A cake shop in Setagaya, Tokyo. I visited this shop after having lunch as I had been wanting to try it for a while. I entered the shop around 3 pm on a Saturday. The interior was tastefully decorated with nice furniture and paintings. There were about 5 tables in the shop, and two groups of customers were enjoying tea. I decided to dine in rather than take out since there was seating available. I ordered: - Caramel Chocolat @650 yen - Colombia @650 yen - Blend @580 yen - Espresso @630 yen The cakes were like works of art, so beautiful that I hesitated to even put my fork into them. The delicate chocolate decorations already hinted at the craftsmanship, but tasting them revealed an even more intricate and delicate flavor profile. It was truly a wonderful cake. It felt like I was experiencing the artistry of a pastry chef. To create just one cake like this, one must possess a natural sense of beauty and meticulousness. At least for the cake I had this time, there were no words other than "amazing." Thank you for the meal.

There is a cake shop and cafe with over 40 years of history, which is very nostalgic. It is located about a 5-minute walk from Kuhonbutsu Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. The grape-colored signboard reads "Parlor Laurel Western Confectionery & Cafe." The exterior is in a dark brown wood tone, with display windows showcasing sample whole cakes and gift packages. Inside, there is a cake showcase and a cafe corner with a retro feel, reminiscent of the top 100 cafes listed on Tabelog. I visited at 3 pm and bought some baked goods to go, as I didn't have time to relax in the cafe on the second floor. I purchased an orange cake for ¥280, which was soft with a hint of liquor aroma, slightly oily, moist, and not too sweet, making it a comforting and delicious treat that paired well with Japanese tea. As a fan of retro cafes, I was charmed by this place and vowed to make time for a cafe experience here in the future. It's a wonderful shop!

Visited with one other person before 12 pm on Saturday, parking available. Located between Kuhonbutsu and Oyamadai. It's on the first floor of an apartment building, more like a coffee shop than a cafe. They have a wide variety of sweets, from classic to unique-looking ones. Laurel (chocolate cake), Sicilia (pistachio, chocolate), iced coffee, and iced tea cost around 2637 yen. When we visited, there were no other customers, so it was calm and the jazz background music was nice. Sicilia not only has a unique appearance but also various flavors like chocolate, nuts, and citrus, making it interesting. Laurel is a classic chocolate cake that is not just sweet but good. Overall, it's a place worth revisiting.

Visited with Maru, Sanjo, and myself. Got off at Kyuhonbutsu Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, a long-established shop frequented by high-class local ladies. The catchy cakes caught our attention. The meticulous craftsmanship makes it almost a shame to eat them. Personally, I love the classic chocolate cake "Laurel" that has been around since the shop opened in 1980. According to the shop information, this masterpiece has been improved many times and is loved by people of all ages, including former staff members. I definitely want to visit again.

This is a patisserie run by a talented owner-patissier. Established in 1980, it is said that even celebrities visit in disguise. The exterior looks like a traditional cake shop in town, but inside, there are stylish cakes that will make you gasp in awe displayed in the showcase. We visited on a holiday evening and we were the only customers inside. Luckily, there were two empty parking spaces right in front. We mentioned that we wanted to dine in, and we were given a drink menu. We could choose our cakes from the showcase. The drink options were plentiful, ranging from coffee and cafe latte to strawberry milk tea. I chose the apple tea. The cakes were selected with the chef in a cook's hat watching, which made me a bit nervous, haha. - Sphere 650 yen A beautiful spherical cake that caught my eye. It had milk chocolate mousse and passion fruit mousse inside, with a crunchy chocolate base at the bottom. The fruity passion fruit mousse matched well with the not-too-sweet chocolate. - Sicilia 650 yen Another popular menu item, this pistachio mousse with chocolate and berry mousse inside was exceptional. It had a unique taste that I had never experienced before, creamy and delicious. Pistachio lovers would love this. - Laurel Named after the shop itself, this classic chocolate cake has been on the menu since the beginning. It has a milky cream filling that is exquisite. A must-try for chocolate cake lovers. We had a wonderful afternoon in a calm atmosphere with attentive service.

After having lunch in Jiyugaoka, we moved to Kuhonbutsu and visited this shop. It was a bit hard to find at first because it's located on the first floor of a classical mansion, but once we entered, we saw a showcase and tables for eating in. Taking photos of the showcase is not allowed. I ordered an Ice Royal Milk Tea and a Manzana (blue apple mousse & cassis mousse). The Manzana had a sweet and fragrant blue apple surface, with a cassis filling that was sweet and sour, with sugar adding a nice texture. The cookie base was incredibly delicious, adding different flavors as you eat. The apple stem was made of chocolate, making the mousse cake a work of art.

A cake shop in the neighborhood. They have been around for quite a while, and the cakes here are just beautiful. Not only do they look amazing, but they also taste delicate and have a light texture. They have a cafe corner and a parking lot, so you can enjoy these flawlessly beautiful cakes without any doubt.

Tokyu Oimachi Line Kuhonbutsu Station, the long-established patisserie "Parlor Laurel" is owned by Chef Muto Kunihiko. He was involved in the launch of the renowned store "Chez Lui" in Daikanyama, where he worked as head chef for 5 years before also opening a bistro. In 1980, he branched out on his own and opened "Parlor Laurel." Currently, he runs the shop alongside his son, Muto Yasuo, who trained in France under renowned chefs like Ledere and Pierre Marcolini. Chef Muto also serves as the vice chairman of the Japan Western Confectionery Association, focusing on nurturing young talent. The motto that has been upheld since the opening of the shop is "a taste that no one has seen, a flavor that no one has tasted." Growing up near a cake shop that he frequented in his childhood, Chef Muto was exposed to refined pastry techniques from a young age. The area was known for its upscale cake shops like L'epidore in Denenchofu, Dalloyau in Jiyugaoka, and Obonvue in Oyamadai. Over time, other shops like Mont Saint Clair, Patisserie Takagi, and Paris Veyu also emerged. I recently stopped by after a long time and tried the "Maya the Bee" and a cake in a glass. [Cake] "Pina Colada": Pineapple puree and coconut milk mousse topped with strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi. A refreshing tropical dessert inspired by the cocktail Pina Colada, perfect for summer. [Cake] "Maya the Bee": A revamped version by Chef Muto's son, featuring a whole strawberry surrounded by strawberry-flavored cream, encased in white chocolate wafers. The base consists of honey lemon mousse wrapped in a fluffy genoise with a strawberry sauce in the center. A chocolate and marzipan Maya the Bee figurine sits on top, reminiscent of a shortcake. The cake exudes a honey-sweet aroma, offering a soothing experience with its depth of flavor and gradient of taste. The shop exudes a classical charm, with an elegant ambiance and Chef Muto's gentle demeanor hinting at the creation of unique masterpieces.

A long-established parlor (western confectionery & café) in Okusawa, Setagaya-ku. Established in 1980, this shop has a long history, but their cakes are not just traditional - they have vibrant colors and unique shapes that are quite eye-catching. They also have a café where you can enjoy your cake with a drink on the spot. The location is about a 5-minute walk from Kyuhachifuku Station. The shop is on the first floor of an apartment building, a bit hidden in the back so it may be hard to find. When I visited on a weekend evening, they had a limited selection, but I was able to purchase cakes with visuals that are not often seen elsewhere. - Sphère (720 yen): Sphère means "round" or "sphere" in French. This cake is round and vibrant orange, resembling a mandarin. Inside, there is milk chocolate mousse and passion fruit mousse. While it has a refreshing citrus flavor, it lacks delicacy and depth in taste, leaving something to be desired. - Chantilly (345 yen): A traditional cream puff, reminiscent of the past.

Everyone's review photos were so attractive, especially among the top 100 shops, so I visited. I had Sicilia for ¥650, Champigny for ¥320, and iced coffee for ¥630. In total, it was ¥1,760. ・First, Sicilia is so attractive just to look at. When you taste it, the flavor is complex and gentle. Not too sweet, elegant and high-quality. This is delicious! It was so delicious that I ordered another one. ・I added Champigny. It's like a small cream puff, but the choux pastry and cream are both extremely delicious! ・The iced coffee was quite ordinary. I'm not a fan of sweets, but it was really delicious. It was my first time to have seconds. I'm glad I came here. The shop is located on the first floor of an apartment building about a 10-minute walk from the station. The exterior looks unassuming. There were two 2-seater tables and two 4-seater tables. It was not crowded, so I sat at a 4-seater table alone and took my time. It's recommended to go alone or with friends, even if you have to go out alone. The taste is genuine, regardless of the atmosphere of the shop. Completely non-smoking.

Date of visit: July 1, 2023 (Saturday) Time of visit: 16:20 Queue at the time of visit: 0 people Visited a famous parlor in Kuhonbutsu. I apologize for the poor quality of the photo as the cake got damaged while carrying it back home. The Mont Blanc uses Western chestnuts, offering a strong sweetness. The chestnut paste underneath is in the form of a roll cake and is very much to my liking. I prefer the sponge Mont Blanc over meringue, so I was delighted! The paste is firmer compared to recent Mont Blancs. The abundance of whipped cream is also a recommended point. The Chocolat Framboise has a strong acidity from the raspberries, making it refreshing to eat. The crispy chocolate on top balances it out well. It was delicious, thank you for the meal.

The first floor of the apartment building was a store. It was a cake shop that seemed to have been around for a long time. I tried the Sicilia 702 yen cake, which caught my eye first. It was delicious, with pistachio mousse and chocolate cake topped with raspberries and citrus peels, creating a unique and enjoyable taste with each bite. Thank you for the meal.

In a town with a temple, there is a quietly established cake shop since 1980. The shop offers delicious cakes with delicate and cute designs that are a feast for the eyes. One of their cakes is the honey and lemon cake called "Maya the Bee."

The retro exterior and old-fashioned atmosphere inside the shop are simply delightful. The name has a Showa era vibe, which is surprisingly refreshing. - Sicilia: Probably the most popular item. Everyone seems to be posting about it, and just looking at it makes you want to buy it. Pistachio and milk chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge with raspberry sauce. Made by a top-class pastry chef, so it's no surprise that the balance when cut with a fork is just right. Truly wonderful. - Chocolat Framboise: Sweet and refreshingly sour. It's not just sweet and sour, it's sweet, sour, and then sweet again. Delicious. - Gorgonzola Cheese Cake: Inside the syringe is honey. Gorgonzola and honey are a match made in heaven. It's impossible for it not to be delicious. - Matcha: Chef's recommendation. Matcha and vanilla mousse with a pudding-like texture. Surprisingly refreshing. It's amazing how this shop has remained popular in the Jiyugaoka area for so long. It's also great to support a shop that creates sweets with different themes for both parents and children. I look forward to trying the owner chef's cake next time.

Sweets Top 100 TOKYO 56/100 I walked about 10 minutes from Jiyugaoka. It's closer from Kuhonbutsu Station. It has a refined atmosphere that has remained unchanged for a long time. The warm hostess provides attentive service. You can't take photos of the showcase, but it's okay to take pictures of your own plate inside the store. Sicilia @650 - A beautiful moon-shaped pistachio mousse and chocolate mousse. Delicious. Mazzanna @650 - Apple and black currant mousse. I enjoyed it with chamomile tea @580. Thank you for the meal.

Birthday party at a friend's house. I was in charge of getting the cake. Last time, it was from Obon Butan, so this time I briefly thought about where to go and decided on Parlor Laurel. It's great that you can buy a birthday cake even on the day of the party. I chose a buttercream cake with flowers that would stand out. I often bring sweets to home parties, but this traditional cake was well received this time. Also, Obon Butan didn't have number candles, but this place had them. Since I'm getting older, I only needed 2 candles...

I had some time to spare and went to Odakyu Station. I decided to take a coffee break at this shop. The cakes displayed in the showcase are so cute! I wanted to have a shortcake, but I was drawn to the apple-shaped cake, so I ordered the Manzana with coffee. My senior colleague ordered the Maya the Bee cake with iced coffee. The Maya the Bee cake is small and super cute♡ The Manzana cake was delicious and enjoyable even when split! Thank you for the meal☆

When the weather ruined my leisure plans and I ended up stuck at home for work, feeling a bit down, I whispered out loud that I wanted a sweet treat to lift my spirits. To my surprise, a neighbor friend bought me some sweets on their way out. They got it from an old pastry shop that I knew of but had never tried before, which I later found out had become one of the top 100 shops on Tabelog. The vibrant green cake was called "Sicilia," with pistachio and chocolate mousse, coated in a soft pistachio chocolate and dusted with powder. The subtle addition of orange peel and raspberries was a nice touch. The classic shortcake was also delicious, with a high-quality taste that even someone like me, who tends to get heartburn from shortcakes, could enjoy. The size was just right. I'd love to try their other cakes as well. It's a classic deliciousness with a touch of elegance. The upscale quality that fits perfectly in this area. By the way, why are there so many sweets and bakeries along the Oimachi Line from Odakyu Line to Jiyugaoka? I can understand Yokohama (or Kobe) having a bakery culture due to historical reasons, but what's the story behind this sweets route along the Toyoko Line?

I arrived at the shop around 3:00 pm on a regular day. As I entered, I saw a cake showcase and a space where you could sit and enjoy coffee. A very experienced female staff warmly welcomed me. There were only two groups of customers, and there was a table available for me to sit right away. The cakes all looked delicious, so I had a hard time choosing. In the end, I ordered Mirage for 480 yen, Chocolat Framboises for 500 yen, Iced Coffee for 630 yen, and Cafe au Lait for 680 yen. All prices were excluding tax. The veteran pastry chef and the experienced female staff prepared the order together, and it was served in about 15 minutes. I took a small bite of the Mirage. It was truly delicious with a refined sweetness, rich texture, and refreshing berry flavor. The raspberries on top were perfectly ripe and tasty. It was the best cake I've had in recent years. The Cafe au Lait also had a deep and satisfying taste of coffee and milk. It was excellent.

On Friday around 11:30 am, I casually walked by and decided to go in out of curiosity. I was planning to get some takeout, and I found out that either the caramel or the cream puff was 380 yen, with the other being 320 yen, totaling 700 yen. Since the store was empty with only one customer, I asked if it was okay to eat inside with the water they provided, and they said it was fine. I ate it right there. They served it on a plate, and I used a fork and knife to eat the cream puff, which was delicious! Furthermore, the caramel in the pudding was irresistibly sweet and delicious, truly an exquisite dish! Thank you for the meal. I will definitely be going back soon! ^ ^

This area is a paradise for patisserie lovers! In Jiyugaoka, you can find "Patisserie Soleil," "Mont St. Clair," and "Mont Blanc." In Oyamadai, there are "Au Bon Vieux Temps" and "Asako Iwayanagi." In Gakugeidaigaku, you can enjoy "Lude Passy," "Jun Ujiya," and "Matterhorn." At Tachikawa University, there are "Addict au Sucre," "Tadashi Yanagi," and "Yamaguchi," among others. "Parler Larel" was founded in 1980. Chef Kunihiko Muto was involved in the opening of Chez Louis in Daikanyama and later worked as the head chef there before starting his own shop. He is also a board member of the Japan Confectionery Association. Currently, he runs the shop with his second son, who trained at "Le Lidoire" in France and "Pierre Marcolini" in Belgium. The shop is located on the 1st floor of a European-style mansion, with a retro exterior. The cakes are beautifully crafted, resembling works of art. The "Sicilia" with a green crescent moon, the "Sfere" with an orange spherical sun-like shape, and the "Mistral" with a slightly misaligned white square block are eye-catching. The Sicilia costs 715 yen, and the Blend costs 638 yen. The Sicilia is a masterpiece with its elegant shape, arched cross-section, Sicilian pistachio powder on the surface, bittersweet pistachio mousse inside, chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge, and raspberry sauce to balance the flavors perfectly. The texture is light and melts in your mouth. It's also nice that you can eat in the store. The cups are Wedgwood. As you leave, you can see the crescent moon in the sky at dusk. This is definitely a good sign!! Thank you for the feast!