Selene

Just past 5:00 in the evening, attention at Selene in Bunkyo Ward's Nezu neighborhood turns to financiers baked fresh to order. Crisp and fragrant on the outside with a warm, buttery softness within, these baked pastries make an inviting treat on the walk home or a thoughtful gift to bring from the area.

Standing out in the refrigerated display case is the shop’s namesake specialty, the Selene. Built upon a dacquoise base, sautéed apples, sour cream, and café au lait cream are assembled into a neat rectangular slice, balancing the fruit’s brightness against rich dairy and a pleasant coffee bitterness. Those seeking traditional Western confections will also find dependable choices in the strawberry shortcake—pairing tender sponge with clean-finishing whipped cream—and cream puffs, which encase generous amounts of crème pâtissière within a thin, crisp crust scattered with roasted almonds.

Beyond the cakes and pastries, the counter offers straightforward comforts like the Honwaka Pudding, a smooth custard crafted with Hokkaido dairy and carefully chosen regional ingredients. For something distinctly unconventional, the Smoked Double Cheesecake blends French and Dutch cheeses slowly smoked over cherry woodchips, offering a savory, mature profile well suited to pairing with drinks.

The shop operates exclusively for takeout, allowing visitors to step inside and choose from the counter. A broad range of cashless payment methods—including credit cards, QR-code payment apps, and transit IC cards—makes it a convenient stop during a stroll through Nezu or when picking up a souvenir.