EatMe, the hospitality group behind award-winning cocktail destination Tokyo Confidential, announces its third venue in Niseko: AóRA Restaurant. Opening on 14 December in the former Kamimura space inside Chatrium Niseko, the restaurant will serve upscale, contemporary cuisine highlighting the finest ingredients from Hokkaido in a cozy setting in the heart of Hirafu.
Helmed by Head Chef Luiz Low, AóRA’s cuisine is inspired by Italian, French, and Pacific Northwest coastal influences. With over 25 years of experience across acclaimed kitchens in Penang, Shanghai, London, and Hokkaido, Chef Luiz’s cooking is bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in place. AóRA’s menus highlight local ingredients through refined culinary craft and thoughtful simplicity. The menu emphasizes clean flavors, precise techniques, and a deep connection to the land, with sample dishes such as Uni Crostini with garlic butter and tomato sauce on a baguette, Shio Koji Black Cod in green curry velouté served over lime rice and topped with micro cilantro, and Wagyu Sirloin with Port wine Jus, celeriac puree, and broccolini. Three tasting menus will be on offer – the 5-course Petite, 7-course Signature, and Premiu
AóRA’s cuisine is complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list showcasing renowned wineries from Hokkaido and beyond, alongside cocktails crafted with seasonal ingredients, local spirits, and fresh herbs under the creative direction of General Manager Tom Egerton. With 20+ years of experience in the hospitality industry and based primarily in the Asia Pacific region, Tom’s recent projects include award-winning destination bars Tokyo Confidential (which debuted at #53 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, #74 on Top500 Bars, is listed in Tatler’s Best 100 in Asia and was nominated for Best New International Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards) and Argo at the Four Seasons Hong Kong (which debuted at #3 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars).
A wine pairing is available to complement the tasting menus, with a mix of Old and New World wines and a special focus on exceptional Japanese wineries; a selection of premium sake also highlights regional breweries and styles that reflect the depth and diversity of Japan’s sake tradition. Seasonal cocktails feature local spirits and fresh ingredients, crafted to complement the culinary approach – refined, creative, and deeply rooted in place.
AóRA will be the third venue from EatMe in Niseko, the hospitality collective known for its own collection of bars and restaurants across Tokyo and Niseko blending Japanese and Western hospitality. From hospitality veterans and award-winning bartenders to chefs, designers, and strategists, EatMe’s team is a collective of passionate creators, driven by curiosity, authenticity, and a shared love for crafting memorable experiences.
In addition to AóRA, EatMe also recently announced a new concept for the winter season, Tepache, which will be a celebration of Mexico and all things agave. From tequila to mezcal and raicilla, Tepache boasts Hokkaido’s largest agave collection, and also showcases lesser-known Mexican beverages. A list of expertly crafted cocktails accompanies the spirit list, as well as a menu of modern Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. The group’s original Hirafu venture, Niseko Confidential, returns for its second winter season with craft cocktails, curated dining offerings, and cozy house party vibes just steps from the slopes.
