Cafe Elena is a long-established coffee shop sitting on the hilltop near the Yamate Italian Garden. Its nostalgic atmosphere blends perfectly with the surrounding area. A large window at the back of the restaurant provides patrons with a view of the Yokohama cityscape.
From 9 to 11am, in addition to the regular menu, they have special morning mix-and-match sets (¥70~), such as French toast, cheese toast, sweet bread, bacon and eggs to go with your drink of choice (¥550~). During my visit we ordered the recommended house special–homemade pumpkin pudding a la mode (¥1050~ w/drink). Savoring the richness of the pumpkin pudding with a coffee while enjoying the fine view was a pleasing moment of tranquility. The lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches (¥570~) and spaghetti dishes (¥750). Customers with a sweet tooth will have difficulty choosing from a sweets menu of fruit tarts, cakes and other seasonal desserts. Take some time to explore the selection of specialty teas (¥650~), like varieties from India and Sri Lanka, as well as apricot and mint tea.
Yamate’s main street, which runs in front of Elena, is one of those on the government’s “100 Best Roads in Japan” list. During the excellent spring weather, after starting your day off with a meal and beverage at Elena, we recommend the walk along this street to Motomachi Park and Harbor View Park.