Influenced by elements of Japanese Noh Theatre; Bar Besuto is a dark, welcoming, layered and evocative hidden bar and omakase restaurant in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

A glow from a pendant light and glimpse of a bespoke tapestry piece by local artist Chris Yee leads passers-by off the bustling Sydney CBD streets to unveil a hidden underground whiskey bar and omakase restaurant.

Taking cues from traditional stage lighting of classic Japanese Noh theatre, the design utilises light as a medium to direct guests into the unexpected seating moments within the bar. Drawing from the nature of an underground venue, the materiality is a deliberate curation of raw and robust textures to contrast against the warm glow of the amber whiskey bottles, the core of the venue’s offering. The bar design embraces the blockwork walls pairing it with cool-tone brick facings and stained steel detailing. Intimate moments are dictated by the play of light and softened by patchwork leather banquette seating and curtain.

Hidden behind the bespoke full height wall display of a curated whiskey collection reveals the omakase restaurant. Light and dark timber tones paired with bespoke aged brass detailing and raw linen lightbox softens the radiating stage for an intimate dining experience. Delicate custom fabric art hangings by local artisans relieve the harshness of the blockwork walls while being a contemporary nod to the traditional Japanese fabric dying techniques.