A cozy Japanese-inspired winter chalet is taking over this Toronto rooftop bar

Ace Hotel Toronto is bringing back its popular Winter Chalet experience this month, but this time with a Japanese-inspired twist.

In partnership with iconic Japanese speakeasy Bar Gyu, the hotel will transform Evangeline into a Japanese-style Niseko Chalet. Starting Nov. 26, the exciting ski bar will offer new Bar Gyu x Ace Hotel cocktails featuring Lot 40 and Japanese whiskies, a selection of Bar Gyu and Ace classic cocktails, whisky tasting flights, and more.

“We can’t wait to bring a little piece of Niseko to Toronto this winter through our collaboration with Ace Hotel,” said Ioanna Morelli, co-founder of Bar Gyu.

“Being from Toronto myself and now having spent half my life in Japan, this collaboration is especially meaningful to us. Bar Gyu has always been about creating a warm, intimate space where people can come together over great drinks, and this collaboration will let us share that spirit with Torontonians. We hope guests feel transported to the Japanese mountainside, discovering the flavours, atmosphere and hospitality that make Bar Gyu so special.”

What to expect at the Niseko Chalet pop-up

Ambiance and interior design

To bring the space to life, Evangeline will showcase the charm and essence of Niseko’s oldest cocktail bar in Toronto through several mediums. Co-founder Hisashi Watanabe’s hand-painted menus will be featured, along with the iconic red Coca-Cola door replicated by hand on the patio doors.

Vintage skis and ski decor will be complemented by Japanese fabrics to tie it all together.

And to set the mood, guests will have the chance to enjoy an analogue experience with live DJs spinning a selection of Bar Gyu’s favourite vinyl records.

Menu

As for the menu, there are a number of creations using Japanese flavours, and other Japanese-inspired bar snacks.

Created by Ace Hotel’s executive chef, Moto Nishimura, the Japanese-inspired snack menu features dishes like Sushi Pizza, Katsu Sando, Pork Chasu Skewers, and more. Niseko Chalet will also serve Ace’s cheese and chocolate fondue.

This year, the cheese fondue will feature whisky and white miso flavours, paired with chasu pork, shiitake mushrooms, and lotus chips for dipping. Looking for something sweet? The chocolate version will be served with Japanese sweet potato and fresh fruit.

“Fondue is not traditionally a Japanese dish, but people in the snowy regions love eating it after a cold day on the slopes. We infused our version of fondue with flavours like white miso, and decided to change up the traditional accompaniments by serving it with Japanese items for dipping,” said Nishimura.

“Blending traditional flavours and ingredients with new techniques is something we love to do at the Ace, and it really represents our team’s approach to creating delicious menus for our guests to enjoy.”

Cocktails and drinks

Now, for the Niseko Chalet cocktail menu, this collaboration between bar manager Aaron Hatchell and the Bar Gyu team draws on its established rare whisky and sake program. This includes Bar Gyu signatures like the Japanese Whisky Sour, Hojicha Alexander, and Paper Crane.

More of a cocktail person? The East Meets West Old Fashioned features a special house blend of Lot 40 and Japanese whiskies, while the Ume highball consists of Lot 40 dark oak, umeshu, and plum vinegar.

There are also two whisky tasting flights, which include the Lot 40 Cask Exploration and the Japanese Whisky 101, complete with tasting notes. The drinks menu will also feature Japanese-style beers brewed in partnership with Toronto’s Godspeed Brewery, and a robust offering of non-alcoholic options.

Guests can enjoy the winter chalet experience seven days a week during Evangeline’s regular hours and with vinyl records every Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Reservations for the ski bar are now available via OpenTable and are highly recommended.

The Japanese-style Niseko Chalet pop-up will run until Sun., Feb. 14, 2027.

Niseko Chalet

When: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 to Sun., Feb. 14, 2027
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 3 to 11 p.m.
Where: 51 Camden St.

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