Located in the lobby of the Conrad Hotel, TwentyEight is an oasis of muted monochromes with discrete edges. The bar's sleek design displays a tight graphic crispness, while linen shades and leather upholstery in brown and cream tones impart a contrasting softness. When planning the interior for the Conrad, G.A. Design envisioned a garden of urban tranquility, and TwentyEight, with its soaring ceilings, angled skylights, and excellent views of Tokyo Bay, proves to be a relaxing spot in Shiodome.

Teatime is popular here, and the afternoon tea set (Y3500) arrives arranged on a frosted glass platter like an assortment of sweet and savory petit fours. A miniature scone with clotted cream and raspberry jam is light but satisfying, as is the grilled chicken canape with avocado cream.

Those in search of something stronger than tea can find signature cocktails from Y1700 like the Tei-en, an unusual combination of vodka mixed with cucumber, shiso, kiwi, and cardamom seed, and the French 28, a pleasant champagne-based number spiked with Tanqueray and lime leaf, in addition to Bombay Sapphire martinis (Y2000). Tapas like zuwaigani crab cakes and marinated beef shins with cucumber are available after 5:30 (Y2000 for a set of three).

Dusk is arguably the best time to visit TwentyEight; calm settles over the space as the sunlight fades and votive candles flicker to life. The scene gets busier in the evenings, when the after-work crowd rolls in and the live band strikes up, but beware the Y1800 seating charge after 8pm.