Nichi exists to provide a tranquil spot to relax, take a deep breath and enjoy a genuine break, writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

The words on the front window say it all. “Coffee? Good thing”.

Nichi in old Kingston is a calm, cool and collected coffee and tea shop, designed around a Kyoto aesthetic.

It’s minimalist by design, with clean lines and everything in its place.

Nichi exists to provide a tranquil spot to relax, take a deep breath and enjoy a genuine break. 

I’ve visited Nichi on multiple occasions, sometimes sitting on the small stools outside and sometimes inside near the large window at the front or at the larger communal table in the middle of the shop. 

The coffee is amazing and the coffee art super sweet. Coffee is served at the right temperature and is bold in flavour but never bitter (even the decaf, as a friend told me). 

For a special touch, Nichi serves its coffees on small, square, cloth napkins. White coffees are $6 (regular) and black $5.80 (regular). Mini coffees are available (less 60 cents) and so is cold brew ($7.80).

Hand-whisked matcha is super popular and my iced matcha latte was sublime ($9). This refreshing chilled beverage with finely ground Japanese green tea leaves poured over ice is visually enticing with a vibrant green colour. The milk component at Niche is beautifully balanced and not too sweet. 

Niche also specialises in Hojicha (toasted matcha) lattes, with a smooth and intriguing profile ($9).

Nichi, which means sun or day in Japanese, only serves a small selection of sweet and savoury artisan pastries from well-known Sonoma Bakery, but that’s perfect. When daily pastries are sold out, they’re sold out. 

On my last visit, our two coffees and a mini chocolate croissant, with layers and layers of flaky pastry, was $16.90. On previous visits, I’ve enjoyed a savory croissant with cheese and a healthy Jalapeño kick ($8.50). If on the menu, don’t hesitate to indulge in the blueberry lemon cookie (not too sweet, but sweet enough; $6).

Nichi also offers special items for sale, including a medium-roast Haru Kochi blend of roasted coffee from Kyoto – think washed and natural beans from Colombia, Rwanda and Ethiopia, featuring a taste of red apple, Delaware grape, grapefruits, cashnuts and caramel ($45). 

Kurasu drip coffee bags, also from Kyoto, are $5.50 each and matcha lovers can pick up a Kurasu, original ceremonial grade blend of matcha powder, which promises a deep, natural flavour and rich aroma ($75 a bag).

Items from Market Lane Coffee, roasted in Melbourne (sourced from ethical, sustainable farms and co-operatives; $24 to $28 a bag). Other specialty items lining the shelves include a curated selection of artisan Japanese ceramics.

For those who love a less hectic, less chaotic and less noisy spot for a cuppa, Niche is a destination haven. 

News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.