Hyperlocal Tokyo

Located directly connected to Omotesando Station, in Echika Omotesando, is Jean-François Echika Omotesando. Omotesando is the first Jean-François store. It is a bakery that inherits the techniques and spirit of M.O.F. (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the highest award for French chefs) award-winning chef Jean-François Le Mercier. I stopped by on my way back from Omotesando Station. It's convenient because it's right by the station's ticket gate! The interior is like a stylish food court, with a chic cafe area featuring streetlights that line the streets of Paris. After ordering, you can enjoy your meal at any table you like. ✴︎ I ordered a melon pan! It's a popular melon pan that has sold over 500,000 units across all stores. It costs 237 yen. It's made with the same dough as their popular bread. The outside is a crunchy cookie, while the inside is moist and chewy! It's a delicious melon pan. It's so popular that they limit customers to 3 melon pans per person. ✴︎ Bacon and Mushroom with Truffle Aroma Bread - 475 yen Made with French truffle oil. Bacon and mushrooms infused with the aroma of truffles, topped with a rich béchamel sauce. Open from 8 am to 9 pm. It's a great place for a morning coffee before work, an afternoon break, or a light meal and coffee after work. It's a versatile store that can be used for a variety of occasions.

**Update:** This bakery is located in a food court in front of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro. It's a place that carries on the techniques and spirit of Jean-François Mercier, a chef who won the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the highest award for French chefs). It was also selected as one of the Top 100 Bakeries in the East by Tabelog in 2020!! I ordered a tea time set with a raisin butter sandwich and hot coffee (¥638), a melon pan, and a mentaiko French bread. 🍴 The raisin butter sandwich was packed with raisins, had a strong sweetness, and the butter cream was a perfect match! 😊 The mentaiko French bread had a good amount of mentaiko grains and was delicious!! ------------------------------------- This bakery is located in a food court in front of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro. It's a place that carries on the techniques and spirit of Jean-François Mercier, a chef who won the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the highest award for French chefs). It was also selected as one of the Top 100 Bakeries in the East by Tabelog in 2020!! I ordered a low-carb chocolate muffin and coffee (¥799 together). 🍴 I had been curious about the low-carb series, and the chocolate was substantial and quite good! 😊 The coffee was a well-balanced blend with a good amount of richness and was delicious.

**Update June 2024:** I came back because the food was so good. This time I ate in! 👍 It was hard to find a seat during lunchtime on the weekend. 💦 The melon bread and anpan are best eaten fresh, not for takeout. 😋 The crust is nice and crispy. You can only buy up to 3 melon breads! I used the takeout service. 🥖 I bought melon bread and a baguette. The prices are reasonable and the baguette is really delicious! It's not super crispy, but the inside is dense and flavorful, even the next day. It's not my absolute favorite, but if I had to recommend a baguette to someone, I'd recommend this one. 👍 I wish there was one closer to my house!⭐️

Located just outside the ticket gates at Omotesando Station, this self-service cafe is conveniently near the restrooms. They offer a set menu of your choice of bread, salad, and coffee for around ¥1,000. Bread alone is ¥440. While it's a self-service establishment, you can usually find a seat, even on weekends. There's typically a line at the register, but it moves quickly, usually within 5 minutes. The clientele is predominantly female, about 70%. While I, a middle-aged man, felt a bit out of place, the atmosphere is similar to Doutor, so there's no need to feel intimidated. The back of the cafe features a food court with various restaurants. The clientele seems to be a mix of business people, those working on their laptops, and groups of female friends.

JEAN FRANÇOIS ECHIKA Omotesando is a sophisticated French bakery offering a delightful selection of breads and pastries. As you step inside, the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, making it impossible to resist. The croissants and baguettes are highly recommended. They boast a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Seasonal sweets are also a highlight, captivating with their visual beauty and exceptional taste. Each meticulously crafted creation, from the Mont Blanc to the tarts, speaks volumes about the bakery's dedication. The staff is incredibly friendly, providing detailed explanations and recommendations, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate the offerings. The eat-in space offers a tranquil ambiance, allowing you to savor your bread and pastries at your leisure. Overall, JEAN FRANÇOIS ECHIKA Omotesando is a captivating destination for bread and pastry enthusiasts, well worth a visit. I highly recommend checking it out.