If you miss the colorful mini-games of the Nintendo DS, Mimi’s Restaurant Helper might just fill that void. Available for free as a demo on Steam, this culinary simulation game offers a simple, warm experience directly inspired by classics from the 2000s.
Developed by independent studio Crystal Rose Studio, this title puts you in the shoes of a restaurant clerk. It’s up to you to help Mimi, Caroline and Alex manage the kitchen, serve, clean… in short, to juggle several tasks in an animated and colorful visual style that immediately evokes flash games and early DS games. “Mimi’s Restaurant Helper aims to bring back the ‘nostalgic energy of anime and flash games from the 2000s’,” the developers explain.
A cooking game inspired by Japanese anime
The game does not hide its influences. Between its expressive characters, pastel colors and relaxed atmosphere, Mimi’s Restaurant Helper clearly plays on the heartstrings of nostalgia. We immediately think of games like Cooking Mama or Diner Dash, brought up to date with a modern coating.
Each mission involves preparing dishes, serving customers or cleaning the kitchen. No competitiveness, no oppressive timer: the objective is to offer cozy gameplay, to play in complete relaxation. A formula that works particularly well in the current context, where relaxing games are very popular on PC as well as on Switch.
A free demo to try now
Although the official release is announced for 2026, a demo is already available for free on Steam. It allows you to discover the first mechanics of the game, and to get a precise idea of its atmosphere. At this time, no reviews have been published on the game’s Steam page yet – it’s up to you to form your own opinion.
The full version should feature more levels, recipes, and character interactions. No mention has been made of a multiplayer mode, but given the tone of the game, it is likely to remain focused on a single-player, narrative and immersive experience.
A potential future success on Switch?
With its portable game feel, Mimi’s Restaurant Helper seems almost made for the Nintendo Switch. For now, only the PC version is confirmed, but players are already speculating about a possible console release, as the interface seems suited to a controller and a tactile experience.
It also remains to be seen whether the studio will manage to maintain interest over time. The universe is charming, but it will take a little more than pretty animations to transform this promising demo into a real cozy phenomenon. Until then, if the idea of cooking pizzas while chatting with Mimi tempts you, the game is waiting for you on Steam.