Calico Unveils Two New Restaurant Openings in Japan.
Calico restaurant, the heartbeat of Bali’s surf scene, is set to blaze a trail of good times with the grand openings of two new locations in Japan’s snowboarder paradise – and just in time for winter. Following the success of their Bali venue, Calico is bringing its unique blend of high-energy vibes and bold flavours to the mountains of Hakuba and Myoko, and both venues are within walking distance of the slopes.
Known for its motto “Good times. All the time”, Calico has expanded from the sun-soaked beaches of Bali to the snowy peaks of Japan. The brand, created by two best friends, Pat Berrell and Pauly Bacchetto, who share a passion for riding sideways on snow, waves, and concrete, satisfy the cravings of those who live an active lifestyle with tasty treats from breakfast to late-night revelry.
Open from 7am till late, Calico is more than a restaurant; it’s a lifestyle hub for friends, family, and your favourite canine (puppy-chinos made to order). The industrial aesthetic with concrete floors, black steel beams, high ceilings, communal tables, warm lighting and an abundance of green Monstera plants add a Balinese touch to the new mountain settings. Guests can kick start their day with freshly brewed coffee and invigorating Smoothie Bowls like Acai or Peanut Butter & Choc. The breakfast selection features classics like Breakfast Burrito with smashed hash browns, bacon, chorizo, jalapeños, cheese and scrambled eggs, or Smashed Avo on sourdough. For
Lunch and Dinner, tuck into a fresh Caesar Salad, Chicken Schnitzel, or Fish Finger Sandwich with slaw and house tartare. The burger game is strong with Smashed Patty, Southern Fried Chicken, and Buffalo Blue Cheese with crispy chicken thigh and buffalo sauce, while sides do not disappoint with Maple Chipotle Wings, Corn Ribs and Fries on offer.
Hakuba Beer and signature cocktails will satisfy the apres-ski crowd, such as, Calico Crush blending Aperol, spiced rum, orange, mint, and soda; Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita, and Basil Smash with gin, basil and lemon.
Calico Hakuba (opened 23 September 2023) is located in the heart of Hakuba’s bustling Ecoland and close to the slopes and onsens. Calico Myoko which just opened (28 December 2023) is close to one of the snowiest places on earth in peak winter, and its Calico’s largest venue to date, which seats up to 100 guests. Keep an eye on socials for weekly events like Burger Nights, and basement parties with local and international DJs spinning tracks at the second outlet of speakeasy Holy Smokes bar downstairs. The
discreet outside entrance of an Asahi vending machine adds an extra layer of cool – buy beer or push it aside to open the secret entrance to the dance floor.
Ready to elevate your Calico experience? Whether you’re a surfer, shredder, or just a vibe-seeker, Calico welcomes you. Grab your board, your crew, your adventurous spirit, and join Calico Hakuba and Myoko at the intersection of flavour and flow.
About the Owners
Australian born Pat Berrell and Pauly Bacchetto crossed paths on the slopes of Hakuba in Japan back in 2017, and they’ve been riding snow, waves, and concrete together since. In January 2020, their first collaboration was born – Holy Smokes Hakuba – a bustling downstairs speakeasy bar hidden behind a vending machine off the main strip in Ecoland. With murals on the walls, neon lights, local and international DJs, this small bar is always a good time. Craving some Mexican fare, they opened Cantina in December 2021, which is known for its fun and friendly environment, early morning coffee, delicious tacos, and late night drinks.
Soon they received the opportunity to expand globally, and in 2022 opened Calico Bali, close to the surf in Canggu, combining Cantina’s menu with classic Western dishes and signature cocktails. Inspired by their community-focused venue, they returned to Japan and opened Calico Hakuba. Similar to the Bali location, Calico Hakuba brings people together to eat, drink, and socialise all day, every day. Using the tried and tested blueprint, a third Calico location opened in nearby up-and-coming ski town
Myoko. Coupled with its own underground Holy Smokes speakeasy with regular DJ nights. Filling a gap for those looking for great coffee, food and cocktails.
The curated playlists at each venue highlights their love of music. It’s no surprise they are also involved in the construction of Snow Machine – the ultimate ski trip and music festival located in Queenstown in New Zealand, and Hakuba in Japan, and Dream Machine festival set in the tropical paradise of Nusa Dua in Bali.
Venue Details:
● Calico Hakuba
Address: 3020-892 Hokujo, Hakuba mura, Kita azumi gun, Nagano ken, 399-9301
● Calico Myoko
Address: 448 Akakura, Myoko, Niigata ken 949-2111
Calico Instagram and website