Tapas Molecular Bar — Restaurant in Tokyo

We visited Tapas Molecular Bar from the United States in November 2024. I feel compelled to write a review so many months later because of how this experience stood out to me even now. Myself, my partner, and another couple had saved for this trip for several months and had agreed that a fine dining experience was something we wanted to try. None of us had ever been to a Michelin Star restaurant and we chose this one from a list of 8-10 suggestions. I had been looking forward to it. We made a reservation far in advance. Unfortunately, an hour before our reservation, someone in the other couple we were traveling with fell in a crosswalk and sustained a head injury. It was bad enough that they visited the hospital (a stressful experience in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language). Obviously they were in no shape to make the reservation, and insisted that my partner and I go alone. When we arrived Chef Kento was checking in the patrons and he asked where the other two members of our party were. I didn’t feel like it was necessary to tell the whole story, so I just said that one of them was sick. He got a sour look on his face and explained that all of the food was already prepped and set aside and that we would be wasting their food and that we should have let them know earlier. I was taken aback. Instead of being shown the seating area we were led to a set of chairs on the other side of the bar away from the other patrons. The meal service had already begun at this point without us. I was almost in tears, I felt frustrated and embarrassed that we were being essentially scolded for the decisions of another adult couple (even though we were the ones to show up). I explained to a different member of the staff the whole story and she was apologetic and asked us if we wanted to eat the extra food so it didn’t go to waste. We decided against it, and in retrospect that would have been WAY too much food. Later we were finally seated with the chef. Listen, the food was great, I appreciated the creativity and showmanship, the service staff was excellent, but I felt so unwelcome that it ruined the night for me. I apologized profusely, and while Chef Kento softened and even recommended an English-speaking hospital and gave us some souvenirs for our friends who didn’t make it, I could still tell he was upset. I do understand his frustration but there was nothing to be gained by berating myself and my partner about it. I wish I had better things to say about our experience but I just don’t. After reflection, I wish we had just left and forfeited our reservation and payment, wasted...

I have been here twice, once in 2016 and again in 2023, and both times I have visited have been among the best dining experiences I've ever had.

Every course you will have here will be like nothing you've ever experienced in any other restaurant. The Head Chef has a background in art, and uses his previous art experience to now turn food into various forms of art as well. While that may sound pretentious, do not be concerned, as the flavour of every dish is also on point.

You are seated at the counter right in front of the chefs as they work, and the head chef will explain everything he is doing and take you through a story as you go, all the while they are working behind the counter with what could almost of considered a science lab of tools and equipment. Beakers, syringes, liquid nitrogen, and more. All of it is designed with purpose though, not just to show off, but to add more flavour, texture or visuals to a dish.

The dishes all change seasonally, and you're better off going into the experience leaving the dishes a surprise. As an example of something you may try though, one of the 'signature' dishes the restaurant is most well known for is a Liquid Nitrogen Meringue that you often get towards the end of the meal. As you chew it, you breathe out liquid nitrogen smoke from your nose and mouth which is very fun.

The amount of effort that goes into the whole experience is next level. One of the dishes we tried most recently the Head Chef told us had been an idea he had been sitting on for over 5 years but up until now didn't have an opportunity to introduce it into one of the stories. Food is also prepared well in advance before you even arrive, with some dishes taking 12-18hours of prep depending on what is on the menu.

Over the course of the evening you will be given 10+ dishes to experience. The cost is pricy, but when I think of amazing places I've ever eaten at Molecular Tapas Bar is always at the top of the list and is well worth the spend in my opinion. If you want to save money, then just skip the optional alcohol pairing for the evening. The pairing is nice if you're a fan of fine wine, but not really needed at all and probably not worth the extra spend.

In any case, I highly recommend Molecular Tapas Bar. The experience is like nothing else I've ever tried and is one that I will never forget. Having been twice, I can confirm it was just as amazing each visit. Put this on your food...

Dining at Tapas Molecular Bar in Tokyo is more than just a meal — it’s a complete sensory journey. Situated within the Mandarin Oriental, this cosy restaurant provides a genuinely unique and entertaining approach to contemporary gastronomy. The evening resembles a culinary performance more than an ordinary dinner, with the chef guiding guests through a carefully crafted story told through each course.

Every dish is beautifully presented, delicate, and full of surprises. What makes the experience particularly enjoyable is that you can never quite guess what you’re about to eat just by looking at it — appearances are often deceiving in the most delightful way. The creative use of textures, techniques, and flavours keeps you engaged from start to finish, and it’s clear that the chefs put immense thought and artistry into the menu.

The staff are exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Their enthusiasm adds warmth to the highly refined dining experience, making the whole visit feel approachable rather than overly formal. The pace of the meal is well-judged, and the interaction between the chefs and guests is one of the highlights of the evening.

I chose the premium wine pairing, which, unfortunately, was a bit disappointing. While the selections were decent, they didn’t always enhance the flavours or complement the playfulness of the dishes as well as expected, especially considering the high price. There’s definitely room for improvement in that aspect.

Despite that, the dinner overall was incredibly enjoyable — fun, engaging, and memorable. Tapas Molecular Bar is a must-visit for anyone who loves innovative cuisine and wants to experience the creativity and precision that Tokyo’s fine dining scene is renowned for. It’s the kind of place that reminds you food can be both art and...