South of the Shin-Kobe Station area, there’s an imposing old stone church building which stands out from its rather ordinary surroundings. If it’s around brunch time on a Sunday, you’ll see lines of people waiting to enter, but they haven’t come here to worship. They’ve come to enjoy Freundlieb’s famous bread and pastries, which have been warming the hearts and filling the stomachs of Kobe since 1924.
Freundlieb has been owned by the same family since its founding. The building where it is now located is the former site of Kobe Union Church, another institution with a long history and connection to Kobe’s international community, which moved years ago to Nagaminedai.
The cafe is in the former church sanctuary, a huge and atmospheric place with vaunted ceilings, exposed beams, and hanging chandeliers. This unique Western ambiance would probably be enough to captivate some of Freundlieb’s Japanese visitors. Fortunately, though, that’s not all this place has to offer. If you come here hungry, you will leave full and happy. And it really is best to come when you’re very hungry, because the portions are generous.
No visit to Freundlieb would be complete without trying a sandwich made using the bakery’s beloved freshly-baked bread, as well as one of their classic desserts such as the strawberry shortcake. Sandwiches come with a scoop of creamy pasta salad, soup of the day, a fresh tomato, a pickle, and a complimentary pair of cookies. Be sure to also check out the shop, where you can buy German breads, pastries, and cookies to take home or give as gifts.
Check out Freundlieb’s homepage here.
