Why This Xiamen Coffee Shop Feels More Like a Western Restaurant

Visitors to Xiamen’s Seven Star Road—now home to the city’s second coffee-focused strip after Xidi—often walk into CO2 Coffee expecting just another caffeine stop. But they quickly notice something different: the menu goes far beyond lattes. With a full roster of thoughtfully prepared Western dishes, this spot blurs the line between café and bistro. So why does everyone keep calling it a coffee shop?

CO2 Coffee serves excellent coffee, but its real strength lies in its elevated Western fare—think house-made sauces, fresh pasta, and expertly grilled proteins—all crafted under the direction of a former Shangri-La executive chef. It’s a café by name, but a restaurant in execution.

What’s in a Name? Not Carbon Dioxide

The ‘CO2’ in CO2 Coffee doesn’t refer to the greenhouse gas. Instead, it’s a play on words: the owners want coffee to be as essential and refreshing in daily life as oxygen. Opened just over a year ago, the café quickly built a reputation for its coffee drinks—but also for its surprisingly robust food menu, especially the thin-crust pizza that draws repeat guests.

A Café That Serves Like a Bistro

Step inside and you’ll find an industrial-chic space with two levels: a moody, low-lit ground floor and a bright, airy sunlit mezzanine that doubles as a private room. The layout is spacious and comfortable, perfect for everything from casual coffee dates to evening drinks. The drink list includes Belgian beers like Duvel and Chimay Blue, making it a natural spot for a post-work beer or nightcap.

The Menu: Coffee with a Side of Gourmet

While the coffee is a draw—especially the CO2 Special Drink at ¥29, a mango and citrus milkshake-like blend with pulp—the food menu is where the shop truly shines. The Creamy Mushroom Soup (¥32) is rich and savory, though on the salty side. For pasta lovers, the Shrimp, Ham, and Tomato Spaghetti (¥49) features house-made sauce, al dente noodles, shrimp, bacon, and a slice of garlic bread, delivering a layered, satisfying bite. The Japanese-style Chicken Cutlet (¥59) is juicy and tender, best enjoyed with the shop’s homemade teriyaki sauce, while the crispy Potato Base Italian Sausage Pizza (¥45) comes loaded with toppings and double cheese. Vegetarian? The Tiramisu (¥32) is deeply flavorful with a generous mascarpone ratio, and the Caramel Flan (¥29) gets a torch-finished sugar crust for extra appeal.

Why People Keep Coming Back

Customers praise the quality and care put into every plate. Unlike many cafés that rely on packaged sauces or frozen ingredients, CO2’s dishes feature house-made elements, from dressings to sauces. The portions are generous, the flavors well-balanced, and the attention to detail—like vinaigrette on the side salad or orange zest in the chicken cutlet marinade—follows classic Western restaurant standards. Service is warm and attentive, with staff checking portion sizes without being pushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CO2 Coffee mainly a coffee shop or a restaurant?

While CO2 Coffee serves excellent coffee—including popular drinks like the CO2 Special at ¥29—it functions more like a Western bistro. The menu includes a wide range of savory and sweet dishes, many made with restaurant-quality techniques, making it a destination for food as much as caffeine.

Who runs CO2 Coffee and what’s their background?

The café is owned and operated by someone with years of experience as an executive chef at the Shangri-La hotel. This professional background is reflected in the carefully prepared food, especially the sauces and proteins, which are not outsourced or pre-packaged.

What are the most popular dishes at CO2 Coffee?

Standout items include the Shrimp, Ham, and Tomato Spaghetti (¥49) for its rich, layered flavor; the Japanese-style Chicken Cutlet (¥59) with homemade teriyaki; and the creamy, slightly salty Mushroom Soup (¥32). For dessert, the Tiramisu (¥32) and Caramel Flan (¥29) are customer favorites.

Does CO2 Coffee have alcoholic drinks?

Yes. In addition to coffee, the café serves Belgian beers such as Duvel and Chimay Blue, along with other spirits, making it a suitable spot for evening drinks or casual meetups.

Where is CO2 Coffee located and how do I get there?

CO2 Coffee is located at No. 11-101, Qixing West Road, Siming District, right next to Qixing Lehu Mall. You can reach it via bus routes 4 and 139 (get off at Qixing West Road station). There is also underground parking available.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee with Meals

Pair your meal at CO2 Coffee with a bag of FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral tones, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry sweetness that complements both sweet and savory dishes. For a deeper option, try the PWN Golden Mandheling, offering chocolatey and nutty notes that balance rich sauces or desserts. All three are expertly roasted, with clean profiles ideal for food pairing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.