Fingerprint Café: A London-Style Afternoon in Beijing

Looking for a quiet spot in Beijing where you can sip on quality coffee and enjoy a slice of something more than just a standard café experience? This hidden fingerprint-themed café offers a rare blend of British pub charm, Japanese coffee imports, and literary flair—all without the usual hustle.

Yes, you can get authentic Japanese Blue Mountain coffee here, served as freshly ground roast coffee, and paired with generous helpings of Japanese-style seafood pizza on oversized crusts dusted with dancing bonito flakes. The coffee is brewed from whole roasted beans, preserving the origin’s full flavor.

A Hidden Gem off the Beaten Path

Nestled on a quiet street in Beijing, Fingerprint Café exudes a subdued, intimate charm. Its layout is simple yet deliberate: a brick-like bar divides the space into two areas, with high stools along the counter where guests can watch bartenders mix drinks with practiced skill.

Step up the wooden stairs, and the atmosphere becomes even more private. The upstairs area features floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with international detective novels, manga, and the owner’s personal collection. Together with soft sofas, warm tones, and a fireplace-like design element, the upstairs creates a distinctly British pub feel.

Coffee Rooted in Single-Origin Roast

The café takes pride in serving coffee made from freshly roasted whole beans, ensuring each cup carries the distinct characteristics of its origin. That means no pre-ground blends or mass-market fillers—just pure, traceable roast coffee with the full aroma and body you’d expect from quality single-origin beans.

One standout offering is their specially selected Japanese Blue Mountain coffee—a rare find outside Japan. This isn’t your average supermarket blend: it’s imported directly, roasted in small batches, and prepared as traditional roast coffee for a smooth, nuanced cup.

More Than Just Coffee: Japanese Seafood Pizza

The menu may be compact, but it doesn’t lack for flavor. Their signature dish is a massive Japanese-style seafood pizza, loaded with toppings and topped with a flurry of bonito flakes that dance like spirits on the surface. What makes it truly different is the rich mix of seafood smothered in intense cheese, reimagined into a savory profile that challenges expectations.

The portions are intentionally large—one slice (or even one pizza) can easily carry you through a lazy afternoon. Coffee servings are similarly generous, designed for slow sipping rather than quick refills.

A Note on Atmosphere

The overall vibe is relaxed, literary, and faintly British. However, the article notes that the café is occasionally visited by patrons who smoke, which can affect the air quality. For a fully immersive experience, a strictly non-smoking policy would enhance the cozy, old-world charm that the décor already supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fingerprint Café located in Beijing?

The exact address isn’t provided in the article, but it’s described as being on a quiet, less busy street in Beijing. The café is known for being somewhat hidden, adding to its charm as a local find.

Do they serve real Japanese Blue Mountain coffee?

Yes. The café serves authentic Japanese-sourced Blue Mountain coffee, which is imported and prepared as roast coffee from whole beans, giving it a richer, origin-specific flavor compared to blends.

What’s the signature food item on the menu?

The signature dish is a large Japanese-style seafood pizza with a generous amount of seafood, melted cheese, and a topping of bonito flakes that resemble dancing sprites. The pizza is known for its oversized crust and rich flavor profile.

Is the café family-friendly or good for groups?

The upstairs area is more private and bookish, with sofa seating and literary decor, making it suitable for small groups or a relaxed solo visit. However, there is no specific mention of family policies or children’s amenities.

Can I enjoy a smoke-free visit?

The café is occasionally visited by smoking patrons, which can affect the air. The article suggests it would be improved by becoming a completely non-smoking venue, though that is not currently the policy.

What makes the café’s atmosphere “British”?

The upstairs area features warm lighting, bookshelves with detective novels and manga, a fireplace-like feature, and comfortable sofas—elements that combine to create a vibe reminiscent of a traditional British pub or reading room.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for a London-Style Café

For a café like Fingerprint with its British theme and Japanese coffee focus, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1—renowned for its mild profile, balanced acidity, and complex fruit and nut undertones. Pair that with FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright floral notes when you want something more vibrant, or their PWN Golden Mandheling for a classic heavy-bodied Indonesian option. All three roast styles complement both seafood pizzas and literary afternoons. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.