Born in Italy and boasting over 700 locations across 25 countries worldwide, “Caffè Pascucci” is a global coffee brand that is still relatively under-the-radar in Japan. During a recent visit, I discovered cheesecake on their dessert menu. I ordered a slice to take home, so here is my detailed review of how it tastes.
About Caffè Pascucci
In Japan, Caffè Pascucci operates locations in Tokyo’s Kojimachi and Roppongi districts, alongside three cafes in Hyogo Prefecture. For this visit, I stopped by the Kojimachi branch. At first glance, it looks like a typical self-service coffee chain like Starbucks or Doutor, but the service style actually shifts to full table service depending on the time of day. I visited during lunch hours when full table service was in effect; pressed for time, I opted for takeout instead.
As for their menu, beyond standard espresso-based drinks like espresso, cappuccino, and latte macchiato, they also brew drip coffee. The drink selection is remarkably rich, featuring an infused fruit and herbal beverage series labeled “TEA & INFUSION,” as well as authentic Italian wines.
The food menu is equally comprehensive, offering paninis, pastas, lasagna, and more—befitting a cafe that offers full dining service. It is substantial enough to rival a casual Italian trattoria.
Finally, looking at their desserts, cheesecakes come in three flavors: plain, orange, and blueberry. They also serve two types of tiramisu: classic and pistachio. Having multiple tiramisu selections is quite rare for a cafe, but entirely fitting for a brand originating in Italy, the birthplace of tiramisu.
A Simple Baked Cheesecake
This time, I ordered the plain cheesecake, which was packaged neatly in a paper takeout box.
You can choose a complimentary sauce topping with your slice. Two options are available: dark cherry sauce or truffle honey. I went with the dark cherry sauce.
The slice appears to be about a quarter cut of a 12 cm whole cake. Priced at 800 yen per slice, it serves as a tangible reminder that you are dining in upscale Chiyoda Ward.
A cookie crust lines the bottom of the cake, and the accompanying dark cherry sauce contains a whole juicy fruit piece.
Tasting Impressions
Taking a bite, the cheesecake has a moist texture that crumbles gently on the tongue, accompanied by a pleasant touch of moisture. The cookie base underneath is crunchy and offers a delightful, satisfying bite.
Flavor-wise, it is a classic, creamy baked cheesecake. While it doesn’t punch you with an overwhelming cream cheese tang, it delivers a gently unfolding milky profile and subtle, comforting sweetness. The dark cherry sauce strikes a balanced harmony of sweet and tart, pairing seamlessly with the cheesecake.
While it may not feature flashy, eccentric gimmicks, its restrained profile ensures that it doesn’t clash with the cafe’s bold espressos or Italian wines. It makes for an understated, easy-to-enjoy dessert that rounds out a lunch or dinner meal nicely.
Since they also offer a pistachio tiramisu—a variation rarely found in typical Japanese cafes—I look forward to trying that on my next visit and sharing another review.
Product Details
- Shop: Caffè Pascucci
- Ordered Item: Cheesecake (Served with choice of dark cherry sauce or truffle honey topping)
- Price: 800 yen (tax included)
- Notes: Available for both dine-in and takeout