Tomono Lounge

Tomono Lounge is a Japanese bar on the 9th floor of The Sphere Serviced Residences, on Valero Street in Salcedo Village. Take the lift up to the 9th floor. The lounge sits right beside the pool, which you'd never guess from the street.

The idea comes from the small speakeasy bars of Ginza in Tokyo. That means a calm room, careful drinks and no loud music. It's the kind of place where you sit at the bar and watch your drink being made.

The menu leans Japanese. There are Japanese spirits, and cocktails built on sake. If you don't know much about sake, tell the bartender what you usually drink and let them suggest something. Mocktails are on the menu too, so it works if someone in your group isn't drinking.

Wednesday is the night to know about. Your second cocktail or mocktail is on the house, which makes a midweek date pretty easy.

The crowd is mostly residents, office people from the Salcedo towers and couples looking for somewhere quiet. It's open Monday to Saturday from 5PM to midnight, so it suits an after work drink or a nightcap after dinner nearby. They also take private events, if you want the space for a small party. Check their Instagram before you go for any changes.