Since opening its doors in 2023, Tokyo Confidential has established itself as a standout in Tokyo’s cocktail scene. The stylish space doesn’t feel like a typical Japanese cocktail bar – not that there’s anything wrong with Tokyo’s more genteel drinking dens – as it offers a more casual and relaxed environment for you to just drop in without fussing over reservations and strict bar rules.
At times, the bar doesn’t even feel like Tokyo at all – until you take in the unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower from the open air-terrace. The bar has a cosy living room vibe, and coupled with its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to lose your time here. Furthermore, the bar’s slogan of ‘pull up, fess up’ means you can drop in whenever you please to escape life’s pressures.
The folks behind Tokyo Confidential have some serious street cred. Founder Holly Graham, for instance, was ranked in the top 10 of Bar World 100, a list of the globe's most influential figures in the bar industry. Head bartender Wakana Murata, on the other hand, was on the opening team of Tokyo Edition’s much-lauded Gold Bar. Plus, the bar’s food menu is supervised by chef Daniel Calvert of the three Michelin-starred Sézanne.
Tokyo Confidential’s centrepiece is a gorgeous bar counter made from a 300-year-old piece of reclaimed wood from a shrine. It’s the perfect spot to start exploring the bar’s drinks menu, where you’ll find a selection of signature cocktails including low- and no-ABV options. To keep things fresh and exciting, the team at Tokyo Confidential revamps their cocktail lineup annually, introducing inventive new creations – like those on their latest menu, Neko No Densetsu. This cat-themed line-up is inspired by Graham’s love for felines, particularly the iconic maneki-neko lucky cats, which originated at Tokyo’s Gotokuji Temple. The story behind the theme is brought to life in a charming comic included in the custom menu and illustrated by local artist Touré Grantham of Sunking Designs.
Highlights include the Arigato El Gatto, a refreshing drink featuring mezcal, soju, watermelon and chili, and the Sore Wa Subarashi, a nostalgic concoction made with Frosties cognac, cacao nib, coconut and milk wash served in a retro cereal bowl. The menu also features a few long-standing favourites including TC’s Cheung Fun Old Fashioned, a concoction inspired by the classic Chinese rice roll dish and featuring peanut and sesame bourbon, soy caramel and bitters.
On to the bar bites, you can’t go wrong with the creative hot dogs. Try the Peking Dog topped with pork crackling, hoisin sauce, kewpie and green onion, or the Korean-inspired Doosan Dog featuring doenjang soybean paste, kimchi and crispy onions.
Champagne is also taken seriously at Tokyo Confidential, with an extensive range kept chilled in a dedicated fridge, which you’ll come across on your way to the bar’s rooftop. Open to all guests, the roof offers additional seating as well as a stunning view of Tokyo Tower. This outdoor area also serves as an event space and can, of course, be booked out for private events. If you’re interested in sake, you can pop into the bar’s ‘confession room’ where you’ll find a range of sake on tap including two of TC’s very own brews: Butter Up and Funky Town.