La Boutique de Joel Robuchon (Tokyo, Japan)
La Boutique de Joel Robuchon
Marunouchi Brick Square 1F
2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Dining date: multiple
Perhaps the one category of food that struck me the most in terms of differences between Japan and America was the countless options of quality pastries, chocolates and all types of sweets. I don’t really have a sweet tooth, but I felt like I did in Japan, wanting to try everything I saw. Not only did all of the goods look appetizing, there is a high standard for everything to look cute and be packaged just as so.
The places I returned to most often for sugar and pastries had to be convenience store Lawson’s (premium cream roll!), Laduree, and this place – Joel Robuchon’s patisserie. There are a handful of locations in Tokyo, most attached to his restaurants, but the one I went to most often was this standalone Marunouchi location walking distance from the apartment and just a block from the office.
The options were seemingly endless, and while I was able to make a good dent during my multiple visits, there were so many more things I wanted to try. I swear the first time I walked in, I did a full 360 as my eyes wandered around the store.
Classic French pastries were of course involved, both sweet and savory.
An impressive array of macarons and dessert confections were also available.
This location even had sweet and savory crepes made-to-order. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to try one of these.
My favorites and standbys were actually pretty simple. I had the basic croissant over-and-over (many times for breakfast), and I felt like I could feel each layer of flaky, buttery dough. So good. Salted caramel and chocolate croissants were also mainstays in my breakfast rotation, and I really enjoyed the mushroom and vegetable tarts that they had. I would totally recommend a stop here, and it’s on my list on a return trip. There’s even pre-packaged cookies and basked goods which are perfect for gifts…something I made use of as gifts to bring back to the US.