My boyfriend took me to a 16 course dinner at Tapas Molecular Bar for my birthday while we were in Tokyo. Chef Koichi Hashimoto trained in Spain for two years at molecular cuisine restaurants before joining Tapas Molecular Bar. The menu changes seasonally and provides inventive dishes throughout the meal. You are seated with 6-7 others at the bar and the chef explains every dish to you. The restaurant is located at the Mandarin Oriental which has stunning views of the city. Now, let me take you through my experience..

Upon entering the Mandarin Oriental you know this is going to be a beautiful location for dinner. Once we arrived on the 38th floor you will see spectacular views of Tokyo all around and even in the restrooms! We were seated by the window for a few drinks before our dinner started.

How cool was this?? When we sat down we noticed a tool box in front us. We opened it and saw miniature tools to use during our meal. The measuring tape pulled out and it was the menu!!

SNACKS

For the first item we had a sakura tea petal with lobster… sorry no photo it came out blurry.

Used a hammer to break the Macaron filled beet and taro

This was CHEESE!! Cherry chutney/camembert

APPETIZER

Salmon – dill/mustard/gold flakes

We ate the Creme Brûlée with a shovel! This dish had egg white, seafood and caviar in it.

I had no idea what was going on during this magic show, but it was so whimsical as the chef smoked the cigar. The cigar is made of BBQ pork, vegetables and sesame ash!! Never would have thought that’s what you’re eating just by looking at it.

DEGUSTATION

Onsen Tamago is a traditional Japanese low temperature egg which is originally slow cooked in the water of onsen hot springs… topped with truffle!

Amadai – grilled fish with seaweed and broth

This was so pretty! I wanted to take it home with me. This dish had lobster, uni and abalone inside the shell. The green leaf hanging on the outside shell was also edible and from Iceland!

The chefs unique take on Takoyaki. This was a Hot & Sour chicken takoyaki.

Finally some meat! Wagyu beef was delicious!

CANTONESE BREAKFAST

I literally thought we were having dim sum, but turns out this was dessert!!! It was so interesting and unique… the “soy sauce” was actually soy sauce flavored ice cream. The “chili” needed to be broken onto the ice cream with the hammer and inside was pop rocks!! Jaw dropping and eye opening when I had my first bite. The other items were filled with unique sweet paste. By far my favorite of the night!

MORE SWEETS

I was delivered a bento box with fruit and chocolate for my birthday. It also came with a Cherry syrup drink.

For the last item of the night, the chef explained to us about liquid nitrogen. He gave us each a chocolate/mint meringue which was used with liquid nitrogen and had to be eaten right away. It was fun to watch everyone eat it and have smoke coming out of their noses.

It truly deserves its Michelin star and is definitely gastronomy molecular at its finest. Tapas Molecular Bar is a must if you’re in Tokyo. Not only for the great experience you get but for that awesome night view!! Make reservations early as it only has 8 seats and seats at 6 and 8:30pm only.

Reservations by email: 

mo*********@mo**.com