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Located in the eastern part of Riyadh, a few minutes away from the Granada Mall, Katf coffee shop has a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The interior is simple and colorful, creating a pleasant first impression. However, the seating arrangements are not particularly comfortable, suggesting that the space might be designed for short visits rather than long study or work sessions. This design choice was somewhat surprising to me.

Although the cafe is quite small and the seating could be improved, many customers still seem to come to Katf to work or study.

The availability of Wi-Fi is a definite plus and adds to the cafe’s appeal as a convenient spot for brief productivity breaks.

However, what I genuinely appreciated at Katf was the coffee. The beans were perfectly roasted. One cup of the Coffee of the Day was enough to explain why many people come to the cafe, along with its reasonable prices and friendly staff.

I also ordered the zaatar, black olive and feta cheese babka that was beautifully displayed and one piece of the chocolate cake the cafe has named the “emotional cake.”

The food and service are my favorite things about this coffee shop. I also like the wall covered in positive notes — it is a thoughtful and creative way to invite customers to share their impressions of Katf and connect with the place.

I finally tried Hokkaido, a Japanese-themed cafe in Riyadh, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a little anime corner of Japan.

The vibe is cozy, warm, and super inviting — especially if you’re an anime fan like me. The figurines, the decor, and the music all add a playful, nostalgic touch that makes you want to stay a little longer.

I went for the vanilla matcha and their classic Japanese pancakes, and they didn’t disappoint. The matcha had just the right amount of sweetness, and the pancakes were soft and fluffy — not perfect, but good enough to make me want to come back.

The service was another highlight: The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience feel even warmer. 

I also genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere. It’s a great spot to sit, relax, and just take in the details.

Not everything was perfect, though. The almond matcha I tried on a second visit was clumpy and way too bitter. The tiramisu they recommended was dry and didn’t really live up to the hype.

The pancakes on that visit were cold and didn’t have that fluffy texture you’d expect from a Japanese-style pancake. 

And while I appreciate the anime figures on display, they’re not original and look used, which slightly takes away from the experience for someone who’s into collectibles. 

Even with the flaws, I really like the concept of this place. It’s charming, fun, and different from your typical coffee shop. The service is what makes it stand out the most — the staff are kind and make you feel at home. 

Would I come back? Yes. I’ll probably stick to the vanilla or oat matcha next time, and hopefully, the pancakes will be a little fluffier.

If you love matcha, anime, and cozy cafes, you might enjoy it too.