So happy to finally have a Japanese bakery in the neighborhood - and it's good! Choux Creme is my favorite - love the light cream in it. Would love to try matcha roll cake next time! (Need to order beforehand) read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Environment is cozy& unique. The food and pastry's were delicious & service was fantastic. I want to try all of it.

My favorite bakery! The rolls and bread are always fresh and not too sweet which I like. A bit pricier then your average bakery but you know what, you get what you pay for. My favorite is the green matcha roll! Always call ahead as they sell out pretty quickly. read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Green matcha roll is so yummy! - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Such a lovely first time experience at Chako! We met Yvette and Chako (the owner) when we stopped in for lunch and they were the two sweetest women, very warm, friendly, and accommodating. Everything in the bakery is made fresh in-house and the space is very cute and sunny. Chako was a nurse for most of her career but she recently finished the Chef Fellowship Program at the Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington, and now she operates her own bakery on Pike Street. You can tell she is extremely passionate about baking and I feel so fortunate that there is FINALLY a Japanese bakery in the region! The items she is baking are not served anywhere else in the Tri-state. For lunch we had a feast for 3 people - 2 orders of chicken kara-age (breaded and fried yum), 2 pork katsu sandwiches on freshly baked sesame bread, various delicious savory baked goods, and finished with some sort of lemon meringue tart. The side salad was simple but surprisingly good, definitely one of the better salads I've had. They also have a few different Japanese teas available that are sourced from Japan. There were so many baked goods (both savory and sweet) to choose from it was impossible to pick. We left the cafe with lots of Japanese cookies and sweet breads which were nicely packaged for us and tied with holiday ribbons. There isn't a ton of seating (three tables seating 2, 4 and 6-8) but the space is nice and intimate. Service was great and as I said, super friendly. Please visit them and support this new and unique small business! The quality is incredible! P.S. if you want to learn Chako's craft, you can sign up for baking classes on Monday's on their website! read more

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I'm so excited that a Japanese bakery is in town! The food is incredibly fresh and tasty (though be prepared for flavors a little less salty than what Americans might be used to). Ive tried the iced green tea which was just slightly sweet and delicious. The green tea roll is INCREDIBLE, with a cake that is flavorful but not overly sweet and the most balanced filling I've had in the states, let alone Cincinnati. I can't wait to come back and try more of the food and baked items. read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Rhubarb tart and an iced green tea! Yummy! - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Great first impression. We were driving by and I glanced over and saw their sign and immediately pulled over and parked. The bakery is cozy (small) but I would think most people place to go orders anyways. I ordered some matcha tea and we shared some kind of mactha cupcake with some kind of sweet beans I believe. The tea was legit, authentic and perfect. The cupcake was great too. Chako was behind the counter and answered our questions in hushed tones. We were out the door quickly and will return soon to enjoy the other items on the menu and maybe even try our hand at one of the cooking classes. read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Entrance - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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Strolled passed this place before getting brunch with friends and decided to pop in. Chako bakes everything from scratch! Since I was visiting, I decided to get a few things to go. I bought a half loaf of fluffy bread, a spinach & bacon bun/roll, a pork bun, and a matcha bun. (I'm calling everything's a bun because I'm not exactly sure what it's called ‍). Spinach bacon was great, and the bread was super light and airy. The pork bun was super savory with shredded pork and green onion in what tasted like a teriyaki sauce...bread was again so delightfully light. Matcha bun was perfectly sweet with a crispy sugared matcha cookie baked over a light bun filled with custard. I sliced up the loaf to make some grilled cheese and it toasted perfectly! So very happy that we decided to stop in! read more

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Tried this place out for the first time. Ordered onigiri and karaage for lunch, it was delicious. The price is a bit higher end; in fact, you can eat full lunch bento box at other Japanese restaurants by adding few more dollars. But you willing to try very authentic Japanese meal, this place is perfect. Breads and cakes are available, and very yummy. Variety is narrow but it did enough for my cravings. Biggest issue is street parking only, if you are local or work near by, it is convenient but coming from northern Cincinnati or other area will be a bit pain. Overall, I give 5, and will try again for sure read more

This is my favorite bakery in Cincinnati. The flavor is on point, not too sweet but so delicious. Every piece is like a delicate piece of art. Make sure come earlier on weekend, since the cakes sell out quick! read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Wow! I haven't been this happy about lunch in a long time. I ordered the Onigiri lunch combo and it was a winner. After ordering at the cash register, I sat down and waited, and then waited a little longer, boy was it worth it. Two warm, freshly made rice balls stuffed with fresh salmon wrapped in seaweed. They would have been enough on their own. Four pieces of freshly fried chicken and a mixed green salad with sesame dressing. I know I used the word fresh a lot, but that's the best way to describe this place. Thank you, thank you. read more

this place has the most delicious cakes and pastries i have ever had in my life, i would come here every day if my stomach and wallet would allow me. the owner and employees i've encountered have all be so helpful and super nice, and the whole place is very cute. there are paintings for sale in the back, along with plenty of seating. i can never go to any other bakery now. read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Matcha with red bean in the middle (left) and black sesame (right) - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Always delicious and fresh and always served by a friendly staff. Excellent cakes and choices of cake flavors. The seaweed rice balls -filled with salty yummy seaweed-and the raspberry cake are my favorite! read more

Chako Bakery Cafe is a very good bakery as they make unique pastries that are delicious! Very friendly welcoming associates. They gave me a tour of the bakery on my first visit, what a way to win me over! My only regret is that I didn't take pictures of my pastries before I ate them! A much needed addition to the Village of Mainstrasse! read more

The bake stuff was good and the food are good as well. I am rating this low because of the service. We ordered bake stuff and lunch food and coffee. Our coffee came in late and half a cup. Our lunch food came even more late as they forgot our order until we had to remind them. We watched several customers who came in before us got served, while we patiently waited for our order. We had to remind the server we have not received our lunch orders yet. The website said they opened in 2017, but their process doesn't reflect that. read more

The more I come here, the coziest it gets. The owner is always nice and likes to make small talk. Very dedicated! read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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I had been to there old place and now like their new place, too. The owner is really nice and she bakes the bread and makes cakes fresh everyday. They sold out very quickly. So, if you want to have more choice 1. Be there early 2. Make a reservation in advance. Mind the green tea is very small and $$$ read more

Unfortunately they are just getting setup so my experience was not good. 1. Long wait and too expensive 2. Not a healthy lunch when it's a huge piece of over-fried meat on 2 huge slices of bread -- gross and not enough sauce to compensate....that is not elegant Japanese food 3. Wait staff not attentive 4. The matcha cake was overly dry 5. One of the staff stood in an open parking spot not allowing me to park when I arrived there first. Welcome to the Cov .. please don't do that again. 6.Very small cup of matcha tea (only healthy thing) was overpriced at $2.50 They need to work on portions, set plates and speed. Sorry you have goodfellas next door and that's not easy to compete with. I look forward to Chef C's changes to come. read more

From perfectly balanced rolled fruit cakes in a dozen flavors to delicious savory Japanese food, definitely one of the best spots in our area. We enjoyed the raspberry, fresh cream with strawberries cake and delicious small pizzas with roasted vegetables and goat cheese. Everything was made with incredible thoughtfulness and was delicious. I can't wait to return for the chicken katsu and ramen. They have a nice dining room to the rear to enjoy your handmade beautiful food. read more

Always have a great time here. Their lunches and cakes are some of the best food I've ever had, and the staff are always very polite.

Omg this Japanese bakery was super good! We had chestnut tart and pear tart with coffee. Both cakes were the best cakes that I've ever had. I wish I knew this place from before so that I could order my husband birthday cake!! The owner was really friendly and we couldn't stop talking! I will come back again:) read more

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Everything was SO good! We especially loved the roll cake and the cream inside the cream puff. It really brought my family back to memories of Japan. It is also super meaningful as we were supposed to go back this Winter, but cant due to COVID. We will definitely be back! Thanks, Chako! read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Strawberry Roll Cake, Hojicha Roll Cake, Cream Puff, and Monte Blanc Tart. - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Tried their pork and chicken sandwiches yesterday, as well as hojicha roll cake and strawberry cream puff. Everything was absolutely delicious!! read more

I'm from out of town and I wish there was a Chako Bakery here. The owner is super sweet and she gave me a slice of cake with my katsu sandwich. The katsu was crispy on the outside, but the meat was so tender. The flavor was outstanding and it was surprisingly not super heavy. The cake she gave me was very fluffy, the cream was light, it complimented the sandwich quite well. I've tried her ube cake tart thing and it's AMAAAZZZIINNNGGGG. The ube flavor is very prominent, but not overwhelmingly so. It's just perfect. All of her food just meshes well, I don't know how else to put it! I love love LOVE the savory bread. On my way to the airport, I actually stocked up on her bread to take home with me. read more

Stellar onigiri and probably the best kara-age I've yet had in Cincy! So many restaurants over-crisp it, losing the fluffy and flaky texture I prefer! I will definitely revisit for tea and sweets! read more

Great pastries with Japanese signature (and you know, it's hard to please me with a good pastry)! By far the best ones I've had in a long time (and that not to mention was overseas). One of a kind! You won't find anything like that in your regular "hood". Highly recommend. read more

This place was recommended by my friend, who suggested to meet here for lunch. The group of 5 of us were the only ones there and the owner, Chako, took care of us. She makes her own bread and you can buy some bakery items from her as well. We all ordered the same thing - the katsu sandwich. You can get it with either plain white bread or sesame bread. She also makes it with her special sauce. It was pretty good and very filling. Order it with a cup of green tea and you are set to go! read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Yummy Katsu Sandwich - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

We just had lunch there and the fried chicken lunch special and rice balls were amazing! Their cakes are too die for as well! This is a hidden gem! read more

The lady in Chako is super friendly, and she always asks me to try new menu. I would definitely come back! read more

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Small business and very authentic. I would go back to eat and definitely to get some take-home bakery items.

Loved this place! Only opened up 4 months ago but off to a great start. They have a large variety of breads and desserts. Ordered black sesame mousse, a matcha muffin, a spinach/cheese roll, chicken kara-age, coffee, and matcha tea. Everything was delicious and fresh. Even the cup of coffee (drip) was made fresh to order rather than sitting in a large pot all day. It seems as though the options change frequently so whatever you get is what the owner, Chako, decides to make. The owner is very accommodating and sweet. Someone came in with their dog and she had treats behind the counter while the owner ordered food. Also ordered a matcha roll with cream inside to take home - had a piece later on and it was really good. My only disappointment was that I wanted to order soup but they only have it on Fridays. I'll have to try to come in one of these weeks to try it. read more

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We placed a birthday cake for my dad from this place. He likes cakes that aren't too sweet but creamy! Champ bakery cafe made my dad a green tea cake and decorated it perfectly! I would highly recommend this place! Thank you guys so much! My dad devoured his piece and said he really liked the cake! read more

Delicious desserts and wonderful service. I enjoyed my matcha roll with cream filling and chatting with the lovely owner. Thank you!

Good food! Had the pork sandwich and was fabulous! The bakery goods are supreme to anything in the area!

Extraordinary food (specially the salad), our kids loved the pastries. Definitely driving back again from Louisville KY, worth the trip!!!!... Hope to try the tea next time!! read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Wow wow wow fantastic! Everything I tried was so delicious! The coffee roll was amazing. And the matcha was done right and good quality! A lot of the American places that offer matcha taste bitter and grainy but this was real great quality matcha! The woman at the counter was also very nice. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, I feel like I was transported back to Japan. read more

CHAKO'S cafe is the perfect space to enjoy delicious food and experience great service. I thought I was back in Japan because of the taste and service me and my wife experienced. I highly recommend This Kawaii! (Cute) cafe. read more

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The onigiri are perfect! I love Japanese cuisine, and I especially love onigiri. I don't think you can get them anywhere else in Cincinnati. I used to make myself onigiri before I lost my good rice cooker and it was so amazing to be able to have the taste of onigiri again. These were stuffed with salmon, and they were salted perfectly. The rice was cooked perfectly as well. Japanese rice is the best rice in the world. The environment in the cafe is very serene. What a great addition to the neighborhood. read more

This place is 100% authentic Japanese comfort food place. I wished I lived closer so that I could visit here everyday. Every single item is soooo good and remind me of my home. read more

I am a traveling consultant and read about this place on Instagram. Ordered a Matcha roll cake not knowing it had fresh cream, I had to fly back home to Philly and told my situation to the nice lady. The next minute she was scrambling ice packs, bubble wraps whatever she had handy that could help hold the fresh cream for the next 4-5 hours. I was amazed by the kindness. Honestly even if the cake wasn't good I would have made it a point to visit the place every single time I am in Cincinnati. The cake itself was delightfully light and fresh, not overly sweet. I loved everything about the place and would be back for sure. read more

I just came back from a trip to Japan a month ago and I still have the taste of katsu and the tasty baked goods in my mouth. I guess it was serendipity that we happened upon this place. It's a small japanese bakery off of Pike street in Covington. They sell baked goods like muffins or fresh breads. We ended up trying the green tea muffin and a mini cheese bread. I didn't catch the name of it but my 2 year old ate it before I could get a bite so it must be good. They also serve lunch specials including a katsu sando (fried pork sandwich), a chicken teriyaki sandwich, Chicken Kara age and then some specials. I opted for the katsu sando. If you look on Instagram, you'll find tons of pictures of them and they look amazing. This one looks just like them. A nice thick piece of crispy katsu pork in between two slices of yummy toast. It's served with a really nice salad. All in all a fantastic lunch. The only negative is that Chako and her helper are the only folks in the bakery so if it gets busy, you may have to wait a while. There were two parties ahead of us so we ended up waiting 35-40 min for our lunch. We luckily had their tasty bread as an appetizer but this isn't a quick lunch place. At least not yet. I'm definitely coming back for a sando though. I'll try to call in the order next time read more

Chako Bakery Cafe - Matcha roll - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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