Kahii Kissaten Bistro Is Now a Japanese-Style Cafe by Day and French-Inspired Wine Bar by Night

There aren't many spots in the city catering to both the pre-work and post-work crowd, but the newly renovated Kahii is hoping to do just that. It's extended its offering beyond speciality tea, coffee, sandwiches and pastries to a French-inspired evening wine and snack menu.

The younger sibling to nearby bar and restaurant Kuro, the newly renamed Kahii Kissaten Bistro is found on Kent Street and named for the Kissaten Japanese coffeehouses in Japan. A Kissaten is traditionally a vintage-themed cafe, with a strong emphasis on coffee, socialising and small bites — something the owners are paying homage to in this decidedly sleek and modern take on the theme.

This small but perfectly formed space now boasts a breakfast, lunch and evening snack menu. You can wile away the morning with a coffee, matcha and croissant — and crack into one of the famous katsu or three cheese sandos for lunch.

As day transitions to night, Kahii now converts into a bistro with a largely French wine menu carefully constructed by their in-house head sommelier and a menu of small bites created by Kuro. Snacks include appellation rock oysters, confit salmon with herb tofu and seared kingfish sashimi — or for something heartier, Kuro fried chicken and wagyu steak with crispy potatoes.

The owners are hoping the new chapter of Kahii provides a slick and relaxed space for punters to have a break during the day or unwind before going home.

Kahii Kissaten Bistro can be found in the lobby of 364 Kent Street, and is now open from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, with the bistro open 5pm 'til late, Tuesday to Saturday.