Fukuoka is my new favourite city. It has everything; food, lots of food. Craft chocolate, lots of craft chocolate. I spent my week there planning out what neighbourhood I’d live in, which restaurants would be my favourites. My go to bar for a drink would be Notime Mixology Bar.
I’m not a big drinker, but I fear that if I moved to Fukuoka, I might spent a lot of time in this bar, although they do offer a wide range of non alcoholic options as well. First, the space is perfect. It is warm, approachable and comfortable, but still incredibly sophisticated. Founder Hiromi Yamada was apparently a custom interior designer before opening this bar and designed the interior himself. He paired up with bartender Takaaki Abe, one of Japan’s top bartender who uses a wide range of herbs, spices, smoke and other ingredients to create drinks that aren’t just delicious but visually stunning, each one like an experience. I have nothing more to say. Just enjoy your drinks.
Oh, I do have something else to say. Did I mention they have chocolate cocktails?
The chocolate is from local bean to bar chocolate maker CacaoGoto. There are three cocktails for you to try, so pace yourself, or plan to come back often. We ordered the three for two of us (more sensible, no). The Cacao Velvet was my favourite, a mix of 100% cacao, saffron, apple balsamic vinegar and bitter chocolate icecream. An adult style affogato cocktail. The Cacao Alexander is an addictive mix of 100% cacao, brandy, vanilla, heavy cream and rose. The third cocktail is Cacao Frozen with 100% cacao, rum, mango and vanilla.
Perfect.
It is reservation only, so do plan ahead if you plan to visit. You might find me in the far right corner of the bar.
Notime Mixology Bar: 810-0004 Fukoka Chuo Ward, Watanabedori, 5. Open dailly 5pm to 1am. Instagram: notime_fukuoka
