“One Espresso, Please” is an authentic espresso specialty shop in the Mizushima area of Kurashiki City, recreating an Italian bar.
The owner, Arimune Minori, studied in Italy, the birthplace of espresso, and trained extensively to become a barista.
In Mizushima, Kurashiki City, you can enjoy espresso recreated by someone with firsthand experience working at an Italian bar.
We asked Arimune how a bar serving authentic Italian flavors came to Mizushima.
Here, we introduce what makes “One Espresso, Please” special and how Arimune became a barista.
The information presented was current when this article was published in December 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “One Espresso, Please”?
“One Espresso, Please” is a bar serving espresso in the Mizushima area of Kurashiki City, which opened on June 10, 2022.
It offers authentic Italian espresso, which is available at only a few places in Okayama Prefecture.
About “One Espresso, Please”
The nearest station to “One Espresso, Please” is Sakae Station on the Mizushima Rinkai Railway, and the shop is about a five-minute walk from the station.
It is tucked just off a street in Mizushima’s bustling nightlife district, lined with restaurants. At night, the warm light spilling from the shop’s windows makes a striking impression.
Step into the cozy interior, and the first thing that catches your eye is the standing counter seating for enjoying espresso.
Like bars in Italy, the birthplace of espresso, “One Espresso, Please” has a standing counter—one of the things that makes the shop special.
In addition to the standing counter, there are tables for four and for two.
Owner Arimune Minori’s background
Owner Arimune Minori, who is from Okayama City, worked at a major company’s factory after graduating from a technical high school.
Although she was satisfied to have found a job, an experience at work prompted her to reconsider her life. She decided to start her own business, and chose to become a barista.
To train for her new career, she chose Italy, the birthplace of espresso.
She took her first step toward becoming a barista while working at a restaurant in Florence.
After returning to Japan, she continued honing her skills as a barista while working at an espresso specialty shop in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
Then, on June 10, 2022, she opened “One Espresso, Please” as a place to serve the espresso she had perfected.
She established a bar in Mizushima where customers can enjoy authentic Italian espresso.
“One Espresso, Please” menu
At “One Espresso, Please,” a cup of espresso is served for 1 euro (about 150 yen), in line with prices in Italy.
The shop’s dedication to espresso is reflected in its prices—one of the things that makes “One Espresso, Please” special.
Other options include an Americano, cappuccino, cafe latte, and espresso tonic, so even those who aren’t fond of espresso can enjoy authentic Italian flavors.
When I ordered a cappuccino, they poured steamed milk into the espresso right in front of me.
The shop also offers several kinds of imported beer, Scotch whisky, and American whiskey, so those looking to enjoy a drink will be satisfied too.
For food, they serve panini made with homemade bread.
For dessert, they also serve gelato from GELATO OBLATE., a gelato shop in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
The menu may change, so visit the shop to check what is currently available.
In an interview, we explore how Arimune’s dedication to espresso came about.
Learning about her life in Florence, Italy, and the path that led her to open the shop may help you appreciate Arimune’s espresso even more.
One Espresso, Please details
| Name | One Espresso, Please |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-18 Mizushima Nishisakae-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | Available Two parking spaces on the west side of the shop |
| Hours | Tuesday: Closed Monday, Wednesday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Saturday: 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Tuesday Check “One Espresso, Please” on Instagram for current operating status. |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | Counter: standing; 2 tables |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking (outdoor smoking area available) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | One Espresso, Please (Instagram) |
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