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    Tono coffee project

    4.8 (68 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Tono coffee project Photos

    TONO COFFEE PROJECT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Tono coffee project

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    Iced White (~$6)
    Aya E.

    Ordered: Iced White (~$6): oat milk & coffee with a splash of sweetener Aya's take: A small but mighty coffee shop tucked away in the lobby of the Exhibit at J Town Apartments. I ordered the Iced White which is simply coffee & oat milk (the only milk offered). The amount of milk varies depending on the type of drink you want. I was going for an iced latte, and this delivered. It was refreshing, creamy, and the espresso was pulled nicely. Lowkey spot that will satisfy the caffeine kick!

    Little station on the side of
    Clare K.

    Wanted to check out their place for a while! Finally came to try their coffee and milk tea and it was so good! You can explore the art gallery located right next to the coffee shop! The owner designed the logo and cafe itself inspired by their experience living in asia! They said they believe nothing is permanent so they wanted to arrange as a popup cafe which is unique and cool! They can simple move their cafe location to every where! Drinks (milk tea and coffee) were so good! We love to come back :)

    Andrew N.

    This small coffee shop located in Japantown has a nice aesthetic and simple menu. White (5/5): Sweetened and very simple. Cant go wrong with this.

    Melissa G.

    A damn good cup of coffee. Friendly, warm service; nice seating area; beautiful art. But the coffee is really where it's at. They have some unique pastries, we had their blueberry hand pie, it was not too sweet and even a little savory with a hint of rosemary. Very pleasant, will come back.

    Samantha C.

    Super cute coffee shop near japan downtown! We stopped by and grabbed a sweetened ice matcha and iced hojicha. We both thought the hojicha was more flavorful! Staff was friendly and the space was very quaint but cozy!

    What a coffee!!! Amazing loved it and even staff is very friendly and helpful in finding our choice. Truly enjoyed mocha latte
    Parvathi M.

    Amazing taste, really enjoyed very good ambiance and staff is really helpful. Service 5 on 5

    hot white on a 45° morning
    Arnel E.

    This little pop-up shop has been on my sights for coffee in SJ this year of 2025. I wasn't expecting to visit them anytime soon until I passed by while walking in Japantown. It is located in the Exhibit J-Town Apartments lobby with a small sofa for inside seating while tables for two are scattered out the building. Tōno Coffee Project, with its equally minimalist logo, has a simple menu of single-origin coffee and matcha with oatmilk & chocolate milk as variants. They did offer baked goods from local bakers this particular Saturday but I was here for coffee only. The baristas were fast, efficient and good with small talk. I doubt that they had restroom access as I didn't ask but the Hot Black I got was full-bodied and a waker-upper even without real milk.

    The white, hot
    HK H.

    I cannot say enough about Tono. OMG, is this an incredible coffee. No sugar needed; just savour the excellence. Clever details, delightful barista banter. Gorgeous.

    Christy L.

    Easily the best coffee in Japantown, San Jose! I think I've visited Tono at least 10 if not 20 times now. Convenience plays a big part, but the coffee and service is what really keeps me coming back. The menu is simple and straightforward with just a few options -- Black - coffee only White - coffee + milk (my personal favorite and go-to) Extra - chocolate, coffee, + milk (when I'm looking to switch it up) They also have matcha and hojicha latte options, all of which are great! Their baked goods are all made in-house and of the items, I've only tried the Korean Cheesy Bun, but I absolutely love it and get it almost every time. Maybe I'll get tired of it one day and then I'll be ready to try the other bakery items! The location is almost like a semi-permanent pop-up out of Exhibit J Town Apartments. Not a lot of seating, just a few inside and a few outside, but a cute and charming little locally-owned spot.

    Matcha and hojicha latte
    Sunnie M.

    Had a wonderful time at Toni coffee project! We got the matcha and hojicha lattes - both were high quality and delicious! The barista was also friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend!

    Dog friendly patio
    Sandra N.

    Tono Coffee Project is a hidden gem-easily missed yet hard to forget. Tono serves one of my favorite hot mochas to this day, and the creamy chocolately oatmilk flavor still lives in my head rent-free. This location is within walking distance of SJ Japantown so parking is mostly free street parking. The cafe sits on the bottom floor of an art gallery/shop with a small seating section inside as well as an uncovered outdoor patio with small tables. The menu is simple with just 3 options but these three options are done meticulously and with care. There is a small selection of baked good to enjoy your coffee with and they are certainly not your average pastries. The pastries are unique in flavor and textures. My favorite one was the furikake bun filled with an overflowing amount of cream cheese (not complaining at all). I do wish they served their pastries warm, that would be my only complaint. Service is warm and friendly as always. The owner really takes his time to make each cup of coffee with love and care. He always makes short and sweet small talk with each customer too. If you're looking for a simply heartwarming cup of coffee, come to Tono.

    White Coffee, hot
    Kaho L.

    This is seriously some of the best coffee around! Was happy to find out Tono has a brick and mortar store now, inside the lobby of Exhibit J Town Apartments. It's a small spot but very chic and modern. Their menu is simple with only a few options that are done very well. Their coffee has a unique and distinct taste. They usually have a few baked goods as well. The barista was very friendly and knowledgeable. There's a few couches since it's an apartment building lobby, but most people get their coffee to go. Will definitely stop by any chance I get whenever I'm near Japantown!

    Ngan N.

    I've been coming here a couple of times. Great coffee and the cookie I was ordered was good as well.

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    Tono coffee project - coffee - Updated May 2026

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