The Bellwood

This review is for the bar only. I love love love the drinks here! I’d say it can be pretty hit or miss, but the hits are real solid highs that really won me over. My personal favorites are the fig & coke and Bloody Mary. The fig & coke especially is such a well balanced drink that has many layers to it. Just wow! There’s two other drinks, one that’s almost like a milk shake and another with ice cream in it that are really good too. The snack menu is pretty decent as well. We had the chicken with Gorgonzola which we weren’t expecting to work, but somehow the flavors just melded together. The umami fries are a safe choice and great pairing with drinks. We loved this place so much we came back twice! You need a reservation to come before 9pm. After 9pm, it’s walk in only. Try to come early to get seated as it does get pretty crowded later in the night.

Background It has earned its reputation as one of the top bars in the city’s vibrant cocktail scene, combining traditional Japanese influences with a contemporary twist. Ambience The atmosphere is an artful blend of cosiness and sophistication. With its dim lighting and warm, snug layout, the bar provides an intimate setting perfect for slow evenings or deep conversations. Service The staff are attentive, professional, and knowledgeable, striking the right balance between being engaging and allowing patrons their privacy. Food/Drink The drinks showcased a mastery of mixology that marries classic techniques with a creative, modern flair based on your preference. Overall Its intimate atmosphere, top-tier service, and inventive cocktails make it a must-visit for those seeking a refined yet relaxed evening.

We had a wonderful experience dining at the Bellwood. The creative drinks were unique and a delight to drink as well. The bartender speaks English and was hospitable throughout our stay even though he was bombarded with drink orders. The woody furnishing gave the bar a vintage vibe, and chatters from the fully seated tables added to the lively atmosphere. We were only here for the drinks and bar snacks although there is also a sushi Omakase at the back of the bar which the owner recommend us trying. A reservation prior is highly recommended as this place is usually fully seated and the place is relatively small.

We went here around opening time and the place was already packed. The place alone, with a lovely classical facade, was inviting and conjured a certain European sensibility. The handsome waiter with a dark yet cordial vibe led us to our place. Another waiter explained to us the Kaiseki concept of the menu, in which the cocktails are curated as if they were part of a Japanese dinner. We got the Yakiniku Bloody and the dessert Tokyo Banana, both of which really made our night. The Yakiniku Bloody had a tasty umami flavour reminiscent of the marinade used for yakiniku, and they served it with some moreish boar jerky. The combination of the meat and liquor was a savoury bomb. The Tokyo Banana was exceptional. I had the impression that it would be cloyingly sweet like the artificial banana flavour common in many things. Instead, I was treated into a soft, subtle drink with notes of coffee and cacao liquor with a rim of kink miso powder that added some umami into the bittersweet concoction. A slice of dried banana lies on top of the ice cube, infusing the drink and adding more notes. A subtle explosion in the tastebuds. The drinks were extremely easy to drink and yet it dazzles with a tour de force of complex notes. One can tell the mixologist is a master in his craft. It was only when I got home that I realised it’s in the top 50 bars of Asia. A very well deserved establishment. Gochisosama!

10/10 dinner, what a special experience. Everything we ate was pure magic, the pickled finger cocktail was perfect. The food was so innovative and fresh, we’ve never eaten anything like it before - our chef who designed the menu did a phenomenal job. We booked dinner for my sisters birthday, and the chef prepared a beautiful dessert for her.

You'll likely need reservations to drink here unless you arrive immed when they open. The question is, do you really want to? Bellwood was a top 50 bar worldwide and they do make good drinks. However, good is not great. The cocktails are off balance. While they do use Japanese seasonal ingredients, they don't blend very well into their drinks. That said, I didn't have a bad drink, I just didn't have anything memorable after trying six. Staff is great and speaks English well. My menu photos are current as of October 2024.

I had a great evening here and tried nearly all the drinks on the menu. A very cool vibe with excellent bartenders. Each drink were very-well executed, but my favorites were the coffee, BW martini, sazerac with Tabasco, and the Bloody Mary drink. The ceviche was amazing and the jambalaya is quite possibly the most tasty that I have tried. I’ll be back.

Well worth the value if you manage to get a booking for the fusion omakase experience. It was around 15,000 Yen (service charges included). The chef was very creative with the flavours accross the world and she was also very entertaining with her jokes. A key highlight was the sushi dish from Vietnam and the three egg bomb! After the dinner, you can enjoy the cocktails in the bar area.