01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Set along Kasuga-dori in Koishikawa, bakery IENA commands attention first and foremost with its weighty, generously stuffed raisin bread. Tear through the tender crust and you meet a dense tumble of sweet raisins folded around a hearty center of rich cream cheese. The interplay of concentrated dried fruit and velvety cheese gives every slice satisfying depth, making it the house signature that many customers come explicitly to buy.
The viennoiserie and savory loaves show equal care. Croissants baked with Calpis Butter shatter lightly on the outside before releasing deep, milky butter aromas from their airy interiors. Flaky pain au chocolat, pillowy salted butter buns that seep melted richness as you bite, and adzuki bean rolls packed to the edges with sweet paste all showcase quality ingredients without fuss.
Arriving when doors open at 8:00 makes it possible to sit down inside for breakfast or lunch. Diners can order the Soup Set—daily bread accompanied by a salad and soup of the day—or a One-Plate Set, or simply have savory buns and pastries warmed up to enjoy with blended coffee or a cafe latte. Glasses of sparkling, red, and white wine are also poured, pairing neatly with pastrami sandwiches or pizza slices for an easy adult lunch.
The shelves often thin out as the afternoon progresses, so arriving in the morning is the safest bet for picking from the full selection. Payments via PayPay are accepted, making it easy to drop in and carry home provisions for the table.
