A New Hub of “Kawaii” in Fukuoka
As the sole Gelato Pique Cafe in Fukuoka Prefecture, the Solaria Plaza store offers a bright and inviting atmosphere, characterized by large windows overlooking Kego Park. The interior design, adorned with numerous photo opportunities, encourages guests to capture their delightful culinary moments. Many patrons enjoy photographing their orders within the charming space, while others opt for takeout to savor their treats in the scenic park, contributing to the cafe’s continuous buzz since its opening.
Exclusive Menus: A Blend of Local Flavor and Sweet Charm
The store’s triumph is significantly driven by its exclusive menu items that feature local ingredients, alongside the brand’s popular seasonal offerings. These limited-edition items alone account for approximately 40% of the total sales, demonstrating their strong appeal.
The Beloved Pique Bear Cookie Crepe
The Pique Bear Cookie Crepe, priced at ¥1,340, quickly became the top seller, with 270 units sold in the first five days. This visually enchanting crepe features four of the cafe’s iconic Pique Bear cookies perched atop a crispy yet chewy crepe dough. Inside, a rich and refreshing cream made from “Setoka” mandarin oranges, smooth whipped cream, and juicy Fukuoka-grown mandarin orange segments create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each bite promises a moment of happiness, making it a perfect treat to commemorate the new store’s opening.
This limited-time delight is available until February 23, 2026.
Hakata Mentaiko and Cheese Crepe: A Savory Local Twist
Defying the typical overwhelming preference for sweet items at Gelato Pique Cafe, the savory Hakata Mentaiko and Cheese Crepe (¥1,290) also saw strong sales, with 130 units sold. This demonstrates a unique local appreciation for a savory option. The crepe, a Fukuoka-exclusive, creatively blends the distinct flavors of Hakata, a region famous for its spicy pollock roe (mentaiko). It incorporates “Yamaya” brand mentaiko with a rich, smooth cream sauce reminiscent of French gratin dauphinois. The mellow cheese and moderate spiciness of the mentaiko are balanced by chewy mochi for added texture and satisfaction, while shredded nori (seaweed) provides an aromatic finish, harmonizing Japanese and Western tastes.
To complete its charming presentation, the crepe is topped with a bear-shaped cheese, offering both visual appeal and a truly unique flavor profile. This savory crepe is a permanent fixture on the Solaria Plaza store’s menu.
Sweet Valentine’s Time Crepes: A Seasonal Favorite
The cafe’s seasonal “Sweet Valentine’s Time vol.1” menu, launched across all stores on January 15, 2026, has also been a resounding success, with two frill-designed crepes selling a combined 440 units in five days.
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Raspberry Frill Chocolat Crepe (Berry & Custard) ¥1,190: This elegant crepe features raspberry and chocolate whipped cream layered like delicate frills, topped with a chocolate ribbon. A rich fondant chocolat hides within, while layers of custard cream, tart raspberry sauce, fresh strawberries, and crunchy whole wheat cookies create a sophisticated balance of sweetness, tartness, and texture.
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Rich Frill Chocolat Crepe (Banana & Whipped Cream) ¥1,190: Adorned with delicate chocolate whipped cream frills and a white chocolate ribbon, this crepe encapsulates the spirit of Valentine’s. A creamy fondant chocolat provides deep sweetness, complemented by chocolate sauce, bright raspberry sauce, mellow banana, and crunchy whole wheat cookies, offering a multi-layered taste experience. This particular Valentine’s crepe is available until February 2, 2026.
A “Kawaii” Wonderland: Photo Opportunities Galore
The Gelato Pique Cafe Solaria Plaza store is designed as a visual feast, boasting numerous photo spots. Guests are greeted by a charming “Kuma Tencho” (Bear Manager), a large teddy bear, alongside bear-motif chandeliers and chairs. Many customers delight in photographing their chosen menu items against these adorable backdrops, contributing to the lively atmosphere. It’s clear that the “kawaii” charm of Gelato Pique Cafe, combined with its culinary creativity, has truly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Fukuoka.
Store Information
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Opening Date: January 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
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Store Name: gelato pique cafe Solaria Plaza store
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Location: Solaria Plaza 1F, 2-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
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Business Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Last Order 19:30)
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Phone Number: 092-401-2662
About Gelato Pique Cafe
Born from “gelato pique,” a brand known for its comfortable loungewear, Gelato Pique Cafe embodies the concept of “comfort food.” It prioritizes customer health and happiness, offering carefully selected ingredients in a delightful atmosphere filled with creative ideas. Find out more at:
About Mash Food Lab Co., Ltd.
As part of the Mash Group, which manages numerous fashion and beauty brands, Mash Food Lab aims to bring joy to customers through the essential realm of food. Focusing on deliciousness, the company proposes healthy eating habits by prioritizing quality ingredients and offering a comprehensive experience through service and ambiance. Learn more at:
The overwhelming success of Gelato Pique Cafe’s Fukuoka store, particularly with its integration of local flavors, highlights a growing trend in Japan’s “kawaii” culture: the fusion of charming aesthetics with regional culinary identity. This innovative approach could inspire future international expansion, offering unique, localized experiences that transcend borders and invite a global audience to savor the sweet and savory delights of Japanese comfort food with a playful twist.
