Ujeon green tea
dessert, food
Afterwork Sunset
drink
a woman standing at a counter in an office
View towards the inside
Signature Latte
a white gift bag with a pine branch on it
interior
interior
Atrium entrance
More than we expected from weekend lunch, no wonder it's popular.
a gift wrapped in white paper and tied with a ribbon
interior
Pear latte
paella, interior
food
Take home the Yuzu - thank me later!
Interior
interior
dessert, drink
interior
Phylise H.
Jan 26, 2025
This is a gem. If you have ever visited South Korea. This is a small piece of that cafe experience. The food was amazing. I loved the waffle so much, I ordered another to go. The service was amazing. I brought me baby and they gave her a little stuffed animal. It somewhat quiet and always clean.
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Mary V.
Feb 14, 2025
I couldn't believe that I can find matcha here!!! Though I will say their matcha quality seemed bad or it was not made properly. Typically matcha has a sweetness to it (younger tea leaves) but this one did not have the sweetness rates or smell, bitter after taste. Also their matcha was almost frothless, probably not prepared well which is understandable, when I prepare it I usually mess up too :( It's all in the whisking. Honestly, I don't keep matcha at home so I'll still come here for my matcha fix. I hope it'll continue to improve though!All other tea varieties I'm I've had here has been good and presentation is cute.
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Emily H.
Jan 31, 2024
There are six other cafes within a mile or so of Clifton -- and Kiwa stands out.I got to pop in this new Korean cafe this morning, and it's clear this is such a delightful addition to the neighborhood.The interior is very bright and minimal, but its simplicity leads to an overall calm, relaxing vibe. I also loved the music. At least one of the songs was an orchestral arrangement from one of my favorite Miyazaki movies, "Howl's Moving Castle."There's plenty of seating, for solo folks and groups.I ordered at the counter. For my first visit, I wanted a coffee drink, though Kiwa had an extensive tea selection too. I got one of their signature drinks, a pear vanilla latte, which was recommended by the lady at the counter.I've never had a pear latte before. The pear was subtle, and I enjoyed the experience of trying something new.I also got the chocolate scone. And this was a scone! So big! It was decadent, reminding me more of a chocolate chip cookie than a scone. It also came with a strawberry and jam on the side -- such wonderful touches.My order was prepared fast and started my day on a high note. Such a great addition to Frankfort Avenue!
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Saphace A.
Jan 9, 2024
I've been here 3 times already! Once during their soft opening and twice after their grand opening.All the drinks are unique. While it takes a while for them to prepare it, it's worth it. It's clear that they care about their craft! You can get drinks to go, but drinking it there allows you to see the creativity with each drink.It's a Korean-owned cafe. Something we don't have in Louisville other than JW. They have a few food options on the menu, including the bulgogi and eggplant panini which I tried for breakfast one day. It was savory but almost salty. The pickled veg that came with it helped to tone it down though.For drinks, I've tried the signature Kiwa latte which has black sesame. It's light and not super sweet. I've also tried the pear latte. It's my favorite so far! And I've tried the Biscoff latte. Wow! So good. My friends also had the cold brew and the Mt Seorak tea. They liked everything!I think they make a lot of their syrups and whip cream in house. Nothing is heavy (granted I'm choosing alt milk over dairy milk) and the espresso is light.I've gotten to meet the owner as well. She's nice, along with all the staff! I hope they stick around a while. It's a pretty popular cafe so far, but I haven't had trouble finding a seat. But I've definitely been there while all the tables and seats were taken. Some people linger because the atmosphere is calm and it's a relaxing place to hang out for a while.There are 2 gender neutral bathrooms. Very clean!Parking is parallel. I haven't had problems finding parking so far!
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Laura B.
Jan 28, 2024
Popped in for the Korean brunch and can't wait to return! Drinks: a highlight! I enjoyed the signature latte which has a delightfully, almost savory sesame cream. The husband had a teapot with little sugar flowers as sweeteners. Our friend had the Biscoff cookie latte and it was a bit sweet for me, but she loved it! Food: I cannot wait to return and try their pastries and ice creams. We were unfortunately there on a Sunday after a very busy Saturday. As they utilize local bread from Blue Dog, they were unable to make extra bulgogi paninis so I wasn't able to try the item I was most looking forward to. A friend had the shrimp panini and said it was delicious! They were out of waffles (my backup choice) so we needed up splitting a jumukbop - a rice ball with small amounts of beef, nuts, beans - it was accompanied by soup and banchan. Atmosphere: it was bustling and luckily we found a place to sit for four (it's open seating). It's full of bright, modern surfaces and felt cozy despite the cold weather! Service: everyone was very kind, apologetic about some of the menu items that were not available. Answered questions about the menu with ease. They offered us a complimentary latte when an extra was made for another customer.
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Elise Dixie Jane M.
Jan 15, 2024
A cozy and welcoming atmosphere to ignite your inspiration. A space of supporting Korean artists and their work (available for purchase).As an herbalist and tea connoisseur, it's tough to find unique tea in Louisville. Kiwa's diverse tea menu brings rooty and earthy flavors to our city.Not to mention, they can whip up a tea latte like it's nobody's business! No one in the city made me like a latte until Kiwa! And it's because it's not all milk with a dash of coffee/tea. Instead, it's an herbaceous drink with notes of milk and sprinkled herbs enhancing the tea.I've enjoyed working in this space and noticed it's packed with others doing the same. The staff is friendly and continues to check on you. The food is delicious. I finally found my Louisville tea spot (jumps with joy)!
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Jay B.
Jun 4, 2024
Simply delightful! Such kind owners and a delicious Pear Latte. It was not too sweet and a perfect blend between a fruit and coffee. They also have Korean food but I was just there for a coffee date with someone so I didn't try any. I'll definitely be back though!
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Sara D.
Aug 24, 2024
Kiwa is my new favorite place! I can't wait to go back. Amazing addition to Crescent Hill. The ambiance is minimalist but cozy. Tables are big enough to catch up on a bit of work or chat with friends while enjoying an adorable seasonal drink. Kiwa's menu rotates seasonally and they have special brunches every weekend. Kiwa offers Korean tea (boasting a fantastic range of teas from Jeju island). They also serve hot and cold espresso latte drinks. We had the Cookie Latte which was velvety and lived up to its name! We had the bulgogi tacos and the half size passion fruit Korean waffle. Everything was so delicious and well balanced. Not too sweet but let the fruit shine! Also, how can you not love fruit cut into flower shapes? Best waffle I've had in Louisville!The service is incredibly kind and helpful. The whole place has a great vibe. Thank you guys we will be back!
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Jane R.
Mar 9, 2024
I can't get enough of Cafe Kiwa. I'm here like every weekend lol' the food is good and so many different flavored drinks to try!
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Ben D.
Feb 22, 2025
Lovely modern minimalist space with incredible loose tea options from Korea and Japan. The owner takes great care in providing information and service.We loved the cookie plate and tea service. The entire experience is curated down to the cups and trays that the tea and snacks are served on.Can't wait to try the lunch options.The afternoons I've spent there feel like reading and remembering a beautiful poem.
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