memento mori — Restaurant in Tokyo

I was in Tokyo, on a quest for the city's most exquisite cocktail. Then, a name snagged my attention: Memento Mori. Intrigued by its Latin meaning ("remember you must die"), I delved deeper. The bar's philosophy resonated: contemplating mortality not as a morbid reminder, but as a tool to cherish the present and savor life's precious moments. And when I discovered its place on the prestigious list of Asia's 50 Best Bars, my visit became a non-negotiable.

Toranomon Hills, unfamiliar territory, became my destination. "Cacao & Mixology" on the third floor whispered of the unusual experience to come. Inside, Memento Mori unfolded like a secret garden. Cozy, charming, with a front-row seat to Hitoshi, the bar magician, courtesy of my perfect spot.

Ignoring the menu, I dove straight for a Negroni. "Classic or cacao?" Hitoshi inquired. The house version, infused with a trinity of cacaos, beckoned. The "Amazon Cacao Negroni" arrived, a masterpiece in a glass. Three spirits waltzed with honeyed Colombian and deep chocolaty Ghanaian notes, culminating in a rich, complex symphony. A final flourish of shaved dark chocolate sealed the deal.

Emboldened, I ventured into another reinterpretation: the Grasshopper. Cacao nib-infused vodka, French crème de menthe, double cream, and Vietnamese cocoa powder swirled into a "suuuuper refreshing" potion. Perfection in every sip.

Memento Mori isn't just a bar; it's an experience. A cocktail odyssey infused with philosophy, where life's fleeting beauty intertwines with every exquisite creation. A must-visit for those seeking more than just a drink, but a moment to savor the present, the very essence of Memento Mori. Add it to your Tokyo checklist – a gem that lingers long after...

Atmosphere: 9/10 Located within the Toranomon Hills Business Tower, Memento Mori exudes an upscale, jungle-like ambiance. The interior is adorned with lush greenery, prominently featuring cacao trees and beans, aligning with its cacao-centric theme. Despite its shopping mall location, the bar’s design elements create an immersive and atmospheric experience. The soothing, quiet music enhances the serene environment, though it may allow for overhearing nearby conversations.

Drinks: 6.5/10 Recommendation: — The menu is stylishly presented, featuring photographs of most signature drinks and indicating the strength of each cocktail, which helps with decision-making. While the signature drinks come with unique presentations in high-quality glassware and minimal garnish, the flavors didn’t quite deliver. The cacao notes often overpowered the drinks, creating an imbalance that distracted from the overall profile. Coasters are present and fit the overall vibe.

Service: 9/10 Service reflects the high standards typical in Asia. The team is friendly and professional—water, warm towels, and a complimentary snack are provided upon arrival. Prices are average for Tokyo, making the experience feel polished but not overpriced.

As part of the Mixology Group, which operates several high-quality bars in Tokyo, Memento Mori continues their tradition of strong design and...

Best craft cocktail bar of my recent Tokyo trip - strongly recommend! Service is excellent, drinks are well executed and delicious, and you‘ll likely taste something you haven’t had before and can’t find anywhere else. Plus, the theme is “cacao”, and who doesn’t like chocolate? Consider starting with a Cacao pulp fizz. It’s a revelation - raw cacao has a fruity burst of flavors, not what you’d think when you think of chocolate. And, it’s super delicious in an way you might not expect. The Theobroma cocktail features cacao infused spirits - it’s like drinking the most deeply dark chocolate flavoured dark spirit you’ve ever tried. Memento Mori even makes their own chocolate terrine, which was awesome and paired perfectly with the cocktails. There are some thick chocolatey cocktails too, like the Xocolatl Martini - complex and flavourful but at the same time a scrumptious dessert drink. Memento Mori sells bottles of their unique spirits, so you can take back a souvenir. Reservations are possible (use the web form). This is a larger bar by Tokyo standards, but still small overall, probably less than 20 seats. Give this bar a go if you’re in Tokyo - I think you’ll love it.

Visit Date: Feb 27, 2023

For more cocktail bar reviews, follow us on Instagram:...