Straight off a busy highway in Los Angeles’s Chinatown lies Kissaten Corazon, a newly opened coffeeshop and workspace. But it’s not just a coffeeshop — it’s an homage to tradition.
Kissaten Corazon is inspired by Kissatens — traditional Japanese coffee houses or tearooms, known for pairing coffee with light meals and desserts. They were gathering spots for intellectuals and artists, places meant for quiet conversation and relaxation.
Today, though, many Kissatens in Japan are vanishing — preserved only by an older generation of owners.
Dominic Abat, Kissaten Corazon’s owner, first fell in love with Kissaten culture on his visit to Japan in 2023.
“I had never come across a place so unique,” he said. “And that was the whole point. You were meant to stumble upon them, only hearing about them through word of mouth.”
Two years later, he brought that same spirit to Los Angeles.
The space feels intimate — a reflection of the owner’s vision. “I didn’t promote this place at all because I wanted to keep that speakeasy feel. It’s either you knew about it or you didn’t, and you’d hear from word of mouth,” Abat said.
The design leans Victorian: decorated mirrors, antique lampshades, old school pianos. Abat credits his time working at L.A.’s Arts District restaurant standouts Bavel and Bestia for influencing the space’s European touches.
Yet, the atmosphere still feels like a kissaten, with soft jazz music, plush seating and retro décor.
The Menu
Abat wanted to reflect the traditional dining experience. From coffees made with sesame paste and strawberry coulis to melon soda floats, each brings Japanese flavors to the forefront. He plans to debut seasonal specialities too, so expect a pumpkin latte to make its menu debut soon.
The menu also features the typical light bites that you’d find at a Kissaten. But Los Angeles finds its way onto the menu too.
“One of our most popular items is the breakfast burrito, and when we had more local Japanese people coming in, they’d look at the menu and raise an eyebrow,” he said. “Like what is a burrito doing at a Kissaten? But in L.A., it just works.”
The blend of cultures is what makes Kissaten Corazon stand out. Customers get both the nostalgic flavors of Japan and the familiar comforts of Los Angeles.
While the menu experiments, Abat himself keeps things simple when it comes to coffee. “I always start my morning with a cappuccino and end with a midday americano over ice,” he said. He highly recommends trying one of their uniquely brewed pour-over coffees.
Abat’s vision doesn’t just end with coffee. One of the main reasons he chose the Chinatown location was that it came with a liquor license.
Soon, the café will be open late, turning into a speakeasy that serves wine, beer and sake. “The goal is live jazz,” he said as he stared up at the amplifier speakers above his head.
“There are no Kissatens in Los Angeles, let alone the U.S.,” he said. ”I wanted to bring that piece of Japan here and create a place where people could work during the day and catch up with friends at night.”
Kissaten Corazon is bringing a new experience to the L.A. coffeeshop scene. One that is rooted in culture and tradition, while also adapting to modern trends of Los Angeles.
For those seeking a cozy, atmospheric spot, Kissaten Corazon is worth the detour. In a city overflowing with choices, it offers something truly rare: a reason to slow down and stay awhile.