Ishinohana

Tucked into a discreet basement just steps from Shibuya Station, Ishinohana is a masterclass in refined, inventive cocktail craft that balances sophistication with approachability. The ambiance is moody and polished, with dim lighting, dark wood interiors, and smoky jazz whispering through the air—making the sound of a cocktail shaker the night’s loudest note. At the helm is acclaimed bartender Shinobu Ishigaki, who curates a vast menu blending deep-cut classics and imaginative new creations. Seasonal, farm-to-bar ingredients play a starring role—kumquats, herbs, rosewater, matcha, sake, and more—and each cocktail is a sensory adventure. Imagine a gin and tonic brightened with kumquat, a margarita punctuated by housemade cassis, or a Japanese Old Fashioned enriched with shiitake-infused whisky and umami bitters. Beyond fruit-forward twists, Ishinohana offers inventive takes on beloved cocktails: a Rose Negroni layered with floral rosewater notes; a sake martini softened with chamomile cordial; Oribe, blending gin, matcha, milk, wasanbon sugar, and gold powder; plus pisco sours spiked with sansho pepper. Connoisseurs will appreciate the extensive, rotating menu—over 200 options across multiple booklets, tailored to each season’s bounty. Small plates, including Japanese snacks, imported cheeses, and raw chocolate, complement the drinks, while the ¥500 cover charge (otoshi) comes with a small dish like mixed nuts. Dress code is refined—no baseball caps or casual t-shirts—and though reservations aren’t mandatory, they’re recommended, especially since group size is capped at two and late arrivals may be cancelled. It’s an elevated experience without the rigidity of Ginza bars, making Ishinohana a beloved choice for cocktail lovers and those seeking a polished yet unpretentious evening out.