Summary
For one month, theSquare EnixCafe in Tokyo’s top otaku neighborhood Akihabara has been taken over byFinal Fantasy XVI! Considering it is one of the biggest games in Japan - and beyond - right now, it is no surprise that the cafe has been very popular. We were able to go and enjoy some of the great themed food and drinks, along with the merchandise, that was available, and are here to tell you all about it.
Final Fantasy XVIis the latest installment in the long-runningFinal Fantasyfranchise, but like the other numbered titles, can be played without playing any previous game. It was released worldwide on May 16, 2025, making waves among both old fans and first-timers who praised it for many factors.FFXVIis unlike previousFinal Fantasytitles in a lot of ways, including its more adult themes and darker tone, and uses the action-based gameplay that found success inFinal Fantasy XVandFinal Fantasy VII Remake.
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The Square Enix Cafe in Akihabararegularly rotates its theme, usually on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, based on whatever its most popular title is at the time. Right now, that is indisputablyFinal Fantasy XVI. This is actually already the second run of the cafe, and is unlikely to be the last as menu items continue to be developed and released, along with new collectibles and merchandise that promise to keep fans coming back again and again.
This time around, theFFXVIcafe had main dishes based on all the countries at play in the politically-charged,complex land of Valistheawhere the game is set. The drinks were inspired by the dominants and their Eikons, which play a major role in both the gameplay and the story. And finally, for everyone wanting a sweet treat at the end, there was a dessert based on the main character Clive’s loyal hound and best friend, Torgal!
Each of the dishes was intricately designed torepresent the countryit was based on. For example, the Dhalmekian Republic is a sandy desert with a brilliantly blue river running through the middle, and its dish was brown rice with bright blue rice noodles on the side, and spiced chicken as the centerpiece. Rosaria was represented by a stew with the carrots left on the side - because Joshua always leaves the carrots. We went for Waloed, though, with black squid ink pasta in the image of Odin!
Next, there was a huge selection of drinks, one foreach of the Eikonsin the game. The first one came with the cost of our reservation, which made the reservation fee of ¥1000 ($7USD) worth it. The most expensive and elaborate drink was based on the battle between Phoenix and Ifrit, and was orange and purple to look like theFFXVIlogo. We went with the drinks for Shiva, Odin, Garuda, and Bahamut though, and each had its own unique look and taste. For example, Bahamut’s drink had a light-up ice cube inside to look like his special attack Megaflare, and Shiva’s was blue and white like her icy magic.
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Both the drinks and foods came with a special prize as well. Each drink came with one of 16 coasters, which were available in all the main characters as well as each of the Eikons. It was random, though, so it was a surprise what we got! The main dishes all also came with a mini poster of beautiful art from the game, and were also given at random when we paid for everything. Even without buying any of the exclusive merchandise in the attached shop, we were able to go home with something special and unique to the Square Enix cafe.
Making a reservation for theFinal Fantasy XVIcafe (or any collaboration cafe at Square Enix, for that matter) is easy to do via thecafe’s official website. There is even a special link, in English, for people who are making a reservation from abroad - which is more thanmost collaboration cafes in Japando. They also had a special English menu and guidebook at the cafe itself to help anyone who does not speak or read Japanese still be able to order and enjoy the cafe, and understand the system. Reservations from within Japan are made via the Square Enix app.
Of course, the cafe was also thoroughly decorated forFinal Fantasy XVI! TVs all around the cafe were playing some of the most epic Eikon battles, and playing the theme music from the game. There were huge posters of Joshua and Clive beside their Eikons,huggable Torgalplushies that were available for pre-order, and beautiful framed artwork. You could walk around and take photos of everything (while being careful not to disturb other patrons) and enjoy the ambiance in the cafe.
TheFinal Fantasy XVIcafe was a great experience, with food and drinks that tasted good and were only a little overpriced. The attached store also had plenty of merchandise to buy, including file folders, key chains, stickers, and acrylic characters. Plus the reservation fee paid for our first specialty drink, which made it definitely worth reserving in advance and guaranteeing a spot. We will be looking forward to seeing the next iteration of theFinal Fantasy XVIcafe for sure!
TheFinal Fantasy XVIcafe is in Akihabara until June 12, 2025.
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