Ichikura (Xinyuanxili)

Veteran bartender Koji Kuroki keeps the decade-plus momentum going of his since defunct, trailblazing Gongti Japanese lounge at this intimate Xinyuanxili location.

Expect a deep whisky bench (be it Japanese malts like Suntory Yamazaki (RMB 160 per glass, renowned for its delicate and well rounded flavor) and Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (RMB 100 per glass, and has a deft balance between maltiness and fruitiness) along with dozens upon dozens of highland single malt scotches ranging from RMB 100- 200 per glass, Islay single malts and more). Also, try the creative cocktails like the delightfully tart Smoked Robroy (featuring Jonnie Walker Black, coffee-infused sweet vermouth and vanilla bitters) or the dizzyingly strong and sour Ume Margarita (also RMB 100, the pickled Japanese plums in its title https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeboshi being a prominent ingredient along with Don Julio Anejo tequila Cointreau and lemon juice.