Toronto’s getting a Japanese-inspired lounge with an exclusive members-only room

A new cocktail bar and lounge experience is coming to Toronto’s King Street West from the team behind Soluna. Japanese-inspired lounge Kissa, offers a new concept to the city, and here’s what you need to know about this exciting venue.

Hospitality veterans Dan Gunam and Vito Tomasicchio are bringing Kissa to life at what was once Goldie at 619 King Street West.

Kissa is derived from the term ‘kissaten,’ which is a Japanese-style speakeasy teahouse, where the new bar takes its inspiration from. There will be two floors, one of which will have an exclusive members-only room.

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The downstairs space is described as a hub for “the sophisticated crowd looking for an intimate night out.” There will be a unique vinyl-only listening experience powered by a vintage sound system, including a built-in DJ booth. Think London, New York, or Paris.

As for its interior design, there will be a vinyl record wall, ceiling-hung crystal disco balls, velvet details, and ambient mood lighting for that chill vibe.

Now for the upstairs lounge, it’s inspired by Studio 54 and is described as a more “fashion-forward” space. This is where the separate room will be located, with a requirement to join its membership program launching in late summer.

Chef Michael Parubocki from Momofuku and Kasa Moto is the Director of Culinary alongside Head Chef Dylan Sampson. They have developed a special Japanese-inspired Izakaya-style menu.

And of course, don’t forget about the cocktails. Kissa’s Mixology Director, Blake Canning from Casa Madera, has come up with 17 specialty cocktails.

Kissa plans to open to the public this July.

Kissa

When: Opening early July
Where: 619 King Street West