Tabelog ratingLA VOITURE is a small café with a singular focus: perfecting the Tarte Tatin. This is the place's raison d'être, a dessert so revered it has earned the shop multiple awards. The process is said to take several days, using over twenty apples (often Sun Fuji or Ōrin varieties) for each whole tart, which are slowly caramelised until they achieve a deep, concentrated flavour. The café itself enhances the experience, with a quiet, gallery-like interior filled with antique furniture and distinctive chinaware.
Unsurprisingly, reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Tarte Tatin, served warm with a side of plain yoghurt. Its intense apple flavour is frequently described as memorable. The walnut tart (kurumi) and apple-syrup sodas also receive positive mentions from guests who appreciate the classic, retro atmosphere.
However, the signature dish can be divisive. Its texture is exceptionally soft, almost like stewed fruit, which some visitors find mushy rather than the firm, bouncy texture they expect. The accompaniment of plain yoghurt, rather than the more conventional crème fraîche, can also be a surprise. Other drinks like coffee are often described as ordinary, and some guests find the portions small for the price or the service occasionally curt.
Expect to spend around ¥1,000–¥1,999. Reviewers in recent years reported paying around ¥1,580 for a Tarte Tatin and drink set, with a single slice costing between ¥860 and ¥900. A slice of the walnut tart was noted at around ¥680. The café offers good value if you are seeking an expertly crafted Tarte Tatin in a specific style, but less so if you're looking for a large, casual dessert or excellent coffee.
- Getting There: LA VOITURE is a 15-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station, or a 5-minute walk from the Kumano Shrine bus stop.
- Reservations: Reservations are not accepted. The café is small, so expect to queue, especially in the afternoon. The tart can sell out.
- Payment: Credit cards and electronic money (including transport IC cards like Suica, iD, and QUICPay) are accepted. QR code payments are not.
- Seating: There are 18 seats. No private rooms are available.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire café is non-smoking.
- Parking: One parking space is available nearby.
- Practical Tips: The menu is in Japanese, but visitors have successfully used translation apps. Takeout is available and is a good option to secure a tart if you arrive early.
