Paris 19 · Casual
An artisanal pâtisserie near Buttes-Chaumont where traditional French techniques embrace multicultural influences, creating unique pastries with locally sourced ingredients.
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Traditional French pâtisserie elevated by multicultural influences and unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and handmade craftsmanship.
At GINKO, every pastry tells a story of technical mastery meeting creative exploration. The foundation is unquestionably French—classic techniques passed down through generations of pâtissiers—but the execution reveals a chef who has looked beyond France's borders for inspiration, particularly to Japan, while maintaining absolute respect for traditional methods. The pastry selection spans the full spectrum of French pâtisserie. Morning offerings include impeccably laminated croissants at €1.20 and pain au chocolat, where the butter quality and layering technique create that perfect shattering crunch followed by tender, airy interior. These aren't revolutionary interpretations; they're simply excellent executions of classics, proving that GINKO's chef has mastered the fundamentals before venturing into innovation. Where creativity truly emerges is in the signature creations. The Chou Paris-Tokyo exemplifies GINKO's approach—taking the French choux pastry as a base and introducing subtle Japanese influences in flavor or presentation. The Tarte Citron showcases technical precision in its sharp lemon curd and perfectly torched meringue, while the Éclair au chocolat Arriba demonstrates how sourcing exceptional chocolate from Ecuador can elevate a familiar form. The chocolat-sarrasin (chocolate-buckwheat) combination reveals a willingness to explore unexpected flavor pairings that work beautifully together. Seasonal specialties receive particular attention at GINKO. The galettes des rois, available from January, feature classic frangipane filling but distinguish themselves through the inclusion of unique handcrafted ceramic fèves—transforming a traditional celebration into something more memorable. The Bûche Kintsugi, named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, suggests both technical ambition and philosophical depth in the chef's approach to pastry. The pâtisserie works with exceptional ingredients sourced both locally and globally. Chocolates arrive from Peru, Cuba, and Indonesia, selected for their distinct flavor profiles. Coffee comes from Café Esperanza, roasted locally, ensuring that even the beverage program maintains the same quality standards. This commitment to ingredient sourcing extends to seasonal produce and reflects an environmental consciousness that goes beyond mere marketing. GINKO also demonstrates inclusivity in its offerings. The chou noisette-kinako (hazelnut-kinako) provides a gluten-conscious option, while the range of cakes starting at €4.20 ensures accessibility alongside the more elaborate creations. The Tarte Mont Fuji au Marron celebrates the French love of chestnuts while nodding to Japanese aesthetics, and the flan vanillé offers pure, comforting simplicity for those who prefer traditional flavors. What unifies all of GINKO's creations is the absolute commitment to making everything in-house. There are no shortcuts, no pre-made components—just skilled hands, quality ingredients, and time-honored techniques applied with both respect and creativity. The result is a pastry selection that honors French tradition while suggesting that pâtisserie, like all living arts, continues to evolve.
A welcoming neighborhood pâtisserie where artisanal craftsmanship meets everyday accessibility in a warm, unpretentious setting.
GINKO embodies the essence of a true neighborhood pâtisserie—a place where locals feel at home and visitors quickly understand why Parisians cherish their local artisans. The atmosphere is warm and approachable, without any of the intimidation that can sometimes accompany high-quality pastry shops. This is a boutique where you're encouraged to take your time, ask questions about ingredients and techniques, and develop a relationship with the people who create your pastries. The compact size of the space creates an intimate environment that feels more like visiting a craftsperson's atelier than a commercial bakery. You can often glimpse the kitchen where all the magic happens, reinforcing the handmade, artisanal nature of everything GINKO produces. There's a genuine sense of pride in the work here, but it's expressed through the pastries themselves rather than through pretension. The vibe shifts subtly throughout the day—morning brings a steady stream of locals picking up croissants and pain au chocolat with their coffee, creating a convivial, community atmosphere. Afternoons see more leisurely visits as people select individual pastries or discuss custom orders for special occasions. The staff's knowledge and passion for their craft shine through in every interaction, whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor. What makes GINKO particularly special is how it balances serious craftsmanship with genuine warmth. This isn't a museum for pastries; it's a living, working pâtisserie where you're invited to be part of the creative journey. The multicultural influences in the pastries reflect a broader openness and curiosity that permeates the entire experience—this is a place that respects tradition while embracing innovation, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and exploratory.
A clean, artisan-focused boutique where the pastries themselves provide the visual artistry against a backdrop of understated elegance.
GINKO's interior design follows the philosophy that exceptional pastries should be the stars of the show. The decoration is deliberately understated, creating a clean, modern backdrop that allows the colorful, meticulously crafted pastries to capture your full attention. This approach reflects both French minimalism and Japanese aesthetic principles—the idea that beauty emerges from simplicity and that every element should serve a purpose. The pastry display cases are positioned to maximize visibility, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship of each creation. Lighting is carefully considered to highlight the glossy glazes, delicate textures, and vibrant colors of the pastries without creating harsh shadows or artificial effects. The overall palette tends toward neutral tones—whites, light woods, and soft grays—that create a sense of calm and cleanliness while making the pastries' colors pop. As a small boutique, GINKO maximizes its limited space efficiently. Every element has been thoughtfully placed to create smooth flow for customers while maintaining the intimate, artisanal atmosphere. You might notice small touches that hint at the multicultural influences in the pastries—perhaps subtle Japanese-inspired elements in the signage or display materials—but these are integrated naturally rather than being overtly thematic. The overall effect is one of refined simplicity. This is a space designed for the serious appreciation of pastry craft, where nothing distracts from the main event: the beautiful, delicious creations that emerge from the kitchen daily. The decoration communicates professionalism, cleanliness, and respect for the craft without feeling cold or overly formal.
Handcrafted ceramic fèves in seasonal galettes and multicultural pastry interpretations set GINKO apart as a pâtisserie where French tradition embraces global inspiration.
GINKO distinguishes itself in Paris's competitive pâtisserie landscape through several distinctive features that reflect both technical excellence and creative vision. Most notably, the pâtisserie includes unique handcrafted ceramic fèves in each galette des rois—transforming the traditional Epiphany cake into a collectible experience. This attention to detail extends beyond the pastry itself to create a more memorable celebration, turning a seasonal tradition into something truly special. The multicultural approach to French pâtisserie represents another defining characteristic. While many pâtisseries either strictly adhere to tradition or completely reinvent it, GINKO finds a thoughtful middle ground. Creations like the Chou Paris-Tokyo and the Tarte Mont Fuji au Marron demonstrate how Japanese influences can enhance rather than overshadow French techniques. The use of ingredients like yuzu in chocolate and kinako (roasted soybean flour) in choux pastry shows a chef who understands both culinary traditions deeply enough to merge them respectfully. The commitment to making everything in-house from quality ingredients might seem standard for artisanal pâtisseries, but GINKO's approach to sourcing sets it apart. The selection of chocolates from Peru, Cuba, and Indonesia isn't random—each origin is chosen for specific flavor characteristics that enhance particular creations. The partnership with local roaster Café Esperanza for coffee demonstrates a commitment to supporting local artisans while maintaining quality standards. GINKO's location near Buttes-Chaumont, slightly removed from the more tourist-heavy arrondissements, contributes to its authentic neighborhood character. This isn't a pâtisserie designed primarily for Instagram moments or tourist traffic; it's a genuine local resource that happens to produce exceptional work. The compact size reinforces this intimate, artisanal atmosphere—you're not just buying pastries; you're connecting with the people who make them. The seasonal approach to special creations, particularly the galettes and bûches, shows a pâtisserie that respects French culinary calendar traditions while bringing fresh perspectives to familiar celebrations. The Bûche Kintsugi, named after the Japanese art of golden repair, suggests a philosophical depth to the chef's work—the idea that beauty can emerge from imperfection, that different traditions can be joined to create something stronger. Finally, GINKO's inclusivity—offering gluten-conscious options and maintaining a price range from €1.20 croissants to €72 special orders—ensures that exceptional pastry remains accessible to the neighborhood while still allowing for ambitious, celebratory creations. This balance between everyday excellence and special occasion artistry defines GINKO's unique position in Paris's pâtisserie landscape.
Use click & collect for seasonal specialties, visit Tuesday through Sunday, and don't miss the morning croissants paired with locally roasted Café Esperanza.
To make the most of your GINKO experience, timing and planning can significantly enhance your visit. The pâtisserie operates Tuesday through Sunday, so plan accordingly if you're hoping to visit on a specific day. The click & collect service available through their website (/posts) is particularly valuable for securing seasonal specialties like galettes des rois, which can sell out quickly during peak periods in January. This service also allows you to skip potential wait times during busy weekend mornings. For the freshest experience, morning visits offer the advantage of just-baked croissants and pain au chocolat at their absolute peak—still warm, with maximum flakiness. Pair these with a cup of Café Esperanza, the locally roasted coffee served at GINKO, for a quintessential Parisian breakfast experience. The morning also tends to offer the fullest selection before popular items sell out later in the day. If you're interested in the seasonal galettes des rois (available from January), note that the classic frangipane version starts at €35. Given the inclusion of unique handcrafted ceramic fèves, these make particularly special gifts or celebration centerpieces. Ordering in advance through click & collect is highly recommended during the Epiphany season, as these are among GINKO's most sought-after creations. For those with dietary considerations, ask about the gluten-conscious options like the chou noisette-kinako. While the selection may be more limited than the full menu, GINKO's commitment to quality extends to these specialized offerings. Don't hesitate to discuss your needs with the staff—their knowledge of ingredients and preparation methods allows them to guide you toward suitable options. The pâtisserie's location at 33 Rue des Alouettes in the 19th arrondissement, near Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, makes it an ideal stop before or after a walk through one of Paris's most beautiful parks. Consider combining your pastry visit with a picnic in the park—many of GINKO's creations travel well and taste even better enjoyed outdoors with a view. Follow GINKO on Instagram (@patisserie.ginko) to stay informed about seasonal specialties, new creations, and availability. The pâtisserie often announces special offerings through social media, giving followers advance notice to plan their visits or place orders. Finally, while GINKO's compact size creates an intimate atmosphere, it can also mean limited space during peak times. Weekday visits tend to be quieter than weekends, offering more opportunity for unhurried conversation with staff about the pastries, ingredients, and techniques. If you're genuinely interested in learning about the craft, the staff's passion and knowledge make these interactions particularly rewarding.
Chou Paris-Tokyo, Tarte Citron, Éclair au chocolat Arriba, Galette Frangipane (seasonal), Croissant, Chocolat au yuzu, Tarte Mont Fuji au Marron, Flan vanillé
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