A new breakfast concept is coming to a Japanese restaurant on Columbia Pike next week.
Motto Cafe is hosting a soft opening inside Ryu Izakaya on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The cafe plans to bring a Japanese twist to classic breakfast and brunch options, along with a variety of Japanese-inspired smoothies, lattes and matcha drinks.
Priya Yale, who is manager of the restaurant and will be manager of the cafe, said Ryu Izakaya recently completed a remodel that helps facilitate the cafe.
“It’ll be more comfy, cozy and more welcoming,” she said.
Yale said the restaurant isn’t as busy in the mornings, so the owners and managers started brainstorming ideas and came up with the cafe. Motto Cafe’s Facebook page advertises beverages such as a caramel Biscoff latte, sparkling strawberry matcha, honey yuzu matcha and a beet, strawberry and banana smoothie. The cafe will also offer a hojicha matcha, a traditional Japanese-style tea.
Yale said it will be the only Japanese breakfast place in the region.
“They don’t have any in this area, so that’s why we wanted to come up with something new and fresh for the neighborhood,” she said.
The cafe will be open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily and won’t impact the operating hours of Ryu Izakaya or its dining.
“Our vision is to bring a fresh perspective to everyday breakfast and brunch by combining Japanese-inspired flavors with familiar café favorites,” said Twatchai Jaypakdee, Ryu Izakaya’s general manager. “The menu features thoughtfully prepared breakfast dishes, creative brunch selections, specialty coffee, premium Japanese matcha, and distinctive signature beverages.”
The cafe is offering 20% off for its soft opening week, which runs from Nov. 11-15.
Jaypakdee said the cafe concept “allows us to provide greater convenience and variety while preserving the individual identity and experience of each brand.”
“Through MOTTO Café, we aim to create a welcoming gathering place that reflects our passion for hospitality, Japanese-inspired cuisine, and approachable pricing,” Jaypakdee wrote in an email to ARLnow. “By building on the foundation of Ryu Izakaya, we hope to introduce new experiences to our existing guests while welcoming a broader community of breakfast lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and brunch customers.”
