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Cafe Japonaise
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Sandwiches Bakeries, Sandwiches [Edit]
1032 Commonwealth AveBoston, MA 02215
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
(617) 738-7200
- Nearest Transit:
-
Babcock St - Outbound (Green Line)
Babcock St - Inbound (Green Line)
Commonwealth Ave @ Babcock St (193, 57, 57A)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 10 pm
Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
58 reviews for Cafe Japonaise
Review Highlights
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"Ichigo cream is the best I love it." In 7 reviews -
"Otherwise, Japonaise is still a great place to study." In 2 reviews -
"Seriously, I love all the pastries I've had here." In 19 reviews
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Lauretta L.
Boston, MA
3/29/2012
Dangerous little bakery...
I decided not to bring food to school because I had a HUGE brunch and knew I shouldn't eat until dinner, but of course I got hungry (as usual) and walked by this bakery. I was meaning to try the Azuki Creme after seeing my friend's picture of hers and I'm happy I finally did! It's deceivingly light (in a good way) and surprisingly refreshing, especially for being so large (the size of my fist), and I didn't feel the usual post-indulgence guilt trip even though I ate half of it within 5 seconds. I also tend to despise cream, so this one's a winner. I'm looking forward to stopping in here more often in the future. -
Review from Courtney D.
Jersey City, NJ
3/6/2012
Japonaise Bakery & Café (JB&C) is the place where this magic happens! I didn't really feel like venturing out to Cambridge--especially after reading about Vodka's experience--so I was glad to discover that there are three locations: Brookline, Cambridge and Boston. Here are a few facts about Japonaise Bakery & Café:
1. Japonaise is French for Japanese;
2. Hiroko Sakan is a self-taught pastry chef and owner of Japonaise Bakery & Café;
3. I believe Japonaise Bakery & Cafe is the ONLY place where one can get French pastries with a Japanese twist AND an African Queen Cake! -
Review from Elaine C.
Boston, MA
2/18/2012
Love this place as I am a picky eater when it comes to bread. They have some of the best Japanese style sliced breads. I love the heavy cream shoku pan. It is cream and soft in comparison to typical bread you can get at the grocery store.
The asuki cream and ichigo cream are really good. Another good choice is the strawberry cream cake. It is not overly sweet and its the perfect size.
My friend tried the curry donut. It was a bit on the oily side and would be better if it was served warm.
Overall, it will be a place I would come back to because they have free wifi and I want to try their drinks. -
Review from Liri K.
Boston, MA
12/29/2011
I don't know why I didn't stop to write this well deserved review a long time ago. Their food is fresh, and more than fairly priced: I usually get the salad which is $4.99 along with one of those triangle-sushi-like things that is only $2 (my favorite is the spicy tuna). Their baked goods are yumm, try their white chocolate scone. Sandwiches are good too.
The staff is friendly, and back when I was a student, their second floor made a perfect study spot. -
Review from S L.
Boston, MA
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Negative one, if I had my way. The joint was empty when I went in. Only bloke behind the counter was making a sandwich. I waited for few minutes, but the bloke never acknowledge that I was even there (I understand he was busy making a sandwich). He just looked at me for a second and then continue to completely ignore me. Does it hurt to say "I'll be with you shortly. I am swamped right now"?! I mean... Really? I just walked out. Common courtesy will go a long way, especially in a restaurant/cafe.
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Review from Farrah F.
11/23/2011
The $8 credit card minimum makes me a little sad, but it kinda forced me to try more. I fled the west coast (I miss you more and more each day as it gets colder over here) before I got a chance to try all the super-awesome Japanese bakeries my friend told me about in San Jose, so I was really excited to finally get to try a curry bread! (First discovered their glorious existence due to Osaka from Azumanga. heh heh heh...)
So...I got two curry breads (or curry doughnuts), a chocolate horn, and an ichigo cream.
The curry doughnut is amazing, but I believe it could be made even better if we'd had a chance to warm it. It's filled with a traditional Japanese curry with beef, onions and carrots.
The chocolate horn is also really good! It's a sweet bread filled with a chocolate custard cream and dipped in Belgian chocolate.
The ichigo cream gets packed into its own special box! Tis a pastry with a light, flaky crust, cream and strawberry slices. :]
I have nothing to compare these to, but they were good. :O A bit pricey, but super good. :] -
Review from M S.
Allston, MA
Updated - 7/19/2011
Yo, Cafe Japonaise...what's up with the heat? I've come in twice this week and have barely been able to stay for an hour before finally giving up and migrating someplace cooler. I'm retracting a star because with the heat, I just can't handle hanging out. :(
And I've gotten an Italian soda a couple of times, and neither time did I have enough syrup. I don't foresee this changing unless the "2-pump for small, 3-pump for large" rule is nixed. It's more like subtly flavored sparkling water than soda.
On a different note, if you haven't already, try the Azuki Cream. It's plump with fragrant red bean and delicious pastry cream. I also love the onigiri, especially the takana.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2010
I knew it was a good sign when I saw the tins of Harney & Sons.
I just moved from Texas, which means… Read more »
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Review from Julie J.
Boston, MA
9/28/2011
SCONES. LOVE. Cafe Japonaise's scones are different from any other scone I've ever eaten; rather than flaky like like a traditional English scone, these are perfectly crisp and slightly crusty on the outside, and super fluffy and cake-like on the inside. The chocolate scone has huge hunks of chocolate that get melty and soft. The scone itself is not too sweet, which is perfect, in my opinion.
Note: there's a minimum credit card charge of $8. -
Review from Nick H.
San Jose, CA
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Coffee here was terrible. Mocha had barely any espresso in it, and something was very un-malty and un-soy like with the steamed soy milk. My poor lactose intolerant stomach left uncaffeinated, unsatisfied, and unhappy.
Other items looked tempting enough, but won't be back for any coffee. -
Review from Cha Cha W.
Cambridge, MA
6/12/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I have a slight obsession with Japanese/French fusion baked goods ever since my first trip to Japan decades ago. I've loved their outlet in Porter Exchange and when I can get to it, the main bakery at St. Mary's in Brookline but now I can enjoy the wonderful bonus of also indulging in my cafe lounging obsession to complement my weekly almond croissant obsession.
While the lower level seating isn't so inspired to get work done, if you're in need of outlets and some quiet time, the upstairs makes for a perfect satellite office. The wifi is free, the atmosphere is casual quiet, the banquettes are padded and there's an unending array of drinks and goodies waiting for you downstairs. Try the curry donut and azuki cream. You can thank me later!Listed in: Lounge Cafes
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Review from Sara C.
Brookline, MA
8/2/2011
A nice walk around the neighborhood brought me to the little cafe. It was pretty cute. The boba tea was good and the pastry was really good - fresh. I was surprised by its freshness. So many of these cafes get pastries from elsewhere the day before so they are dry, but these tasted like same day fresh.
It was really hot in there, but by M.S.'s comment that is not the norm.
The wi-fi is free just pick up the password from the staff. -
Review from Dorise G.
6/3/2011
If I tell you the Milk and Thai teas with boba are terrible, does that mean you'll stop buying all of it up before I get there?
Love their boba teas, love their pastries, love the atmosphere, love the location. But seriously, stop drinking thai tea there - that jam is MINE. -
Review from T L.
Boston, MA
2/8/2011
The customer service here is, honestly, really terrible.
But, the products are amazing, and I go here all the time just to pick up something for lunch. You'd think this would be an easy transaction- pick out something from the cold case, get rung up, and go. I can't tell you how many times the cashier has managed to mess up an interaction this simple.
There have been other times when absolutely no one is working behind the counter. Or the cashier couldn't figure out the credit machine. Or they were out of cups. Or they were out of straws. Or it was 11am, and none of the pastries had been set up in the case. There is a homeless man that frequents the cafe and harasses customers to use their cell phones.
The Japonaise on Beacon St really needs to step in and make some serious changes to management at the Commonwealth location. I love the pastries and the food but have increasingly avoided coming in because I know the service will be awful. -
Review from L F.
Allston, MA
4/7/2011
I'm a fan of both this location and the Beacon St one (I haven't been to the Porter Sq one). This one is more hipster-ish looking than the Beacon St one, and it also has more seating and free wifi... good for studying and getting some grad school work done... with a side of pastries!
Seriously, I love all the pastries I've had here. They are tasty, some more than others (ichigo cream? awesome!)
I usually stick to the an pan, though, when I need to reminisce fondly about my time in Japan...
They also have onigiri: rice triangles filled with fish or vegetables, and wrapped in nori seaweed. It doesn't compare to what I used to eat for breakfast in Japan (the seasoning is somehow off...) but it makes do in a pinch (if you know of more onigiri sources in Boston, let me know!).
Mystery: the spicy hot chocolate has been on their menu since they first opened, and I have yet to try it, because they have always been out of the chocolate mix...
Bottom line: go here for the pastries (they beat Panera's any day!) -
Review from Hsiao-Ting C.
Somerville, MA
7/16/2011
One of my favorite bakery. Their strawberry short cake is a bit pricey but worth every penny. I normally don't like creams on cakes. I would just eat the bread but this is one of the few cakes that I would eat everything. The cream is not too sweet. The cake is light and fluffy. Totally addicting. All their breads and sandwiches are delicious. Can't go wrong here for a quick snack.
I bring all my friends here to try the strawberry short cake and it has not disappointed anyone so far. They all agreed it was yummy! -
Review from Alexis K.
Updated - 10/8/2011
Since my last review, service has vastly improved. The owner all kinds of awesome and sincere, and we've talked about Japonaise. The staff is quite reasonable and beyond nice to customers. The food I've had is tasty and I enjoy my coffee.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/15/2011
Two star knock off? Say what?
The quality of service has gone down. A lot. An example from today: the… Read more »
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Review from Albert D.
Boston, MA
11/10/2010
Solid place to chill and study. Same food as the other Japonaise, but with tables and wireless internet.
I talked with the manager who said he hopes to make it a venue for artists and musicians to showcase their work. Plus, there's going to be beer at some point? In the meantime, get a baked good, a coffee drink, and chill out here.
The sandwiches are good but a bit costly. I'd stick with the pastries. An pan and rice balls are good. There's a 15% student discount that they're starting up so that's nice (but coffee and anything else, show id, get 15% off). -
Review from Dan T.
More like Funkin' Fauxnuts. Alright, not really...but the An Doughnut was pretty spectacular.
We'd stopped in after leaving Roast Beast and went with 3 items for $7.22 (there's a $8 card min). Given that all I sustained myself on there were the spicy pickles, I had a hankering for some retribution. I got it in the form of an Azuki Cream & the aforementioned donut. Not much for the savory, I still tried the ume, which I didn't find sweet enough to be considered anything more than a botched seaweed roll, but that's besides the point. The other 2 items were so stellar that that can be forgiven (or forgotten, since that was probably due to my own aversion rather than a failure of the artisans).
Establishment-wise: the brother was fascinated by the lift along the stairs and the mother by the artwork that could be reached with it. The vibe was laid back and the staff consisted of a single young Asian fella who was incredibly friendly. I'm talkin' one of those dudes that makes anyone feel like a curmudgeon comparatively.
FYI: The joint (probably the more prominent and more publicized Brookline flagship) was apparently feature on TBTIEA. -
Review from Haley B.
Boston, MA
12/5/2011
I go to Cafe Japonaise for the sandwiches and they are delicious. However, I have been going there at least once a week for about a year for a lunch sandwich and they just keep getting smaller and smaller. The $8.50 price, and the decreasing size of the sandwich is putting a huge damper on what is usually one of my favorite lunches.
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Review from Thy L.
10/23/2010 2 photos
This place is definitely not bad. Those who say that price is reasonable, I don't know if I agree with that statement. Maybe it's the crowd with a higher disposable income. The price range option is also misleading. It is under $10 a person if all you order is a drink. If you compare their coffee prices to other local coffee shops around, like PC Cafe, Infusion Tea Spa, etc. I think they're probably the most expensive in the area.
They might be more expensive than Starbucks for coffee that is not as good. Don't ever order hot drinks. A small vanilla latte that looks like a short from Starbucks is $4+. The iced drinks are a bit more reasonable.
Also, be sure to bring cash or spend more than $8 (which means you have to buy a drink + something else to eat) or you'll be charged a credit card fee. You're paying more for the same item basically for thin air. PC Cafe on Harvard only has a $4 minimum. What a rip off. I read another review that says they only charge $0.25 for credit card fee, did they drop it recently? It was definitely more before. If so, kudos to them.
Service is slow and inconsistent. One time I ordered an iced drink, customers after me got their sandwich and drink before me. I went up to remind her 30+ mins later, she says she forgot. Brings me a hot drink. I told her it's wrong. She goes and pours it in a cold drink cup and adds ice. My drink was still warm when I got it...
Their sandwiches are mediocre for the price they charge. Never order the rustic bread. It's hard as a rock. Their best quality food is probably their desserts. The custard bun has a very delicious cream that's not too sweet. They're also very generous with the amount of custard they put in it, but I guess for $1.80 a piece, they should be (a custard bun from a Chinatown bakery is less than $1). Their spicy tuna onigiris are always very delicious. I guess there were complaints before that they didn't put enough filling and had too much rice, so they put up a sign that says more filling. HIP HIP HOORAY! For around $2-$3, it's a steal. Everything else in the restaurant is pretty pricey.
Oh and if you're gonna buy a bottled drink from them. Just walk down the block and go to super 88 for the bottled asian drinks or Shaws for the Nantucket Nectars beforehand rather than paying the steep premium they charge.
I also like that they have free wireless, but they could use more outlets around the place since it seemed to have become such a study spot for students around here. There's only one outlet downstairs and maybe two upstairs, where they have less tables. I would also prefer slightly brighter lights for studying.
Oh and please work on making your bathroom cleaner looking. Every time I walk in, it has a distinct smell and the toilet itself is pretty disgusting. I've seen stains that I didn't want to see. People say that the best way to judge how clean a place that serves food is is by looking at their bathroom!
I sound like I have a lot of complaints about this place, but I do really think it has a lot of potential. I've always been a huge fan of the other Japonaise bakeries, especially the one in Porter Square. But for me, as a cafe, it's left a lot to be desired. -
Review from Blake J.
Allston, MA
9/6/2010
The first couple of times I went into newly opened Cafe Japonaise, I didn't like it and I didn't get it. Nothing seemed particularly Japanese about the assortment of pains au chocolat and I was a bit confused as to why I couldn't buy the same mochi ice cream (which they now have!!!) and lychee jellies that I typically scurry off with from their Porter location. However as I've opened my mind and the bakery has opened up its menu, I've started to enjoy the cafe a lot more.
Pastries: Somewhere in this establishment, there is a pastry chef who knows what's up (which is a lot more than most other places can say) and the staff members seem to know the recipe in-and-outs and are heavily invested in all of the products. Accordingly, the pastries are AMAZING. I haven't encountered a bad one yet. My personal favorites: the African Queen, An Pan, the Cafe Japonaise, and the Ichigo Cream.
As of right now there are only three vegetarian sandwiches: the caprese and grilled veggie paninis and the fresh veggie sandwich, which is the grilled veggie panini without the grilling part. All three are fine, the caprese is probably the best. Before I stopped eating meat, I was fond of the ham and gruyere, but I found the chicken katsu to be entirely overwhelming.
Drinks: With the exception of the hot chocolate, this is one of the weaker parts of their selection, in my opinion. They have a rather strong Thai iced tea that is tasty, but I can't handle it on a daily basis. Their teas are delicious though they are not loose leaf as the sign claims. That said, I think I would much prefer that they worked out the kinks of some of their cafe drinks as opposed to introducing beer to the establishment. Beer would totally change the atmosphere.
People watching and atmosphere: Cafe Japonaise is one of the rare cafes that doesn't seem to have a specific patron. I catch BU students hanging out here about as often as local hipsters with a sprinkling of middle aged folks on lunch break. Part of the appeal is probably the fact that the space is so big and rarely crowded. There are a number of easily accessible outlets and the wifi is free (you'll need to ask for the password though).
Credit card policy: Cafe Japonaise has one of the best hybrid credit card policies ever. I understand that small businesses lose money on small credit/debit card purchases due to the fees credit companies assess, but small businesses also need to be realistic about urban dwellers' increasing preference not to be carrying cash on their person. Cafe Japonaise simply charges $.25 per purchase beneath their $8 limit. I don't mind paying an extra quarter to offset your credit card fees when you give me the option to. I often announce the fact that I'm ok with the $ .25 charge before they ask. (I'm just that damn excited about it!) I wish more places would adopt similar policies. [end rant]
Cafe Japonaise, if you would hurry up and unroll a delicious breakfast menu, you would be perfect! -
Review from Angie P.
Cambridge, MA
5/26/2011
Cute! Love it. I bought the HomeRun coupon and it was worth it.
Wifi, good layout, big windows, upstairs, pastries. -
Review from Matt P.
Boston, MA
3/11/2010
I've been going here for lunch for a few days now, and I like it quite a lot.
You can definitely get a good sandwich here. I love the BLGT sandwich (Bacon lettuce garlic tomato) and the boxed finger sandwiches are better than they look. The katsu sandwich tasted like a fairly standard fried chicken sandwich, probably wouldn't have that one again. I Haven't tried the others.
The sweets here are really amazing. For a good time, try the azuki cream bun. I liked the melon-pan too, although I can't promise its authenticity.
The atmosphere here is great. The staff are helpful and personable. When I ask for water, I always get water, not a bottle of Dasani. The place is really relaxed and comfortable, with cool artwork (for sale) on the walls.
The only thing I'll say against it is that, relative to other lunch places in the area, it's kind of expensive ($10 for a sandwich and one other item).
Overall, a fairly unique and comfortable place to go. Check it out! -
Review from snow g.
Boston, MA
10/25/2011
I have been a patron of Japonaise for a long time (before the Comm Ave location opened), and I have always been extremely satisfied with their food and service. I help organize a local meetup group, and Japonaise kindly allowed us to meet in the upper portion of the Comm Ave location last weekend. We submitted our food order in advance, and paid in advance, and Japonaise had the pastries ready and waiting for us when we arrived. Sandwiches were made as the person who had ordered each arrived, and we ordered and paid for drinks individually (since you can't really make drinks in advance!). The staff was super friendly throughout our stay, and even inquired about the topic of our group.
Japonaise undoubtedly has the best pastries in the Allston area. They are my go-to shop when I need sweets for a meeting. Nothing beats the azuki cream! I also love their boxed egg salad sandwiches and potato croquets. The non-tuna rice balls are vegan, so there are (limited) options on that front. Make sure you bring cash or plan a largish order; the credit card minimum is $8. -
Review from Natalia R.
ALLSTON, MA
1/28/2012
I really love this place. Really. They have the best sandwiches, the pastries are out of this world, but here's what I can't understand. On Saturday morning, I go over there at 8am expecting the place to be open. There is a sign out front saying it will be open, so why have I been there two times at 8am and it is shut? I'll keep going there, but if you say you are going to be open at 8, be open at 8.
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Review from Jeremy W.
Brookline, MA
11/1/2009
We moved to area about four months ago and started noticing signs for Cafe Japonaise shortly after. It finally opened within the last week and we're very excited! We used to live across and spend a great deal of time in one of San Francisco's best cafes (Cafe Du Soleil) and the idea of a neighborhood place to sit, feel comfortable, and enjoy some good food definitely resonates!
They have a top-line espresso maker and we were not disappointed with the coffee. Another plus are the real ceramic serving cups (a pet peeve of mine are coffeehouses that serve in disposable cups, even when you're staying). The baked goods are varied and tasty, I suggest the challah as odd as that sounds. The space is incredible and has huge potential.
My only complaint today is that they were playing Magic 106.7 which is really awful and perhaps if the music selection improves I will increase the rating to 5-stars!!
So where are all the people? We were the only folks who physically stayed in the cafe, for almost two hours. If you live around here please patronize them instead of walking by with your Dunkin-Donuts paper bags yecch! -
Review from Nicole S.
11/5/2009 4 Check-ins Here
I'm glad this place opened since I can run in here and grab breakfast and lunch before work. I love the fact that they are opened at 7am and open until 10pm. I have already been in a few times and the people I met were helpful and friendly. The guy this past Saturday even let me try my peach Italian soda to see if I liked it as is of if I want more syrup. The pastries were all really good. We have had an almond croissant, bun, chocolate mouse filled chocolate covered pastry, and a ham and cheese croissant. I even got a potato croquet sandwich. It was simple and really good with its terryaki glaze.
This place is really dark so they need to work on brightening it up. The darkness is not inviting, so much so that you would not really know it was open in the morning unless you saw the plywood sign saying 'open'. They also should label their pastries or I'm just going to continue to ask you what is inside that bun, and what's that, and what's in that...
This place just opened up and they are drilling working out the kinks so I'm sure I'll be back for a review update since they are going to be starting brunch! -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
5/17/2010
I have been to all three Japonaise locations and this one's the best by virtue of being the most spacious while still having all the goodies I love from them (ICHIGO CREAM!)
Lots of chairs and tables over two levels = a good thing. Although if you're into people-watching, you'll pretty much see only one type of person: BU student, BU student, BU student, oh! 2 BU students! Etc, etc.
On to the pastries: I always end up going to the Japonaise at Porter Sq because it's closer but all the Japonaise bakeries have the same-quality delicious pastries. Get: California dream cake, strawberry shortcake, melon bun, macaroons, Azuki cream (red bean + custard), Sweetheart (chocolate + mousse) and....
ICHIGO CREAM!
If I could write a haiku about this pastry, I would. If I could sing a love ballad to it in exchange for a lifetime's supply of it, I'd be on American freakin' Idol right now. Ichigo cream is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. And fat. It is: light flaky pastry sandwiching cold yellow custard and fresh sliced strawberries. It feels like the most delicate thing you've ever held. It tastes like an orgasm.
The next time life starts dumping on you, eat an Ichigo Cream. Same calories as beer, no walk of shame the next day.
(Oh, and back to this location: love the giant aquarium filled with tropical fish. I'm easily distracted by pretty colors and got a lot of Ichigo Cream powdered sugar on myself as I watched the fish move.) -
Review from Bravo A.
Boston, MA
10/19/2010
Excellent little place, especially if you can snag a table on the second level. You may find yourself watching the fishtank more than studying... but that's okay.
Good coffee, haven't tried their tea yet (but I intend to, today). Their pastries are delicious and all of the prices are very reasonable.
The staff is beyond friendly.
Good place to chat, good place to study. -
Review from Sara M.
Updated - 8/1/2010
I still love this place, but I was a bit disappointed with the sandwich I got today. I ordered the ham and gruyere which was tasty but billed as a panini when it was really a cold sandwich with grill marks and slightly melted cheese.
Otherwise, Japonaise is still a great place to study!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/19/2010
Three Words: Almond Paste Criossant
So Good! I sat here for two hours and studied without… Read more »
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Review from Margarita Y.
Boston, MA
2/25/2010
This will be my new go-to place to study on weekday nights and relax with friends over the weekend. I have visited the one over in brookline so its nice to have it closer to home in the allston area. This location has more table space and two floors to sit anywhere you want, so it's not a huge fight for chairs. Once you get inside, you are welcome by the friendly staff. They are super nice and helpful, so tip when you can! The background music put me at ease right away and got me into the studying mode.
I love it here and can't wait to be back! -
Review from Kristyn M.
Boston, MA
4/21/2010
All of the qualities that I look for in a good cafe, Japonaise delivers with. I came in with the intention of making the free hour I had a productive one, while still being able to enjoy the sunshine, get some caffeine, and find a healthy snack to top it all off.
Cafe Japonaise's airy atmosphere and large windows made the sunshine part possible. There's a great openness to the cafe, and its two levels are paired with sufficiently sized tables that create an uncramped and relaxed workspace. The ideal place to get some laptop work done, especially with the jazz that was playing in the background.
My iced latte was satisfactory, fresh espresso and milk, and I was able to find my healthy snack in a great little seaweed pocket. Unexpectedly tasty, with spicy tuna surrounded by rice, all wrapped in seaweed. Light, small but filling, cheap (2 bucks!), and flavorful. Even though it was a pre-packaged deal, the rice wasn't soggy or stale. The array of desserts looked VERY tempting, and the sandwich board boasted some quality sounding lunches.
The gentleman at the counter was friendly and conversational - I'm always happy and willing to compliment warm hospitality.
I will definitely be back when I need a break from studying at home or school, and am looking forward to that time! -
Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
6/23/2011 6 photos
Having heard great things about both their Almond Croissant and Azuki Cream (and with my dining companions sporting a groupon) our order was straight forward enough with 2 croissants and 4 creams packed and ready within minutes by a pleasant young Californian looking girl...selling largely French pastries...with a Japanese touch.
Beginning first with the croissant - according to some the best Almond version in Boston - all I can say is "really?" Perhaps it was our timing (around 3pm and not eaten until nearly 6pm) or perhaps I was spoiled by my recent trip to Paris, but whatever the reason I was simply unimpressed. With the exterior appropriately crisp and buttery, the "almond butter cream" interior was more like a wet layer of artificially flavored paste that although sweet and tasty enough entirely bogged down the pastry. Fairing better, perhaps due to lesser experience and expectation, was the Azuki Cream - another flaky croissant-style creation this time filled with mashed sweetened red beans and whipped cream. Again quite hefty with the filling - in this case expectedly - weighing down the pastry I actually really enjoyed the savory aspects of this creation and particularly the way the slightly coarse texture married with the impressively light cream. -
Review from Annette A.
Brighton, MA
This could be the hottest little cafe in Brighton/Brookline if only it weren't so accidently secret. The dark windows and neon make this place look shabby and cold from the outside, but I chained up my bike and took a step inside.
The place is a gem. In fact, it even looks like a gem. The inside is lit warmly, with ruby red cushioned seating and tabletops that look like they were crafted from the body of glittering Corvette. It's sexy and sophisticated in here, and there are 2 levels so you can truly find a private area to enjoy your coffee.
Though the upstairs gives an air of escape, i feel that if it wasn't as brightly lit (perhaps dim the overhead lights a bit and put candles at the tables), it would be absolutely perfect. This is more of a tip than a complaint, but I can't help but glance across the street to Brown Sugar and notice how romantic and serene they look for a Thai restaurant.
This place has a LOT of potential. I hope they do well. There's nothing quite like this place for miles. -
Review from Nik B.
10/25/2009
Great potential. Little delivered...as of yet.
I went here today because I saw that it was finally open. I've passed it on my walks down Comm Ave many times and have been very curious to see what it would be like.
I walked in and ordered a cafe mocha. My order was taken, and I paid and I sat down. Moments later, the same girl who took my money told me she was actually out of cocoa powder for mochas. She told me that they did have many flavor shots however. I just ordered a cappucino, and it was pretty good.
I like that there is free wifi. and the potential for a great hang out spot...there is a few beer taps, including one that I believe is Japanese. I like that there is fresh baked bread everyday (haven't tried it).
I was also given a sample of the red bean donut. While it was kind of an awkward donut, it was also delicious. It's obviously unusual to have beans in a donut, but once you get past that, it's kind of good.
Overall, I'm still waiting to see Cafe Japonase show it's full potential, but, there is definitely massive potential there. -
Review from dave r.
1/17/2010
As a non-collegiate who works in the surrounding area, Cafe Japonaise has the potential to fulfill a need I have that had gone unfilled for more than a year, which specifically was a cafe within spitting distance from work that felt welcoming for longer than the duration it took to eat a sandwich. Angora Cafe a few doors down doesn't really do that, between the too-close-tables and lack of seating. Cafe Japonaise has tables that aren't bolted to the floor, multiple seating areas and exceptionally friendly staff.
The place just opened and there are still some things in the works -- for instance, I've ordered three paninis from here so far, and every time they need to send someone all the way into the back to make it because they haven't figured out staffing yet or they haven't moved the sandwich press into the front. But the caprese sandwich is lovely on the rustic wheat bread, and the eggplant-centric sandwich is at least a B+. That's right, they have TWO vegetarian sandwiches on the menu, count em! More than some places, but a third would be welcome.
They give you your latte or cappuccino in great big mugs too. The beer taps seem to be interesting, but I wonder who would be stopping in for a beer ... maybe the local college kids? -
Review from Mika T.
Tenafly, NJ
3/6/2011
This place has great tasting cakes and pastries but the customer service is horrible.
I ordered a birthday cake for my friend in November and arranged for a pick-up time at 4pm. The store is supposed to be open on weekdays until 8pm. However when I came to pick up my cake, the store had closed early at 3pm. This is completely unacceptable. I had to call the main store in Beacon Street and figure out what to do about the cake that I had ordered. Luckily there was someone still cleaning up however the order for my cake was incomplete. They had forgotten to write the message on the cake and the cashier girl haphazardly drew on "Happy Birthday" on the cake.
Since their cakes taste so delicious, I decided to come back and order another cake for another friend's birthday despite the bad experience. This time when I came in to pick it up at 5pm, the cake wasn't even at the store! The manager came 15 minutes later, announcing there had been a mistake in the main store.
There is seriously some management issues at this store and even after I complained I don't know if things will improve. Definitely will not be returning to this bakery. -
Review from ana l.
Brookline, MA
3/7/2010
This is the place for watching ppl fail at parallel parking. In the span of 20 mins I watched 3 different cars bump a car as they were trying to reverse into the spot.
It is also the place to get great boba green tea. Not too sweet and the boba is cooked they way i like it (not mushy). I highly recommend this drink.
Their board says they carry loose leaf tea but they only have bagged tea. The Jasmine was quite good. I do not remember the brand they use.
The decor is simple and the space is quite vast. They have stools and high-top tables for people watching in the front, smaller tables big enough to fit your laptop and books, and an upstairs area with more seating.
Interesting selection of sandwiches (the bread is freshly made). Nice display of pastries, but did not try any. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
4/13/2011
Being in the Allston area I had Japonaise on my list of places to try. On the reccomendation of the guy behind the counter I tried the Curry Donut and the Almond Croissant. The Curry Donut was served warm and filled with beef and you guessed it, curry. It tasted just like it sounds, I would only reccomend it to someone who seriously into indian style food. The almond croissant was tasty but no better or worse than others I have tried before.
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Review from Jenn C.
4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
the azuki cream pastry brings back so many fond memories of japan.
I'm a huge fan of azuki beans, except they can be too sweet at times.. so I need something creamy to balance it out. the azuki cream is literally sweetened red beans and whipped cream in a puff pastry and it is DELICIOUS.
I'm not a fan of melon pan but my cousin can testify that it was the highlight of his week.
