Hidden gems. The type of spots that may be a little tricky to find, but well worth the effort. Ari x Gato Tea & Dining Bar, tucked away in Empire Residence in Petaling Jaya, is exactly one of those places. It’s a Japanese-themed cafe. And while you may have seen your fair share of other Japanese-themed cafes, Ari x Gato Tea & Dining Bar offers a unique charm — which you definitely don’t want to miss.
And what exactly is that unique charm, you may ask? Well, this cafe has not one, but two completely different personalities. It’s a spot that transforms, showing one face by day and a totally different one by night.
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Ari x Gato at Day
During the day, Ari x Gato presents itself as a calming zen garden. Stepping inside feels like a breath of fresh air, with views of the lush greenery and tranquil ponds that make you forget you’re even in the city. It’s the ultimate chill-out spot, a cafe that really takes the term “hidden gem” seriously!
The menu here is delightful, too. They’ve got a variety of Japanese dishes, from cute little sando (Japanese sandwiches) to comforting bowls of hot soba, udon, and somen. If it’s a hot day and you need a refreshing meal, then a cold somen is the way to go.
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But the real must-try is their signature chazuke. This classic Japanese dish features a warm, comforting bowl of rice with toppings like salmon, and then topped off with hot green tea poured right into the bowl — transforming the rice bowl into good, soupy deliciousness. And for drinks, while they have a variety of coffee and tea, you have to get a taste of their matcha. The Matcha 3 Journey is a flight that lets you try the same matcha in three different serving styles, making for a unique matcha tasting experience.
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How it Transforms at Night
When the sun goes down, Ari x Gato completely transforms. The peaceful cafe becomes a mysterious, moody bar. The lights get low, the music shifts, and the whole place feels like the perfect backdrop for a great night out.
The bar specialises in creative cocktails that are as interesting as they sound. For something totally fun and unique, ask for the Cocktail Omakase. Just pull up a seat at the bar, tell the bartender how you’re feeling, and they’ll whip up the perfect drink based on your mood.
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They also boast some clever cocktail concoctions as well. There’s the Midnight Matcha Rum, a matcha cocktail with a dark, rich twist. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Whack-A-Wasabi Prawn — it’s a vodka-infused tiger prawn that’s lightly torched and perched on a wasabi-rimmed glass. It’s a bit wild, and yet a lot of fun.
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So whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon with a cup of tea or a night of unique cocktails, Ari x Gato Tea & Dining Bar has got you covered. Giving the best of both worlds, this cafe/bar spot is definitely worth checking out.
