, or simply a moment of peace.
What truly sets Aka Café apart is the experience it offers. Unlike some of the larger, more commercialized coffee shops in the city, Aka Café feels more personal and intimate. The owners and staff take great care in making sure each guest feels welcome and valued. They’re always ready with a friendly smile and eager to share recommendations from the menu. Many patrons come for the great coffee, but it’s the inviting service and the overall ambiance that bring them back time and again.
The café also stands out for its location in the heart of Taipei’s historic Datong District. It’s tucked away on Minle St, which gives it a peaceful, almost secretive charm. Even though it's located in one of the city's busiest districts, the café manages to offer a quiet retreat from the urban rush. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Taipei, the location is a perfect spot to experience something a bit different, away from the more tourist-heavy areas.
As for customer reviews, they speak volumes about the café’s charm and reliability. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful ambiance, the friendly staff, and, of course, the delicious coffee and snacks. The atmosphere is consistently described as warm and welcoming, and many patrons have commented on how it feels like a home away from home. People return not only for the quality of the food and drinks but for the overall experience they get each time they visit. This sense of community and consistency has played a significant role in Aka Café’s popularity.
If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out the café’s social media or website for updates on any special promotions or events. They often have seasonal offerings and pop-up events that add to the charm of the café. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Aka Café always has something new to offer.
In short, Aka Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a true gem that captures the essence of Taipei’s Datong District. With its friendly service, delicious food and drinks, and charming atmosphere, it’s a spot that anyone visiting Taipei should consider adding to their list. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat, a place to catch up with friends, or just want to enjoy a cup of coffee in a welcoming space, Aka Café has got you covered.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Live performancesPopular for
✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
A fantastic rustic and vintage space creating a moody and old style vibes. Lots of cozy corners for solo visitors or groups. Customer service is decent with minimal English. Price is at the premium end. The coffee is presented delicately giving you ceremonial touches. Indoor spaces are air conditioned, while outdoor seats have a fan. Toilet is available. Lush backyard is beautifully maintained with stone-paved walkways. Cash and card payments accepted. Not disability wheelchair accessible.
Take a step back in time, enjoy the ambiance of the 1920s: elegance and class. The open terrace to an open-air atrium evokes colonial buildings in Saigon. The coffee is fantastic: we had pour-over Kenya (iced) and Ethiopian (hot). High-end prices but exceptional quality coffee. This is an oasis, a sanctuary of stillness, a place to escape the chaos of modern life. Highly highly recommend!
This place is really nice, the entrance is a bit hidden but once you got it you will find a very cozy installations in a traditional building. Technically the stay cannot be over 2 hours, but as there still some space the staff let us stay longer. Hopefully will come back during autumn or winter to enjoy the outdoors. We ordered an iced americano and iced latte, I can say it was pricey for the glass size but still understandable.
Very interesting cafe/ bar. We had coffee and desserts which was great. Pricewise it's a bit high but I understand your quality but still missing a customer service there
It’s so unreluctant to share one of my best cafe shop. Most ppl said that the price of foods are too high to compare with these area. However, I do see tourists from other countries were sitting there with good experiences and enjoyment. For the price point, I think it does higher than we used to. E.g., it costs about ¥400, £2 or $3 more than Starbucks. On the other hand, it not only a place for cafe and desserts, but also a site for local culture, architecture design, interior design lovers. You would see details that the designer, owner and the staffs offer in many ways. Try to experience something with different views, it may made your day.
All good here! Food, environment, asmophere are all nice. Less people on weekdays ans people talk quietly so that you can really enjoy a quality time Price is a little expensive but acceptable for me as a traveler