Tabelog ratingGateau des Bois A Ra Maison (ガトー・ド・ボワ A LA MAISON) is the Nara patisserie of Chef Masahiko Hayashi, whose signature creation, the 'Ambroisie', won the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie. This iconic cake features a glossy bitter-chocolate shell encasing a pistachio bavarois and raspberry jam, balanced with a subtle liqueur note. The shop's reputation is built on this and a wider repertoire of layered mousse cakes that prioritize sophisticated textures and balanced flavours over pure spectacle.
Guests consistently praise the 'Ambroisie' for its rich yet refined taste. Other popular choices include chocolate and pistachio mousses like the 'La Galaxie' and 'Piemonte', as well as classic shortcakes such as the 'Gâteau Fraise'. Reviewers note the immaculate presentation and dependable quality across the entire range. The main criticism is practical: the most popular cakes, especially the 'Ambroisie', often sell out early in the day, leaving a limited selection for afternoon visitors. A minority of guests have also found portions small for the price.
For a special treat, the quality justifies the cost. Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around ¥860–¥915 for the 'Ambroisie' and ¥700–¥870 for a slice of 'Gâteau Fraise'. Most customers spend between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999 for a cake and a drink in the café. While not an everyday purchase, it offers strong value for those who appreciate world-class French pastry technique.
- Getting There: The shop is a 2-minute walk from the South Exit of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station.
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome for the café, but it's small and can be busy. To guarantee getting a specific cake like the 'Ambroisie', it is highly recommended to reserve it by phone in advance.
- Seating: There are 30 seats, including a small terrace. At busy times, your stay in the café may be limited to one hour.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX), electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside the shop or café, but it is allowed on the outdoor terrace.
- Parking: Validated parking is available at the nearby Saidaiji Parking Lot. Present your ticket at checkout for 30 minutes free for takeaway or 1 hour free for café use.