Last night, we visited El Dorado, the lounge inside the recently renovated HOTEL IL PALAZZO, to try a new dinner course that caught our attention: a full-course meal paired with free-flowing champagne from POL ROGER.
The setting alone is worth a visit. After a major two-year renovation, IL PALAZZO—Japan’s first design hotel, originally opened in 1989—has reemerged with a bold new look. El Dorado, located on the basement level, feels more like an art installation than a lounge, thanks to immersive lighting and a kinetic water feature called “Dancing Water.” It’s open all day and into the night, but we were there for something a bit more special.
The concept: no fixed menu. Chef Tomio Sasao builds a full-course dinner based on what’s freshest that day. Our meal included a delicate amuse, two starters, a fish course, a meat dish, dessert, and mignardises—each plate clearly improvised, but refined, showing a chef with deep experience and a confident touch.
What makes this dinner even more appealing? The champagne. POL ROGER Brut Réserve—classic, crisp, and generously poured throughout the night. It’s rare to see this caliber of champagne offered in a free-flow format, especially one with royal credentials (POL ROGER has been served at British royal events for generations).
For those wanting to go all in, the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is available by the bottle. Made only in exceptional years and aged over 11 years in bottle, it’s not cheap (¥88,000), but for collectors or celebrators, it’s there.
This isn’t a buffet or a tasting menu with name tags and explanations. There’s a sense of spontaneity here that we enjoyed—the chef cooks, the wine flows, and the night just unfolds.
Seats are limited (only five groups per night), and you’ll need to book at least a day in advance. Definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a one-off night out this summer.
Toast in Gold: Full-Course Dinner + Free-Flow POL ROGER Champagne
• Now through August 31, 2025
• 18:00–20:00 (last seating)
• Lounge El Dorado, HOTEL IL PALAZZO
• 3-13-1 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• ¥16,500 per person (tax & service included)
• Reservations required (max 5 groups per night, up to 4 people per group)
• 0570-009-915 (HOTEL IL PALAZZO)
• https://ilpalazzo.jp/news/539.html
