Japonico — Restaurant in Gurugram District

There are evenings that linger on your palate long after the last course is cleared. Then there are evenings like this one—a cocktail-fuelled fever dream of flavour, wit, and whimsy—hosted at Japonico, one of Gurugram’s more quietly confident Japanese outposts. This was no ordinary night. It was a rendezvous of East and Far East, of Indian curiosity and Singaporean flair. Of Japonico and Sago House—the latter, an audacious bar from Singapore, currently ranked #15 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and notorious (gloriously so) for tearing up and rewriting its menu with six new cocktails every week.

On this particular evening, the Sago team, armed with a suitcase of spirits and stories, brought their liquid art to Gurgaon. The result? A five-act cocktail tasting, each paired with a dish that didn’t just complement—but conversed.

Act I: Live Ammunition

An opening note that hit like a well-placed overture: grapefruit, purple basil, bubbles. It tasted like 5PM in Capri—or at the very least, how you wish 5PM felt. There’s a quiet brilliance in taking something so light and making it feel momentous.

Act II: Risky Business

There’s alchemy in marrying tequila with raspberry, almond, and Earl Grey. This was a drink with swagger. Sweet and sour were obvious enough; but the tannic grip of the tea was the real seduction. A drink that doesn’t just flirt—it engages.

Act III: Champurrado

Here, Sago House pulled us to the streets of Oaxaca. Masa harina, cacao, cinnamon—echoes of a Mexican breakfast but filtered through the brooding elegance of an Old Fashioned. It started coy, but bloomed into something intimate and enveloping. This is what comfort tastes like when it’s dressed in a three-piece suit.

Act IV: Writer’s Block

The drink of the night. A martini, reimagined through the lens of raita. Yes, you read that right. Cucumber. Cumin. Mint. Yogurt-washed clarity. Unexpected? Absolutely. Smashable? Utterly. It was the kind of cocktail you order out of curiosity and reorder out of devotion. This was innovation grounded in restraint. The culinary equivalent of a plot twist that makes the entire story better.

Act V: Smash Hit

This final number had teeth. Yuzu kosho, sansho pepper—a double kick of citrus and spice. Paired with a panna cotta so delicate it quivered at the suggestion of a spoon, it was a moment of contrast so precise it felt orchestrated. The sweet, the spice, the cool, the heat—this was not dessert, it was a dialogue.

The setting? Communal seating—always a risk, but here it paid off. Conversations flowed. Strangers became sounding boards. The room had energy, a sense of discovery.

A word of appreciation to the teams behind this magic. To Japonico, for trusting the process. To Sago House, for showing us how cocktails can be serious without ever being solemn.

This was not just a pop-up. It was a masterclass in collaboration—one that reminded us that the best pairings in life (and on the plate) come from risk, curiosity, and a...

If there were an option to give negative stars, this place would deserve it.

Our experience here was a complete letdown, masked by the staff’s overly sweet behavior at the beginning, which quickly shifted once we placed our order.

A few key points of disappointment:

• Upon arrival, we were offered side stools placed uncomfortably close to the kitchen and washrooms. When we requested a table change, the staff insisted we stay there temporarily, promising we could move near the bar or DJ area in 20–30 minutes. We agreed in good faith.

• After ordering food and drinks, we did move towards the main area as suggested. To our surprise, a staff member approached us with the bill even though we were still mid-service. Despite our explanation that we hadn’t left and our belongings were still on the original table, we were pressured—loudly and publicly—to clear the bill immediately. It was embarrassing and unprofessional.

• After paying a bill of ₹8–9k, we continued to place more orders. Shortly after, the manager approached us and bluntly asked us to go back to our original table. When we asked why, especially when others were freely mingling around the bar, we were met with hostility.

• Without explanation, we were then asked to leave altogether. This was completely unacceptable and unjustified.

• It was only when the manager noticed I was texting a friend who is a known patron of the place that their tone suddenly changed, and they asked us to stay. By that point, the experience was already ruined.

The staff’s behavior was consistently rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory. The blatant VIP culture here is disappointing and leaves regular guests feeling undervalued and mistreated.

Don't even want to start on the food part. What a waste of time and...

Jopanico is a stunning new addition to Gurgaon’s Golf Course Road, offering breathtaking views of the skyline, the rapid metro, and the vibrant cityscape. Whether you’re planning a business meeting or a romantic date, this place sets the perfect mood with its stylish ambiance and thoughtfully designed interiors.

One of the standout features is the waterfall behind the bar, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility to the space. Even the washrooms are designed with intricate attention to detail, making the overall experience truly luxurious. Every corner of the restaurant reflects careful planning and aesthetic brilliance, ensuring guests feel indulged in both comfort and style.

Now, let’s talk about the food. The grilled baby chicken was cooked to perfection, offering a flavorful and juicy bite with every forkful. The crispy mushroom salad was a delightful combination of textures, making it an absolute must-try. Jopanico’s in-house drinks were well-crafted, complementing the dishes beautifully. The grilled swordfish, with its smoky, tender texture, was far superior to the lobster, which, while good, didn’t quite match the excellence of the other dishes. The chef’s attention to detail, presentation, and flavors was evident in every dish that arrived at the table.

Although the pricing is on the higher side, it aligns with the premium experience the restaurant offers. Gurgaon is in need of unique, upscale dining experiences, and Jopanico fills that gap perfectly. For those looking to explore something fresh, stylish, and memorable, this restaurant is undoubtedly worth the visit. The exceptional ambiance, well-curated menu, and stunning views make it a place you’ll want...