Semi-Secret Japanese Coffee Hangout Kissaten Corazon Opens in Chinatown
A kissaten is a type of Japanese cafe that came to prominence during the 20th century, characterized by its Old-World charm and relaxed atmosphere. Although Abat sticks to tradition in many ways, he wanted Kissaten Corazon to reflect its surroundings in Los Angeles. 'A lot of them are dark and moody,' he says, 'I feel as though my kissaten is definitely an iteration that fits LA culture.' The interior offers cozy corners with seating areas illuminated by natural light, a staple of many LA establishments, alongside a menu inspired by Los Angeles and Japan.
Abat stumbled upon his first kissaten while exploring Tokyo during a 2023 trip and fell in love with the concept. 'What's special about them is that a lot of them are hidden. They're not really present on social media, so not a lot of people know about them,' he says. 'It was just something that felt very curated that you had to find, and that was something that I really connected with and loved.' His dream is to live in Japan, so he's 'bringing that missing piece so it's a part of my life. The culture itself has given so much to me and has helped me discover more about myself and what I love,' he says.
Inspired, Abat jotted down a concept for a kissaten once he returned to the U.S., but didn't seriously consider it until a regular of his previous coffee shop, Loop Espresso Club, offered him the Chinatown location. Despite initial hesitations due to the lack of foot traffic, something clicked for Abat. 'I really felt like we could recreate a kissaten concept at this location,' he recalls. 'The space was just so beautiful to me.'
Abat, whose resume includes cooking at AOC, Bavel, and Pizzeria Sei, hopes that Kissaten Corazon will provide a flexible space with great service where people can come work during the day, or meet up with friends. 'Working at those establishments has allowed me to bring that kind of hospitality to coffee,' says Abat of his work history. 'I think that's probably one of our most important things, is giving people that next level in the coffee industry.'
The interior of the cafe hews closely to what would be found at kissaten in Japan, with homey antique furniture. The name, design, and logo for the cafe are an homage to Abat's late grandmother. 'I wanted a Spanish word for the name because we're in LA and I felt it was fitting,' he says. 'My grandma's name just so happened to be Cora – Corazón [heart, in English] – and I felt like it was perfect for being in the heart of LA,' says Abat.
Currently, the cafe sources pastries from Cafe Tropical, serving them alongside breakfast items like egg sandos on fluffy milk bread. Beans come from Japanese roaster Blacklight Coffee, while signature drinks like the Kissa soda float, strawberry sesame latte, cantaloupe milk cream top, and matcha coconut evoke the sweet desserts typically found in a kissaten. Abat plans to extend the hours and begin evening music programming, plus an expanded menu of wine, beer, and sake, and more food options like pizza toast and curry.
Kissaten Corazon is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, and is located at 1640 N Spring Street, Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
What seems like the outside of Kissaten Corazon. Matthew Kang
Kissaten Corazon's ordering area. Matthew Kang
The bar and counter seating. Matthew Kang
Kissaten's main lounge. Matthew Kang
Kissaten coffee float. Matthew Kang
Cortado in a cocktail glass. Matthew Kang
Egg salad sando. Matthew Kang
Teapots at the ready. Matthew Kang
A signature coffee drink with coffee cake. Kissaten Corazon
Cappuccino and toast as part of the set at Kissaten Corazon. Kissaten Corazon
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As we say goodbye, Yamaguchi says how nice it was to spend time with 'young people.' I thank her for sacrificing the hours from her precious workday. As we walk down the staircase, she waves and calls from the railing: 'Enjoy your long lives!' A reminder of the gift of time.
