About
Take a single step away from the hustle and bustle of Ikebukuro, and a door to another world awaits you. On the 9th floor of the Dai II Kizuna Building, as the elevator doors open, what unfolds before your eyes is the very world of a detective. On the floor, white outlines reminiscent of a crime scene are drawn, and the walls are lined with yellow “KEEP OUT” tape. It creates the illusion of having wandered into a scene from a movie.
As you step inside, you are greeted across the counter by active detectives. Their sharp gazes and warm smiles instantly capture the hearts of visitors. This is the cafe and dining bar produced by the comprehensive detective agency “Progress,” aptly named “Detective Cafe Progress.”
Open the menu, and what catches your eye are a variety of rare dishes you won’t find elsewhere. For example, “Seared Crocodile Tongue.” Thinly sliced crocodile tongue is lightly seared, featuring a jiggly texture and mild flavor, and is also rich in collagen. Another dish, “Cactus Namul,” uses fresh cactus delivered directly from farmers in Aichi Prefecture, offering a crisp texture and unique taste.
The drinks, too, are uniquely themed to reflect the detective world. The non-alcoholic cocktail “Menteur,” which means “liar” in French, is notable for its tropical flavor and vibrant color.
However, the true highlight of this cafe lies in the activities that offer experiences unique to detectives. You can try “Bug Detector,” where you search for hidden listening devices in the cafe, or “Fingerprint Collection,” reminiscent of a police drama, allowing you to actually experience detective techniques that are usually out of reach. Through these activities, you can feel firsthand the depth and tension of a detective’s work.
In addition, the cafe displays actual infidelity investigation reports and the original videos on which they were based, giving you a glimpse into the real work of detectives. These materials are recreations of actual cases, and their detail and high quality are astonishing.
The charm of this cafe is not only in making the detective profession feel familiar, but also in offering visitors an extraordinary experience. Forget the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in the world of detectives—a moment that can truly be called a playground for adults.
With the night view of Ikebukuro as your backdrop, spending time talking with detectives and enjoying rare dishes and drinks is a special experience you won’t find anywhere else. The unique experiences available here are waiting for you.