maZe nishihorie
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Yotsubashi Station · 1 min walk (Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line)
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00–16:00, Sat–Sun & holidays 8:00–17:00
- Time needed
- 45–60 min
- Best time to go
- Morning between 8:00 and 9:00, before peak brunch queues form
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Tucked away in Osaka's trendy Kitahorie district, maZe is a stylish multi-concept spot famous for its beautifully plated Japanese curry and gourmet sandwiches. Boasting an impressive 4.7 rating, it is a favorite for travelers seeking a modern, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a hearty breakfast or a specialty coffee. Expect a chic, minimalist interior, exceptionally friendly service, and creative fusion dishes that taste as good as they look.
What Japanese guides note
Although often described in overseas summaries as an evening dinner or curry parlor, this Kitahorie flagship operates as a daytime roastery cafe focusing on morning plates, pastries, and barista coffee. When waitlines form on the sidewalk, patrons must sign their names on the paper clipboard placed near the entrance and remain nearby until called. Its location one block west of Yotsubashi Station Exit 6 serves as a natural departure point for exploring the independent design boutiques and furniture showrooms across Horie.
Details from local sources
- The shop roasts its coffee beans in-house using a Dutch Giesen roasting machine installed at the rear of the dining floor. [source]
- The cafe's coffee program is supervised by Daisuke Tanaka, winner of the Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship Open Chicago in 2015. [source]
- The brand name MAZE derives from the Japanese verb mazeru, indicating a fusion of coffee, food, people, and culture. [source]
- Customers can smell ground coffee samples at an in-store aroma display before purchasing 100-gram take-home bags or ordering pour-over coffee. [source]
Insider Tip
Try the signature katsu sandwich paired with their hand-dripped coffee, and arrive early on weekends to secure a seat without a wait.
Frequently asked
How does the waiting system work during peak brunch hours?
Visitors write their names on a paper register placed near the front entrance alongside the menu. Staff call parties into the dining space in chronological order. Mid-morning crowds frequently cause waits of thirty minutes or more, so arriving close to the 8:00 opening minimizes delays.
Can visitors buy whole coffee beans at the Kitahorie branch?
Yes, roasted coffee beans are available for retail purchase in 100-gram packages, including signature blends and single-origin options. An aroma bar is set up inside the dining room so patrons can sample the dry fragrance of freshly ground beans before deciding on a bag or hand-drip order.
Who directs the coffee and latte recipes served here?
The house specialty coffee profiles and latte art standards are overseen by barista consultant Daisuke Tanaka. He won first prize at the 2015 Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship Open in Chicago and develops the bean profiles and milk-steaming ratios used across the MAZE cafe group.
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