Bar Centifolia — Restaurant in Tokyo

*update: I filed a chargeback with my bank because this place is a scam and the chargeback was settled in MY FAVOR AND I WAS REFUNDED Talk about a huge disappointment. I checked reservations daily for a month and managed to get a COUNTERTOP seat for my husband and I got our honeymoon trip to Tokyo. I confirmed the COUNTERTOP reservation a few days before and when I looked at the email thanking me for confirming it suddenly said "table" reservation. I thought this must be a mistake but once we arrived it wasn't. We were sat at a table and couldn't see anything. There were 8 people (including the two of us) all at tables and 3 people at the counter, all other seats at the counter were empty. Of course the three people at the counter were sat directly in front of us. We asked if we could move to the counter and were denied. Over 8 seats at the counter were empty the entire time. Instead we were told we could stand up and take pictures and videos when we wanted. Why did I pay $70 to sit at a table where I can't see and enjoy the experience that I'm literally paying for?! We were 100% prepared and budgeted to spend $200+ as we love cocktail bars and a fun experience. Instead we paid $70 because we had no other choice. The waiter told us they are opening this bar in Los Angeles later this year. We live in LA and let me tell you, LA will eat you alive. Charge $10 cover and $40 drinks when you can't even see the show? Good luck. People in Tokyo are polite, Los Angeles? Absolutely not. People will be rude, mean, scream and demand refunds for paying such a premium price to literally be blocked from watching the entertainment they are paying for. We ended up going to a nice restaurant near Tokyo Tower and had a few drinks and paid half the price for 4 drinks where the staff was friendly and accommodating. Save yourself some money and watch the tricks on Instagram for free. This is nothing but a...

Have you ever wondered when looking at a viral feed and thought to yourself, hmm is this place really as good as it looks? Well, that is how I first discovered Bar Centifolia. This place is owned and run by bartender Yuzo Komai, who is the winner of the Suntory The Cocktail Award 2014 Champion. Perhaps more well known due to his viral feeds and show stopping performance, I am happy to note that it was his cocktails that were a show stopper for us. I got the award winning cocktail "Lejay Chocolatre". It was the best cocktail I have ever had. Simply amazing, good balance, good sweetness. No wonder its the best. As a second drink, I got a Negroni, partially for me to see how he would perform in a classic drink - and boy he did not disappoint. Truly a master in his class. Wife chose a drink that was more on the fruitier side. Even though she is not huge on alcohol, she too agreed that this was perhaps the best cocktail as well.

Back to the performance. WOW. We were seated right in the middle of the bar, where we got the best viewpoints of Yuzo's craft. I wish these videos will do it justice, but wow what a performance. "Yes" the drinks taste better than the performance itself. Every movement is with purpose, every light adjust is the capture the moment. Truly recommend

Reservation: We were lucky enough to contact them through instagram and were able to reserve a spot 2-3 months back from the actual date. However, due to their popularity, reservation system has changed to call only. May the odds be in your favor.

Overall Kel rating: ★★★★★/5 The good: The presentation, the flavor, the finish, all were excellent. The best cocktail I have had. The decent: Credit cards accepted. The ugly: Definitely on the pricey end (seating fees + cocktails on the pricier end). However, this is both a show and a...

We discovered Bar Centifolia on Instagram, where mesmerizing reels of bartenders performing fire shows while crafting cocktails immediately caught our attention. Tucked away on the upper floor of an unassuming building, this place is a hidden gem. Despite the modest exterior, the interior exudes elegance, with a sleek and modern design that creates a cozy, upscale atmosphere.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want a coveted seat at the bar, where all the magic happens. We were lucky to secure a spot by walking in two days in advance. Without a reservation, chances of getting a prime spot are slim, as the bar is quite popular.

All cocktails are priced at 4,000 yen, but if you’re interested in rare or high-end spirits, they’ll inform you of the price before preparing your drink. There’s no printed menu, which might feel a bit daunting at first, but the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and take the time to explain the options. You can ask a cocktail with a fire, ice cutting or orher show at no extra charge!

The fire performances are frequent throughout the evening, so you won’t miss the action even if you aren’t seated at the bar. In fact, the staff are thoughtful enough to let patrons know when a show is about to start, inviting everyone to stand and watch up close. They also encourage guests to take videos and even provide lighting to help capture the moment perfectly.

The staff are warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about their craft. The whole experience felt like a special event, and it’s one we’ll remember for a long time. While there’s a 1,000 yen service charge, the level of service, ambiance, and unforgettable performances make it well worth the price.

If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious cocktail experience in Tokyo, Bar Centifolia is...