Sapporo Brunch Cafe Review 2026: Saera vs. Maji Sando

Hey there, fellow travelers!

It's Yappi, and my husband and I are practically Sapporo regulars – this was our fourth trip to this incredible city!😜

If you're planning a Sapporo adventure,

finding the perfect breakfast spot can be a delightful dilemma, right?

This time around, we decided to tackle Sapporo's two hottest sandwich havens:

'Saera' and 'Maji Sando'!

We hit them both for an 'open-run' experience, comparing them head-to-head.

Get ready for our honest, self-funded review right now!

01. Saera: The Ultimate Retro Cafe Experience

When we visited Saera this past March 2026,

we arrived about 10 minutes before opening and managed to snag a table without a lengthy wait.

From its tucked-away entrance on the first basement level,

the place just oozes that unique 'kissaten' (traditional Japanese coffee shop) charm.

We instantly fell in love with the cozy, retro vibe!🩷

Keep an eye out for their signboard outside,

it makes finding this hidden gem much easier!

🥩 ​Juicy Burst! Menchi-Katsu & Fruit Sando Combo

The highlight here is being able to enjoy both a hearty menchi-katsu sandwich and a refreshing fruit sando in one sitting!

One bite of that crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside menchi-katsu, followed by a refreshing, sweet fruit sando, and my husband and I were in heaven. We could eat these endlessly!🧡

02. Maji Sando: The Pinnacle of Fruit Quality

We also can't forget our 'open-run' experience at Maji Sando last October 2025, when we braved the crisp autumn air to get our hands on their famous sandwiches!

This spot boasts a more modern and sleek interior

compared to Saera, with a fresh, clean aesthetic.

🍈 ​Hokkaido Yubari Melon Sandwich

The Yubari Melon Sandwich, which was perfectly in season at the time,

was truly a 'life-changing fruit sando'.

While the shop is small, seating about four people,

they offer complimentary coffee! It was the perfect way to start our morning, sipping coffee and savoring our sandwiches.🩷

The melon's sweetness was so intense it practically melted in our mouths, making the fresh cream feel almost less sweet by comparison!

And just look at that presentation – it's a work of art, isn't it?👍

03. Saera vs. Maji Sando: Which One Will You Choose?

✅ Choose 'Saera' if:

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✔️ You want a satisfying meal (like menchi-katsu) and dessert all in one!

✔️ You love soaking in a retro Japanese cafe atmosphere.

✔️ You want a relaxed meal near Odori Park.

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✅ Choose 'Maji Sando' if:

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✔️ The natural freshness and sweetness of the fruit are paramount.

✔️ You prioritize stunning, Instagram-worthy visuals.

✔️ You prefer a modern, comfortable cafe environment.

💡Yappi's Quick Take

For a family outing, we'd lean towards Saera! But if you're with friends or your significant other, Maji Sando gets our vote!​

That Yubari melon from October still has me dreaming!😂

So, what's our final verdict?

If you're making the trip, we highly recommend doing an 'open-run' at both spots so you can try them yourself and have no regrets!