La petite Mercerie at LUMINE EST Shinjuku

La petite Mercerie is a sweets-focused cafe and cake shop on the second floor of Lumine Est Shinjuku, known for its shortcakes, custard tarts and Instagram-worthy desserts served in a cute, photogenic setting.

La petite Mercerie is a sweets cafe and cake shop located on the second floor of Lumine Est Shinjuku at 3-38-1 Shinjuku, directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station. The shop is part of a small Japanese chain known for its emphasis on visually appealing Western-style cakes and desserts, and its Shinjuku branch is positioned as a convenient stop for commuters and shoppers seeking a quick sweet treat or a sit-down cafe experience. The cafe's concept centres on creating a cute, photogenic atmosphere that has made it particularly popular with younger Tokyo diners and social media users.

The menu features a rotating selection of seasonal shortcakes, including the signature Mercerie shortcake with fluffy sponge and cream, and seasonal variations using Japanese strawberries, melons and other premium fruits. Custard tarts, La France pear tarts and foret noir chocolate cakes are also staples, with the Shinjuku branch offering limited-edition items such as the Hokota melon shortcake exclusive to that location. Beyond desserts, the cafe serves light savoury meals including farfalle pasta dishes and sandwiches, with some vegan options available, making it a viable lunch spot as well as an afternoon tea destination.

The cafe operates from 11:00 to 22:00, with last orders around 21:30, following the Lumine Est schedule. Its second-floor location near the station-side entrance makes it one of the first dining options visible to shoppers entering Lumine Est from Shinjuku Station, which contributes to steady queues during peak afternoon and weekend hours. Takeaway of whole cakes and individual desserts is available, and advance ordering through the shop's reservation website is recommended for celebration cakes, particularly during the Christmas and Valentine's seasons when demand for decorated shortcakes surges across Tokyo.