When you think of "mushrooms" in Kurashiki, it's not about delicious edible mushrooms, but the lovely coffee café "QINOCO"!
The cute café "QINOCO (キノコ)" located in Kawairi, Kurashiki City, welcomes café lovers at any time, from morning to lunch to evening café.
QINOCO's signature menu is the gourmet burger unique to Kurashiki, aptly named "Triton Burger"!
This impressive burger is sure to satisfy even men. I, who consider myself a big eater, bravely took on the challenge.
Using ingredients sourced from Okayama Prefecture, the food menu features handmade dressings, and the cute sweets are perfect for social media.
I will introduce the café "QINOCO", which makes coffee even more delicious the more you know about it, and is recommended for coffee lovers.
It closed in March 2024.
The information below is from when it was in operation.
A cute café "QINOCO" with parking, near the outlet
I arrived at the café "QINOCO" located in Kawairi, Kurashiki City, while it was drizzling.
QINOCO, pronounced as kinoko, is a charming little café that opened in April 2018 next to a beauty salon.
The manager, Goto Masaaki, is from Kinoshita-cho, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture. The café's name is said to be derived from this Kinoshita-cho.
"There are no convenience stores, and it's mostly rice fields, with only a supermarket called Fresh Ishida (laughs)"
That's Kinoshita-cho. It makes me want to visit there so much…!
Next to the building where QINOCO is located, there is also a shared parking lot.
It's about a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station along MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki, but it is bustling with local people.
Attractive menu where you can enjoy food along with coffee
At QINOCO, you first select your menu at the counter and pay in advance. The drink menu is, of course, extensive, and the food menu is also rich.
Developed with the concept of food pairing, the menu is created to enhance the flavors of both coffee and food, made to complement each other.
A variety of drinks and dessert menus. Don't miss the homemade sweets.
Morning and drink, food menu with salad.
I recommend the "New BLET Sandwich" made with homemade bacon that takes two weeks to prepare. Everything from marinating the bacon to smoking is done in-house.
Lunch menu available from 11 AM to 4 PM. The mixed soba and curry also look interesting.
QINOCO's pride is its burger, made with Beef and pork from Bisei-cho, Ibara City, and the name of the menu is inspired by Triton, a moon of Neptune, named after Bisei-cho.
In addition to burgers, they promote local production for local consumption, using as many Okayama Prefecture ingredients as possible.
Check the blackboard next to the register for today's coffee.
QINOCO's coffee is sourced from Kinoshita Shouten's café "The Coffee House". Goto-san also trained at The Coffee House.
A carefully selected interior with furniture and tableware
The stylish and warm interior of QINOCO is quite fashionable!
"If I was going to do it, I wanted to change it completely from the previous store," said manager Goto, reflecting his personal taste in this cozy shop.
Before starting the café, Goto worked as a convenience store owner.
"I want to provide something that I am satisfied with and that I made with my own hands,"
he said, and with that determination, he opened the café.
"Things where you can see the face of the maker"
is the philosophy behind their commitment to local production for local consumption, with everything from dressings to desserts made by hand.
The daily quiche is also a highly regarded item. It can be served warm.
When I searched the internet for "Kurashiki quiche," I was surprised to find that "QINOCO" came up, and that the original article was from my personal blog.
The freshly made pudding that just came out of the oven looks delicious! I've heard it's so popular that it sells out even on weekdays.
Custom-made tables and chairs that give a sense of warmth from wood.
They harmonize with the shop's atmosphere, making it a safe place to spend time even with children.
At the entrance of the shop, coffee cups, miscellaneous goods, and original T-shirts are on sale.
Coffee cups from Hasami ware Maruhiro used in the café. The pop colors like red and yellow are cute!
Goto, who used to like Scandinavian tableware, was so fascinated by Japanese craftsmanship that he even visited the Hasami ware kiln.
The making of QINOCO's signature menu "Triton Burger"
During the interview, when I asked for the limited lunch menu "Triton Burger", I was specially allowed to visit the kitchen!
I'm looking forward to the voluminous Triton Burger.
First, we place water-drained yogurt, fresh lettuce from Okayama Prefecture, and tomatoes on the buns that have been nicely baked in the oven.
The key point is the water-drained yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Next, we stack the nicely roasted onion steak.
For the author, who believes that the absolute condition for a delicious hamburger is "thick-cut onions," this onion is incredibly delightful!
And finally, the moment we've been waiting for, the patty made from Bisei beef and Bisei pork + gooey cheddar cheese makes its appearance!
The wonderful aroma of the grilled meat spreads, and the rich cheddar cheese is irresistible.
Additionally, there's a wobbly soft-boiled egg! The degree of doneness is perfect.
Finally, we pour homemade vegetable-rich French sauce over it, and the QINOCO special Triton Burger is complete. I can't wait to eat it!!
Deliciousness Big Bang! QINOCO Special Triton Burger
Here is the lunch-limited Triton Burger set for 1,390 yen (tax included).
A large hamburger, baked potatoes, pickles, and a drink make for a luxurious and economical lunch set.
I want to aim for lunchtime just for this hamburger.
Looking at the hamburger again, I am amazed by its weight and the exquisite balance.
I want to hold it in my hand and take a big bite, but let's enjoy it with a knife and fork here.
Look at the thickness of this patty, made from Bisei beef and Bisei pork; it's incredibly satisfying!
As I chew, the flavor of the meat gradually spreads, and combined with the spices, it is very juicy. The dense meatiness is impressive.
With sweet onions, crunchy lettuce, and gooey eggs, this hamburger is truly satisfying and a dish that brings great satisfaction.
The sweet and sour pickles are perfect for a palate cleanser and further stimulate the appetite.
"I can eat two hamburgers because I'm a big eater!"
The author boasted, but with the burger and baked potatoes, I am indeed full; I give up!
Savoring the Sweetness and Richness of Coffee
The set drink is iced coffee brewed with a French press. The glass is lovely too.
When I asked Mr. Goto about the charm of coffee, he shared the following:
Goto
"The flavor of a single coffee changes not only by its variety but also by its origin and farm.
And from there, the processes of refining and roasting also change the flavor.
The interesting part is how the flavors branch out more and more"
Goto
"The flavor of coffee is generally expressed in terms of bitterness and acidity, but I think that's a fixed idea.
Coffee beans that have gone through the roasting process successfully from their origin have sweetness and richness."
Tasting a cup after hearing that feels slightly fruity and different from the usual coffee.
Homemade Rare Cheesecake and Kurashiki Afternoon Tea
Now, I also enjoyed a delicious dessert that pairs perfectly with the sweet and rich coffee.
This is the limited-time homemade mousse rare cheesecake. What a lovely cake!
With a fluffy texture and blueberry jam as an accent, it's a refreshing rare cheesecake perfect for summer.
QINOCO is a member of the Kurashiki Afternoon Tea that successfully crowdfunded in 2020.
Goto
"Honestly, providing afternoon tea can be quite challenging.
However, QINOCO has been greatly helped by the Kurashiki Afternoon Tea, so I want to keep doing my best.
In the future, I would like to introduce new sweets as well."
I wonder what kind of afternoon tea QINOCO will offer next. I look forward to it with excitement.
In Conclusion
Listening to Mr. Goto, the manager of QINOCO, made me excited and filled me with the desire to start something, anything!
As I write this article, I wonder, "What was that feeling?" Perhaps the excitement from when QINOCO first opened has transferred to me.
While it is attractive as a "social media-friendly shop," it is not just that.
It is a wonderful café that is delicious and kind to the body, packed with great content; that is the charm of QINOCO.
Next time, I want to visit again with the aim of trying the "homemade pudding" that I missed out on.
QINOCO Data
| Name | QINOCO |
|---|---|
| Address | 470-8 Kawai, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Heights Alcus 101 |
| Contact | 086-431-8235 |
| Parking | Available Shared parking for 8 cars |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seats | 16 seats: Tables: 6×1, 4×2, 2×1 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | QINOCO |
