01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Take the elevator up to the 4th floor along Kagurazaka-dori and pull open the heavy door: the hushed ease of a cocktail lounge greets you, mingled with the warm, aromatic drift of ground spices. Grand BAR Naorai is a dedicated drinking spot where guests gather as eagerly for craft curry as for rare spirits. Framed by an impressive gallery of bottles behind the counter, it functions just as well for an unhurried dinner as it does for a late-night final pour.
Craft Curry Steeped in Wine and Fruit
The signature Chunky Chicken Craft Curry is cooked down for 48 hours with generous amounts of vegetables, fruit, and red wine, developing deep savory undertones while leaving a clean, light finish. Generous pieces of domestic Satsuma Jidori chicken, marinated in shio-koji and spices before hitting the grill, pack juicy savor into each bite. By emphasizing fragrance and natural produce sweetness over aggressive heat, the curry sits naturally alongside wine, beer, or cocktails.
Pairings of Gin, Whisky, and Warm Spice
For nibbling over a glass, the daily spiced achaar pickles, often spotlighting fresh seafood, are an easy favorite. Around 30 craft gins are on pour at any time, featuring Japanese bottles such as Wakayama cypress-infused gin alongside herbal expressions that answer the spice on the plate. The bar also infuses gin with loose leaves from revered Parisian tea house Mariage Frères, while whisky lovers can browse an international selection exceeding 200 labels.
Beyond the counter, comfortable sofa seating welcomes quiet solo drinkers and small groups looking to converse at ease. The bartending staff gladly guides guests through selections based on personal taste, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and approachable for those new to craft spirits. With doors open until 2:00 on Friday and Saturday nights, it offers a distinctively flavorful conclusion to an evening in Kagurazaka.
