RAU Patisserie & Chocolate (Kyoto, JAPAN) ★★★★☆

Before leaving Kyoto, I managed to squeeze out just enough time for a detour to one of my all-time favorite dessert spots in the city — RAU Patisserie & Chocolate, a place that continues to redefine pastry as edible art.

Tucked away on the third floor of Good Nature Station, just a short stroll from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, RAU is a modern, minimalist space that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come — pastries that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

They have long offered a small variety of homemade gelato around here.

It seems like the lineup of baked goods has quietly expanded since my last visit.

But I was here on a mission — to dive into their world of innovative, boundary-pushing desserts, all of which are displayed like jewels on the counter table.

The namesake dessert, Rau (綠), is shaped like a fallen leaf resting gently on a stone — a nod to nature, impermanence, and artistry.

Rau (綠) (1,650 yen) – From the moment I cut through the delicate white chocolate crust, I was immediately met with an aromatic burst of jasmine tea mousse and a vibrant tropical fruit compote — a medley of pineapple, mango, celery, and dill.

It’s an unexpected combination that works beautifully, balanced with a subtle acidity and floral sweetness. A drizzle of pear sauce, scented with jasmine flowers, ties the entire composition together nicely with poise and elegance.

Every visit to RAU gives me a new perspective on the evolving world of pastry, all thanks to the artistic vision of chef Yusuke Matsushita. His creations aren’t just desserts — they’re stories told through texture, temperature, and taste.

This place has become a fixture on my Kyoto itinerary, and with each return trip, I leave even more inspired.

Food Rating: 7.6/10

Price: ￥￥￥

Address: 3/F Good Nature Station, 1-318-6 Inaricho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8031, Japan

Closest Metro Station: Kyoto-Kawaramachi

Tel: +81 (0)75 352-3724

Website: www.rau-kyoto.com

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm daily