Comète: A Japanese Bakery Lands on the Plateau

It’s on the charming Fabre Street, right in the heart of the Plateau, that Comète has landed—a small Japanese-inspired bakery with an evocative name. Since its opening, the place has been generating buzz—and for good reason.

Its name, inspired by the French proverb “tirer des plans sur la comète” (meaning to make unrealistic plans or dream of the improbable), perfectly reflects the bold journey of its owners. For Sayaka and Kenji, it’s more than just an expression: it’s a philosophy. Behind that single word lies sacrifice, years of hard work, and a fierce determination to believe in the impossible. A dream, a real one, made beautifully tangible.

Originally from Japan, Sayaka and Kenji met… in France! That’s where their personal and professional story began. Kenji was living in France to refine his craft. He worked as a sous-chef under renowned baker Christophe Vasseur at Du Pain et des Idées, an iconic Parisian bakery. Sayaka was there completing her master’s degree in translation. After a few years, they returned to Tokyo and opened the first Comète bakery, which shared their passion from 2016 to 2024. But when economic tides shifted, they were forced to close shop. A heavy blow, no doubt—but not the end of their journey. Quite the opposite!

A trip to Montreal to visit an old friend, a sudden love for the city, and just like that, the impossible started to feel within reach. True to their name, they crossed the ocean with their dream in tow and relaunched Comète—right here in Quebec.

It was the Plateau that stole their hearts. Their cozy, light-filled space reflects their world perfectly: calm, minimal, inspired as much by Tokyo cafés as by Montreal aesthetics. Zen, delicate, soothing—a space that invites you to pause, enjoy, and just be.

On the menu, you’ll find that same Japanese-Montreal fusion full of creativity and feeling. Each item is a tribute to care and imagination: curry pan, melon pan, cardamom-miso viennoiseries, chocolate-yuzu croissants, matcha and black sesame cookies… Treats that feel both familiar and surprising. These colorful blends of flavors are what set them apart—and what keep us coming back. The cherry on top? Prices remain very affordable, a rarity for such quality.

Sayaka’s favorite—and ours too!—is the melon pan, a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Japanese pastry, here filled with homemade cranberry jam. Despite its name, it doesn’t taste like melon—it’s called that because its appearance resembles a cantaloupe! This adorable and delicious treat is also the bakery’s logo. Another bit of menu magic: the homemade matcha syrup, which can be added to drinks—a touch that’s simple and utterly unique. Speaking of drinks, we absolutely loved their iced matcha latte!

The service is warm and gentle. Sayaka is attentive—she explains the products in detail and offers thoughtful recommendations to customers. Since it’s an open-concept kitchen, you can see all the care and effort that goes into the preparation of their breads and pastries. It makes you want to devour everything even more!

At Comète, it’s not just about eating—it’s about experiencing something. For Sayaka and Kenji, the mission is clear: to offer a feeling, a warmth, a memory. They want to awaken our senses and delight our taste buds. And for us, mission accomplished!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: May 26, 2025

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