Tabelog ratingPUISSANCE (ピュイサンス) is a classic French patisserie and chocolatier in an unsigned yellow house in Mitakedai, a residential corner of Yokohama. The chef trained in France and at Au Bon Vieux Temps, and the case reflects it. Almonds and deeply baked pastry are at the centre of the style, alongside French classics rarely seen in Japan, such as polonaise (brioche, dried fruit and custard under meringue) and pâte d'amande cuite. It has been named to Tabelog's Sweets "Tabelog 100" list repeatedly since 2017.
Reviewers almost uniformly call the whole range consistently excellent. The chocolate work is singled out most often, especially the chocolate tart and the signature cake PUISSANCE, made with almond meringue, hazelnut cream and caramel ganache. Also praised again and again: the dark-baked mille-feuille, the seasonal fraisier, the Mont Blanc made with Japanese chestnuts, the apple tarts and a canelé one reviewer called perfect.
Criticism is minor. Several reviewers find the shop hard to reach and parking awkward. One found pieces small for the price, and a couple found some cakes very sweet. Late in the day the case can be nearly empty.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around ¥660 for the mille-feuille, ¥561 for gâteau basque and ¥734 for Monsieur Toyoda (pistachio-chocolate mousse). Gâteau chocolat mi-cuit was ¥810, croissant aux amandes ¥418, a petit canelé ¥176 and tarts ¥420–450. Most pastries run roughly ¥400–800. Iced café au lait was ¥500 and a pot of tea ¥550. The listing puts a typical daytime spend at up to ¥999, while reviewers report ¥2,000–2,999 per visit, usually for several pieces to take away. There is no dinner service, since the shop closes at 17:00.
Value is good. Prices are moderate for this level of craft, and reviewers consistently judge the quality worth it, even if pieces are on the small side.
- Getting there: Take the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line to Aobadai Station, North Exit. From bus stop 5, take a bus bound for Fujigaoka Station and get off at Mitakedai Chugakko Iriguchi (Mitakedai Junior High School Entrance). The shop is a 1-minute walk from there. Buses run about four an hour in the daytime. The 1.4 km walk from the station is hilly.
- Finding it: There is no shop sign. Look for a yellow house.
- Booking: No booking is needed. Walk in and buy from the case. Cakes can be pre-ordered in person at the shop (not by phone or fax), with payment upfront. Pre-orders are not taken for the same or the next day. Online orders for in-store pickup open 7 days and close 3 days before pickup, and are not available on holidays or over Christmas. An online store ships baked goods.
- Queues: On weekends people queue before opening.
- Payment: Credit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Diners). Electronic money and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seats: Only 2 counter seats for eating in, unavailable on weekends and holidays. No private rooms. Reviewers note that only about five customers are allowed inside at once.
- Other: Non-smoking, and children are welcome. Parking is in spaces 20 and 21 at Pastoral Miyata No. 2.
- Travelling: Cakes must be eaten the same day. Buy baked goods to carry.
