A Hidden Den for Great Drinks — Just Don’t Expect Great Food

👋

Time of visit: June 2025

If you’re wandering around Omotesando, Tokyo, and in the mood for a drink somewhere low-lit and moody, MALT BAR DEN might catch your eye. Tucked into a basement space, it lives up to the “den” in its name. Think wood, stone, and just enough darkness to make you feel like you’re in a private retreat from the buzz of the city.

inside MALT BAR DEN — Inside MALT BAR DEN

The vibe? Spot on. It’s got a cozy, almost speakeasy-like atmosphere that’s perfect for a slow evening over drinks. And as a helpful bonus, they offer an English menu, which makes ordering smooth for non-Japanese speakers.

drink menu with English at MALT BAR DEN — Drink menu with English at MALT BAR DEN

We started with a small cup of Japanese dashi, which was a lovely touch and a comforting way to begin the night. The chicken liver pate and pickles were solid—no complaints there.

But the sirloin steak was oddly tough and lean and felt more like a cut from the thigh. And when we asked for some salt (because the steak needed it), it took ages to arrive and ended up being the cheap processed kind, which didn’t help the dish all that much. The French fries came dusted with that unmistakable artificial seasoning you might find at a fast food chain—Lotteria came to mind.

alleged "sirloin" steak — Alleged “sirloin” steak

salt and pepper we asked for the steak — Salt and pepper we asked for the steak

On the drinks front, though, things were better. The Shandygaff was genuinely refreshing, and my partner enjoyed their beer too. If you’re here for a quick drink in a nice setting, you’ll probably be satisfied.

One thing that did stand out—in a not-so-great way—was the staff. They seemed hurried the whole time. Granted, we did come in fairly late, but the slightly frazzled service made the experience feel a bit rushed and uneven.

We paid 9,230 yen and felt it was overpriced for the quality of food and the overall experience.

Bottom line? MALT BAR DEN has a great look and atmosphere, and they know how to pour a good drink. The English menu is a nice touch for international guests. But if you’re expecting a memorable meal to go with it, your taste buds might leave feeling a bit underwhelmed. Go for the ambiance and a casual drink—but maybe eat elsewhere first.

MALT BAR DEN Omotesando/表参道 – Review

Sakura Yubi

Food

Atmosphere

Service

Value for Money

Summary

MALT BAR DEN in Omotesando offers a stylish, moody underground vibe perfect for drinks, with the bonus of an English menu. The cocktails and beer are enjoyable, but the food—especially the steak and fries—falls short.

3.3