Mel
(Mel)- Nearest station：
- Categories：
- Budget：
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- Closed：
- Wednesday, Thursday
A bakery in Nakakaruizawa with delightful flavors and a toasty taste that brings happiness.
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Scene Near the Entrance of the Store
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Adult Chocolate Bread on Display in the Showcase – This is for You
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Shinano, JPY 400 (Baguette made with local flour from Shinpo Daichi, featuring a chewy texture and a refreshing taste) & Baguette, JPY 400 (Crisp and flavorful, the more you chew, the more you enjoy. Perfect for sandwiches, canapés, and more.)
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Right: Raisins, and on the left: Ramuna, which I didn't buy this time, also looks delicious.
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A scene featuring Fruct and the bread "Asama" (a bread with cheese mixed into more than half of the dough) that was not purchased this time.
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Display shelf featuring Fruit Bread, Epi, Sourdough, Pain au Chocolat, and Croissant
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Display Shelf of Pain au Chocolat, Croissants, and Maltaro
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Konomi
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Sliced Thisomi
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Sliced Fruit
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Raisins
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Epi
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Adult Chocolate Bread
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Signage Near the Entrance
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Cheese Rusk and 2 Engadine
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Storefront Scene
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Rusk and Engadine at Checkout
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Displayed Baked Goods
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Mukunomori Orchard's apple juice is also available for sale.
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Coffee cup by Yumiko Iihoshi, which I couldn't resist purchasing.
Restaurant information
Details
| Restaurant name |
Mel
|
|---|---|
| Categories | Bread |
| Phone number (for reservation and inquiry) |
0267-41-6632 |
| Reservation availability |
Reservations available |
| Address |
長野県北佐久郡軽井沢町長倉3018-3 |
| Transportation |
272 meters from Naka Karuizawa. |
| Business hours |
Hours and closed days may change, so please check with the restaurant before visiting. |
| Average price（Based on reviews） |
JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
|
| Payment methods |
Credit card accepted Electronic money accepted QR code payments accepted |
Seats/facilities
| Private rooms |
Unavailable |
|---|---|
| Private use |
Unavailable |
| Non-smoking/smoking |
Non smoking |
| Parking |
Available |
Feature - Related information
| Occasion |
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I recently visited Karuizawa after a long time and searched for the location of the former bakery "Haruta Karuizawa" just to be sure. To my surprise, Haruta was no longer there, and I ended up at this bakery called "Mel," which occupies the same space.
I learned that this bakery is run by someone who previously worked at Haruta, making it a true descendant of Haruta’s legacy. It felt like a familiar place, even though it was my first visit. I parked in one of the three available spaces in the parking lot.
Just like before, the store had a selection of tableware and apparel, creating a clean and sophisticated atmosphere that felt just right.
The flavor and aroma of all the breads I purchased were exceptional, leaving a lasting impression. I felt a sense of happiness that resonated with the quiet enjoyment of the taste.
Here’s what I bought that day, all of which had a flawless and delicious taste:
1. Adult Chocolate Bread ¥400 x 2
(This chocolate bread has chocolate dough and chocolate filling, so every bite is filled with the aroma of cacao. It has no added sugar, offering a sophisticated adult flavor. It features chocolate chips and a hint of Iyo orange beer.)
2. Konomi ¥400
(Bread filled with Shinshu walnuts, pistachios, cashews, and sunflower seeds, providing a delightful nuttiness.)
3. Fruct ¥560
(This type of dark bread is said to be a staple in Denmark. It is the shop's number one bread, made with walnuts, currants, apricots, and Iyo orange peel.)
4. Raisin ¥350 x 2
(Bread packed with plenty of Sultana raisins.)
5. Epi ¥350 x 2
(A classic bread with bacon, not too hard and very flavorful.)
6. Cheese Rusk ¥280
(Four pieces of rusk that have a pleasant cheese flavor without being overwhelming.)
7. Engardina ¥380 x 2
(As mentioned by a fellow follower, this baked good resembles the famous Kamakura treat "Kurumikko," featuring a slightly bitter caramel and roasted walnuts. It has a rich flavor with a hint of bitterness that complements the sweetness, making it a perfect match for coffee or tea without being too heavy.)
Additionally, I purchased:
8. Apple Juice Bottle ¥1,000 x 2
(Limited production from Mukunomori Orchard, made from whole Sun Fuji apples. Refreshing and incredibly delicious. It was a great purchase at my wife's request.)
9. Coffee Cup by Yumiko Iihoshi Porcelain ¥3,520
(This coffee cup is designed and produced by the talented artist Yumiko Iihoshi. Its design and color blend seamlessly into everyday life, which my wife loves.)
After finishing everything, I felt a strong desire to try every bread the shop offers. If it were closer, I would want to visit every day.
In my younger days, I could drive to Karuizawa for a day trip to buy what I wanted, but that’s no longer feasible.
However, I hope to visit again before the snow falls, just to buy more of these flavorful and aromatic breads. It was a great meal!