Gold Bar at Edition

Gold Bar at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon looks like a private room, especially with its curtained off, blacked out glass exterior that shuts the surroundings out completely. Inside, however, is a cool, stylish bar and lounge that feels exclusive yet cosy.

The predominantly black interior is a play on textures – blackened wood finishes inspired by the Japanese traditional method of charring cedar, black stone marble from Spain and the like – accented with white and gold flourishes. Both built from black marble, the bar glows like a bejewelled box while the focal fireplace sits to the side, over which hangs a gold-leaf artwork by Guerin Swing.

The drinks menu is equally sophisticated, inspired by the golden age of cocktails in the US, a period in the late 19th century that’s now known as pre-Prohibition America. Three of the greatest cocktail creations of all time – martini, daiquiri and manhattan – are given a contemporary reinterpretation through modern techniques, incorporating Japanese spirits and seasonal ingredients.

The drinks menu is well-curated, with the selection organised according to classic cocktail categories: punch, sour and fizz. Highlights include Mugi & Shoga, which mixes dark rum, a smokey barley shochu from Yamazaru, blood orange liqueur, ginger and citrus, as well as the Pinot & Two Grapes that’s made with bourbon, pinot noir, local concord grapes, vermouth and citrus. But of course, if you prefer sipping neat, there’s an extensive array of whiskies and Japanese gin.

Bar bites at the Gold Bar are decadent. However, the menu changes seasonally with new creations by a different locally renowned chef. For spring 2022, chef Narukiyo from his namesake izakaya in downtown Tokyo has curated a variety of southern Japanese dishes, including salmon in white miso and with truffles, wagyu beef sandwiches, and gold bar chocolate with hazelnut, almond and lemon.