Have you ever stepped into a cafe or restaurant so cosy you have been immediately struck by a strong urge to move right in?
That is Le Coccole for you.
It is, undoubtly, also an urge that is massively enhanced after having spent a good half hour trying to navigate yourself around the rain filled streets of Osaka before sundown. Looking up from google maps felt like a right blessing when Le Coccole appeared in front of us.
Because surely Paradise too would be decorated with light bulbs as many.
Where French Bistro meets the Traditional Japanese
The owner, who singlehandedly runs the place this very April eve, appears a little whimsical (but who would not be on such a multitasking job; seating guests, taking orders and cooking the food fresh simultaneously) but oh-so-lovely!
Having studied the culinary arts in La Belle France she speaks a bit of French alongside her English. Nonetheless, she is a very skillful chef. You can tell the time in France comes through in the style of cooking. Albeit ingredients quentissentally Japanese, there are items typically French, such as quiches and creamed cabbage, to be found on the menu.
No GMO’s here, no thanks!
Le Coccole prides itself on using locally grown and organic produce to the extent possible. With Japan being one of the world’s largest importers of GM crops, it is ravishing to hear that for most part of the year, the veggies used at this green space are provided by the owner’s own brother and his farm some umpteen kilometres away. (In Nara, where we had just spent the morning — felt like the day had come to a full circle!)
There were a little bit of confusion in regards to the menu. Like Fried Rice around the one thousand yen mark seemed a little over the top. That is, until you realize what a hell of a fried rice it is! I have never in my near 24 years tasted anything like it. Creamy, peanutty undertones and roasted veg.
We also had a deli plate consisting of hummus stuffed capsicum, a selection of pickled, pureed and cremed vegetables and a tofu quiche. So many delightful flavour combinations! Unfortunately we were in too much of a rush to get back to Kyoto to have time for dessert. There is a version of the menu available in English here.
Plants, light bulbs and mismatched kitchen tiles
Last but not least… the interiors. Oh, we have to talk about the interiors! The deep colours of orange and brown bringing a funky 70’s vibe, knick-knacks like retro coffee tins and souvernirs in shape of fancy hot air baloons (same as I saw in Copenhagen last summer!) from her many travels fill up the space. Plants, light bulbs and mismatched kitchen tiles. There is simply not a dull corner in within this wee gem!
Le Coccole
Where |3-4-1 Kitakyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Subway | Hommachi Station
Website
Cuisine | Vegan, Traditional Japanese-French Bistro infusion
(Chick)peas and understanding. 
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