ZLB23, Bengaluru

Venues & Concepts

Dec 1

Inside the Experience

The first hint that ZLB23 is not just another hotel bar is the journey it makes you take. You slip off the polished marble arteries of The Leela Palace and onto a quieter garden path, weaving past manicured greens and soft outdoor light. A minute later, you’re threading through a working kitchen, side-stepping chefs in motion, then into a discreet service lift that feels more like a back-of-house secret than guest access.

When the doors open, the shift is immediate. Velvet curtains, low light bouncing off crystal chandeliers, the clink of glassware, and the low thrum of a band midway through a jazz standard. It’s Kyoto by way of Prohibition-era New York, stitched together in a room that never fully reveals itself at first glance.

You sink into a plush seat, menu in hand, and realise this isn’t a “have one drink and leave” bar. The cocktail list reads like a two-part story: Prohibition-era classics reimagined on one side, and Japanese-inspired signatures on the other, with a quiet Indian accent running through the spices and ingredients. Shoyu Ramen arrives looking almost too composed for something based on noodles and broth, yet drinks clean and layered. Ignite Passion glows in the light, all warmth and spice. Someone at the next table is cradling a Kyoto Autumn; on the other side, a Yuzu Picante is getting passed around like a secret.

The band swells into a bridge, brass and vocals wrapping themselves around the room. There’s that rare feeling of being “out” but sheltered—dressy without being stiff, luxurious without being cold. You watch another tray of cocktails glide past and make a mental note: next round, you’re staying on the Japanese side of the menu.

What People Say Most Often

“One of the must-visit cocktail bars in Bengaluru.”
“Feels like a real speakeasy—hidden, cinematic, and classy.”
“Japanese-inspired cocktails with Indian flavours and regional spices; tequila drinks are a standout.”
“Live music is consistently excellent, from jazz to reggae.”
“Cocktails and non-veg dishes are fantastic; vegetarian food is hit-and-miss.”
“Great for dates, solos, or small groups—less ideal for huge parties.”

Editorial Snapshot

Overview

Tucked deep inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru, ZLB23 is a Kyoto-inspired speakeasy that fuses vintage Prohibition-era glamour with contemporary Eastern flavours. It’s the sort of bar that insists on being found, not stumbled upon—rewarding those who follow the trail with meticulously crafted cocktails, moody live music, and an atmosphere that feels more like a story you’ve stepped into than a room you’ve entered.

The Experience

The night starts before your first drink. You follow the directions—through the courtyard, down the garden path, past other bars and dining rooms that feel almost too obvious—until you hit the right turn that feels slightly off-limits. Suddenly you’re in a world of back corridors and quiet staff entrances, and it all builds the tension just right.

Inside, the bar glows. Velvet, dark woods, and crystal add drama, but the room never tips into pretentious. There’s a sense of being in on something: a secret that’s no longer quite secret, but still protected by ritual.

You sit, and the first thing that hits you is the sound. The acoustics are dialled in—enough bass to feel, enough clarity to catch every note. Jazz, soul, or a reggae band from Shillong; whichever night you catch, the music is never just background. It’s part of the architecture.

Cocktails move with ceremony but not fuss. The bartenders and floor team work in sync, recommending drinks, explaining flavour profiles, or suggesting a Japanese-inspired build with local gin or tequila and regional spices. You might start with something citrusy and bright, then drift towards more spirit-forward serves as the evening stretches. Somewhere between “One in a Million” and a Japanese Old Fashioned, time goes soft around the edges.

If you’re hungry, small plates land at the table in a steady procession—duck kissed with smoke and miso, glossy sea bass, rich pork belly, or char kway teow that feels like a late-night luxury. It’s the kind of room where birthdays are celebrated, stories are shared, and second visits are quietly plotted before you even get the bill.

Signatures & Standouts

Cocktails

Kyoto Collins – Whisky, lapsang souchong, aromatised wine. A smoky, elegant highball that bridges East and West in one tall glass.
Shoyu Ramen – Tequila, sake, shiro miso, shochu, seaweed and ramen elements. Comfort food reimagined as a cocktail: savoury, textural, and surprisingly drinkable.
Ignite Passion – A crowd favourite for those who like their drinks bold, bright, and a little dramatic.
One in a Million – Frequently named as a “current favourite” by regulars; layered, nuanced, and quietly addictive.
Kyoto Autumn – Gentle, amber-toned, and often recommended as the opening move into the Japanese-inspired side of the menu.
Zia’s Palmetto – An ode to the bar’s own origin story; spirit-forward with a refined Eastern twist.
Yuzu Picante – Beautifully presented, citrusy and spicy, with jalapeño bringing heat (sometimes more than expected).
Shiso Negroni / Japanese Old Fashioned – For classic lovers wanting a Japanese accent: familiar structures, new botanicals.

Beyond the signatures, regulars rave about tequila-based cocktails with Indian flavours and local spices, a clever way the bar anchors its global inspirations in Bengaluru soil.

Food

Hickory-Smoked Duck – Pan-seared, miso-glazed, with truffle passion fruit emulsion and pangritata. Rich, smoky, and built for slow sipping alongside.
Chilean Sea Bass with Barberries & Goji – Silky, slightly sweet, and luxuriously plated.
Duck & Lobster – Often name-checked by returning guests as must-order starters.
Char Kway Teow & Tenderloin – Comfort dishes with an elevated bar-kitchen twist.
Ceviche & Tataki – Tuna tataki and salmon ceviche provide a lighter counterpoint to richer plates.

Do note: while the non-vegetarian dishes draw a lot of praise, vegetarians consistently find the food underwhelming.

Why People Love It

The entrance is an experience. You don’t just arrive; you discover it—through gardens, corridors, and an almost cinematic reveal.
Atmosphere is top-tier. Vintage speakeasy aesthetic plus Kyoto narrative plus live music equals a room that feels both special and relaxed.
Cocktail program is serious. Split between Prohibition classics and Japanese-inspired builds, with carefully layered flavours and standout tequila and gin serves.
Live music is consistently strong. From jazz bands to visiting acts, the soundscape is a big part of why people stay longer than planned.
Perfect for dates and “occasion nights.” Birthdays, anniversaries, or simply “we need a proper night out” all feel at home here.

Good to Know

Location: Inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru, well hidden; allow a few extra minutes to find your way in.
Reservations: Highly recommended; there may be a cover or minimum spend that gets adjusted against your bill.
Dress code: Smart casual—no sandals; lean slightly dressy and you’ll fit right in.
Group size: Ideal for couples, solos at the bar, and small groups; large groups can feel a bit out of sync with the intimate layout.
Pricing: Premium; expect around ₹1,800–2,000+ per person for drinks, more with food and live music nights.
Food: Excellent for non-vegetarians (duck, lobster, tenderloin, sea bass get frequent praise). Vegetarian dishes are less consistent and often not recommended by reviewers.
Music & noise: Live bands most nights; sound is polished but can get loud, though still generally conversation-friendly.
Policies: “No stag” is sometimes enforced—come with at least one friend or partner to be safe.