Introduction:
In the heart of Shinjuku’s bustling 3-chome area stands Meikyoku Coffee Shinjuku Lambre, a historic Cafe that has been serving coffee and light meals since 1950. Known for its spacious underground floors and timeless atmosphere, it remains a hidden gem for those seeking a retro café experience in Tokyo.
A Cafe with Over 70 Years of History
Founded in 1950 and relocated to its current location in 1955, Lambre has become a fixture of Shinjuku’s café culture. Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station’s East and Southeast Exits, the café sits along Shinjuku Chuo-dori.
Inside the Café
With seating spread across three floors—ground level, basement 1, and basement 2—Lambre accommodates about 200 guests.
The basement levels feature red-carpeted staircases, chandeliers, and an atmosphere that feels more like stepping back into the Meiji-era modernization of Japan than the Showa retro style.
One drawback: mobile phone reception is weak in the basement, and there’s no Wi-Fi. Guests meeting friends may need to go upstairs to connect.
Menu Highlights (partial)
- Cinnamon Toast Set – ¥1,500
- Pizza Toast Set – ¥1,500
- Egg & Tuna Sandwich Set – ¥1,500
- Shrimp Pilaf – ¥1,500
- Dry Curry – ¥1,500
- Meat Sauce Spaghetti – ¥1,500
- Coffee (Blend) – ¥800
- Café au Lait – ¥950
- Cream Soda – ¥950
- Chocolate Parfait – ¥2,300
Note: On weekends, menu choices are more limited. Toast items are best ordered on weekdays.
What We Tried
- Cinnamon Toast Set (¥1,500)
A thick slice of toast sprinkled with rock salt and cinnamon, balanced so it isn’t overly sweet. Served with whipped cream for adjusting sweetness to taste. - Pizza Toast Set (¥1,500)
Topped with tomato, ham, bell peppers, and gooey cheese. The generous slice of toast holds up to the toppings, making it both hearty and flavorful.
Why Visit Lambre in Shinjuku?
With 200 seats, Lambre rarely feels overcrowded, even at lunchtime. Prices have risen in recent years, but the spacious interior, classical music, and nostalgic menu items create a uniquely elegant café experience in the middle of Shinjuku.
Shop Information:
- Name: Meikyoku Coffee Shinjuku Lambre (名曲・珈琲 新宿 らんぶる)
- Address: 3-31-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
- Access: 2 min walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station; 5 min from Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 9:30–18:00
- Closed: None
- Seats: 200 | Wi-Fi: No | Smoking: No
- Payment: Cards, e-money, QR code accepted
- Tabelog Rating: 3.60 (as of Sept 2025)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/09/07/shinjuku-coffee-lambre/
