Baked goodness: Top bakery in Tokyo
Tokyo hosts some of the top Michelin restaurants in pretty much every genre, but what one may not know is the current emergence of amazing bakeries. Do expect some long lines (Japanese people love waiting in line!) before you can dive into the best of the best baked goods. From the basic loaf all the way to some unique muffins, the only thing that can disappoint you is not waking up early to get to these bakeries.
Many of these patissiers will not have English descriptions so it’s best to have Google Translate app on your phone, which can translate written Japanese in real time via the camera mode.
L’atelier de Plaisir
L’atelier de Plaisir is located in the suburbs of Setagaya city, about 25 minutes west of Shibuya. But don’t let the location fool you, this bakery has been named the best bakery in Tokyo from multiple bakery rankings. The bakery operates between 12 noon to 7pm, but will close early if they are sold out. It's also closed on Mondays and Thursdays, so be sure to check the calendar before visiting the place. Also, note that they only accept cash and there are no eating space inside. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm
Closed on Mondays and Thursdays
Accepts only cash
No dining space; only take out
Brasserie Viron
Viron has two locations, one in Shibuya and the other at Tokyo station. We recommend the Tokyo Station location on two accounts, one, it’s easier to access located right next to the station, and two, it’s a bit classier interior and it offers more than just the French style baguettes. This is a restaurant with both lunch and dinner menu options in addition to the patisserie featuring takeouts. The Patisserie opens at 10:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm; the restaurant is open for lunch between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm; open for cafe between 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm; and open for dinner between 6:00 pm to 11:30pm. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Patisserie)
Open from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm (lunch); 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm (cafe); 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm (dinner)
Open 7 days a week
Accepts major credit cards and cash
Lunch, Cafe, and Dinner offered in addition to take out
Centre The Bakery
Centre The Bakery is located in the Ginza district and most likely easy to find due to the line of people waiting extending outside to buy their bakery. Minutes away from Tokyo Station, the bakery does offer eating space inside the patissier, but there are very few seats. The bakery offers three different styles of loaf of bread: Japanese, American, and British. We recommend trying either the Japanese or British style for the best experience. While the bakery is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, it is a cash only place so don’t forget about that. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Open 7 days a week
Accepts only cash
Small dining space as well as take out
Maison Landemaine
Maison Landemaine has the true Parisians heritage as it’s originally a bakery from Paris. It’s two patissiers in Tokyo are located in Azabudai and Akasaka. The bakery offers amazing French pastries as well as a restaurant that makes you feel like you were in the heart of Paris. As with its origin, Maison Landemaine offers authentic croissants, quiches, and baguettes. The bakery is open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm and accepts Visa and MasterCard. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm
Open 7 days a week
Accepts Visa and MasterCard and cash
Seating available inside the restaurant as well as take out
Pan no Pelican
What makes Pan no Pelican so unique is the fact that the bakery has been in business for over 75 years--since 1942, during WWII. While it has a rich historical story, the menu is very simple with only two options: loaf of bread or bread roll. But don’t let that simple menu fool you because Pan no Pelican sells more than 400 loaves and 4000 rolls! Pan no Pelican has a cafe as well a few blocks from the bakery and offers freshly baked dishes from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Remember that this is a cash only place. They do accept reservation for both loaves and rolls, so contact the hotel if you’d like to make an order. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (bakery)
Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (cafe)
Open Monday through Saturday (closed on Sundays)
Accepts only cash
Seating available at cafe, bakery is take out only
Le Ressort
Le Ressort is located in Komaba-Todaimae in the quiet neighborhood of Meguro. Opened in 2006, the quaint bakery has 50+ variety of baked goods from petit baguettes to fig rolls. While its pastries are not inexpensive, you will definitely be happy with the quality of its baked goods. The bakery does not have seating areas, but there is a public park (Komabano Park) right across the train line. The patisserie is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and is closed on Mondays. This is a cash-only location. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
Accepts only cash
Take out only
Signifiant Signifie
Signifiant Signifie takes the French phrase of “the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation.” The bakery has two locations, one in Setagaya City suburbs and the other inside Takashimaya Department Store in Nihonbashi. The patisserie prides itself on the fermentation process as well as the high concentration of water in its pastries. The Nihonbashi store located inside the department store is easier to access, though there are no dine-in area. The bakery is open from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm and is open when Takashimaya Department Store is open. Access from the hotel can be found here.
Open from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Closed based on Takashimaya Department Store schedule
Accepts all major credit cards
Take out only
