MAME's original cafe occupies a former laundry on Josefstrasse in Kreis 5, west of Zurich's main station and old town. A few close tables, a coffee counter and retail shelves fill the small room. The reason to come is the choice of beans and staff who help you find a coffee you will enjoy.
Coffee
Founders Emi Fukahori and Mathieu Theis brought their competition experience to the cafe, which opened in 2016. MAME began roasting in house in 2020 and offers everyday coffees as well as more unusual competition selections.
Start with your preferences: chocolatey, fruity or floral, with milk or without. The bar can narrow the options from there. Espresso and milk drinks give you a straightforward introduction without committing to a tasting flight.
Filter
MAME separates espresso and filter roasts, with everyday options alongside rarer coffees. Ask what is open and what it costs before choosing. A regular filter is a good starting point; a rare lot makes sense when its flavour profile interests you.
Tasting flights offer a way to compare beans when available. Take your time as the cups cool, then browse the retail shelf if there is a coffee you want to brew at home.
Food
Food is limited to small sweets when available. Plan on coffee and perhaps a bite, with breakfast or brunch elsewhere. Josef is better suited to trying a couple of coffees than settling in for a meal.
Service & Room
The compact room keeps you close to the bar, but seating is limited and it is a poor choice for a long laptop session. Come for coffee and conversation at the bar rather than an afternoon of work.
The larger Seefeld shop, near the lake, may suit a day spent by the water. Josef is the original and the focus of this review.
Why Filter Notes shortlisted MAME
Choose MAME for help exploring espresso and filter, from everyday beans to rarer coffees. The small Josefstrasse cafe makes that conversation easy; limited food and seating keep the visit focused on the cup.