Cafe Japonaise Review

I've been here twice and honestly can't believe I haven't come here more often. Both times I got the matcha azuki cream and no exaggeration, it was one of the best things I've ever eaten. Perfectly flaky croissant dough, sweet red bean paste, and the matcha cream, oh....that matcha cream...I'm salivating right now just thinking of it. I could eat bowls and bowls of it all day and not get tired of it. How is it so good? How does it taste so light and barely sweet? I've also had the matcha chocolate bread and chocolate cream horn and will sing both of their praises to the high heavens. Normally I find chocolate cream to be heavy and sickly sweet, but Japonaise makes their chocolate cream just as light and subtly flavored as their matcha cream. Finally I've had their onigiri and it is quite good too, though perhaps not as radiant as their desserts. Then again very few things on Earth can reach the heavenly heights of the matcha azuki cream.

I'm a bit sad I only discovered Japonaise a few weeks before they're closing down for renovations. But if it means they'll come back even better, I'm cheering them on every step of the way. Both times I went here there were lines and the space inside is quite small, plus they're pretty strict about only admitting four customers at a time. I felt they were fair precautions and it was entirely worth it.

In the meantime I guess I'll have to settle for Paris Baguette or something. Idk if I could ever go back to any other Asian bakery after the joy and wonder that is Japonaise though.

I love it! The bread and pudding both amazed me!! I will definitely visit again and again!

I have been a fan of this bakery for many many years, it is with sadness that I report a low rating. This bakery has changed a lot over the years. First of all, I find their space to be more and more messy and disorganized over the years. This is quite not Japanese like. I would also like the owner to consider renovating a bit to refresh the look. It has a tired and stale smell which does not help selling yummy goods. Especially since new competitor Tatte is right across the street. This bakery calls itself Japonaise, the name carries weight of the Japanese spirit. It really does not reflect that nowadays other than its pastries...

Second of all with their classic offerings, the Japanese strawberry cake. Over the years, fresh cream recipe has changed or the cream ingredient has changed. It no longer tastes as good. It has also gotten sweeter. The sliced strawberries in between the layers got replaced with the strawberry jam. A true disappointment to be honest. The Azuki cream bun reduced its size by half. Again the cream has lost its previous fresh cream taste. The Japanese chicken sandwich bun was replaced with a bland bread... all these subtle changes, if you don t have the history in mind, if I had not liked this bakery so much in the past and had eaten these for so many times, would not have been noticed... That s why it saddens me.

What I notice is the business spirit behind this shop has changed. I feel the owner does not convey the intent of delivering delightful goods, instead I got the sense they are doing things from a cost saving perspective. Dear owner, I don t mind paying more for a truly divine piece of pastry. You do have a bunch of loyal followers. Some of your goodies are still quite good. Please consider improve on the details. Please clean up and try better. I would like to continue to be a supporter.

This small bakery is easy to miss in the scenery of flashier buildings in Brookline. However, it's a chic, organized bakery that has affordable but delicious pastries, baked goods and cakes. They have a small price limit if you're trying to use card ($8) but most things are $2-$4 here. It's hard to not get one of everything here! I look forward to coming here again. Attached - I got a cream bun and a Keroppi matcha creme bun.

I can understand why there's such a line to get in! I couldn't pick a favorite as every selection was delicious. Definitely worth a visit. Staff are super helpful and caring in packing your order, as well.

The service is excellent! Mari (i believe her name was) very kind and helpful on suggesting what a first timer like myself should get when I was describing items. The food was also delicious! Definitely coming back for more!

Onigiri, ginger scones, an pan, strawberry shortcake, matcha mouse cake, the occasional snack... oh my. I always drop by if I'm in the neighborhood. Highly recommend. Just make sure you leave some for me. Lighting is a bit dim, but food is good, especially when seating was open. But don't sit there too long if you have an appetite for cake!

Great green tea cake! Not too sweet and very light and airy.

My husband ordered a cake from Singapore for our friend in Boston and Maho made the process so easy and fuss-free, we are truly appreciative of your efforts to make our friend s day! Highly recommended for the professionalism and yummy bakes (our friends who tried the cake and bread gave it top reviews!)

Thank you for following Covid protocols. But even better was my blueberry croissant pastry! Flaky and buttery and just the right amount of sweet.