The Kissaten: a new bar in Lisbon inspired by Japanese listening bars
Lisbon never ceases to amaze. This city, known for its cobblestone hills, yellow trams, and dreamy viewpoints, holds secrets that enchant both locals and travelers alike. One such secret is The Kissaten, a bar that has successfully brought the essence of Japanese listening bars to the heart of Portugal’s capital.
Contact: @thekissaten.pt
Address: R. Camilo Castelo Branco, 18 (Lisbon)
With dim and intimate lighting, it boasts Lisbon’s largest whisky selection, featuring over 100 bottles, alongside a high-quality sound system that plays records from all eras and genres. This makes The Kissaten a paradise for whisky and music lovers alike.
A menu for connoisseurs
The menu includes an extensive collection of Japanese whiskies, featuring revered labels such as Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, and Nikka, showcasing the craftsmanship and tradition of Japan’s finest distilleries. It also offers a range of premium Scotch whiskies from renowned distilleries like Macallan, Glenfiddich, and Ardbeg, as well as a robust selection of American bourbons and ryes, including premium offerings from Michter’s, Rittenhouse, and Uncle Nearest, known for their rich caramelized flavor.
Each bottle has been carefully selected to complement The Kissaten’s intimate musical atmosphere, thanks to a team of experts led by Dave Broom, a whisky specialist, writer, and journalist with over 30 years of experience in the spirits industry.
The sound system at The Kissaten
As we mentioned earlier, in addition to housing the largest whisky selection in Lisbon, The Kissaten is equipped with a premium sound system that allows guests to enjoy a fantastic collection of records from Spiritland.
All of this is made possible thanks to the mixing desk, a custom 4-channel, 12-input rotary model built by Can Electric in Barcelona.
It’s also thanks to the turntables, EMT 948s, which were originally used at the now-closed Plastic People club in London.
These cult German broadcast turntables are known for their solidity and audio quality, often found in BBC radio studios and numerous Japanese listening bars.
On the other hand, the main stereo speakers are Klipsch Cornwalls, with additional sound reinforcement provided by Lambda Labs speakers. The source components include a Revox B77, a Sony CD carousel connected to an Audeze DAC, and digital file players.
A concept that combines tradition and modernity
The Kissaten is located at the Locke Santa Joana, a former 17th-century convent that opened its doors in the summer of 2024 in Lisbon. Since its opening, this bar has become a landmark for both casual music lovers and audiophiles, as well as those seeking a unique experience that combines the best of two worlds: the simplicity of Japanese design and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality.
As soon as you step through its doors, you’ll notice how the city’s hustle and bustle fades away, giving way to a sense of well-being. The interior, adorned with dark wood and minimalist details, is one of the key elements that create a cozy atmosphere and instantly instill a sense of calm. Once captivated by the space, a team of bartenders embodying the spirit of omotenashi—the Japanese art of hospitality—welcomes and attends to guests, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
At a time when Lisbon is experiencing a surge of international culinary proposals, The Kissaten stands out for its authenticity and attention to detail, demonstrating how traditions can travel and take root in new territories without losing their essence.
(*) Photographs by Charles McCay.
