Our history - Kaito del Valle

Our Story

Founded in 2016, Kaito del Valle made history as Latin America’s first cocktail bar created and operated entirely by women. Originally located in Mexico City’s Del Valle neighborhood, Kaito emerged as an authentic Japanese izakaya, blending the spirit of traditional taverns of Japan with contemporary cocktail culture.

From its early days perched above a classic Japanese restaurant, to its evolution into an award-winning cocktail destination, Kaito has consistently celebrated creativity, inclusivity, and a passion for hospitality.

Our Essence

Step into a warm, playful, and authentic setting where Japanese pop culture meets high-level mixology. Designed as a safe, inclusive space for all, Kaito’s atmosphere is defined by a creative cocktail menu featuring unique flavors and visually striking presentations inspired by Japanese culture.

With a hidden entrance disguised as a vending machine that transports you to Tokyo’s secret izakayas and décor inspired by neon-lit streets, every detail is crafted to immerse guests in a one-of-a-kind experience.

Our Craft

Led by acclaimed bartender and co-founder Claudia Cabrera - winner of the Roku Industry Icon Award at North America’s 50 Best Bars - Kaito’s bar program is a celebration of innovation. The menu reinvents classics and showcases original cocktails featuring Japanese ingredients, custom glassware, and whimsical garnishes designed to surprise and delight.

Paired with comforting Japanese bites and late-night karaoke sessions, each cocktail tells a story rooted in culture, technique, and fun.

Kaito Del Valle

Inspired by Japanese culture—izakayas (traditional taverns) and the ama, uminchu, or kaito (women divers known for underwater fishing and pearl collecting) Kaito del Valle opened in 2016 as the first cocktail bar in Latin America operated entirely by women, led by acclaimed bartender Claudia Cabrera.

Awards and accolades

● Best International Restaurant Bar Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2018
● Best International Bar Team Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2018
● Best International Bar Team Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2020
● Best International Cocktail Bar Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2020
● No. 13 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2022
● Best International Bar Team Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2022
● Best International Cocktail Bar Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2022
● No. 26 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023
● No. 81 in World’s 50 Best Bars 2023
● No. 28 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024
● Best International Bar Team Regional Honoree en Spirited Awards® Tales of the Cocktail 2025
● First bar in Mexico City to be awarded 2 Pins, Outstanding, by The Pinnacle Guide 2025
● No. 40 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025

About Kaito

With a cocktail program that is both creative and playful, Kaito connects with Japanese culture through its use of ingredients, techniques, and a distinct visual aesthetic. From the beginning, it has cultivated an atmosphere that feels like a cozy, hidden corner of Japan.

After more than eight years in Mexico City’s Del Valle neighborhood, Kaito enters a bold new chapter in 2025 with its relocation to Hamburgo 70B in Colonia Juárez. The new space doubles in size and introduces a cocktail innovation lab, kitchen, and DJ booth—while staying true to its original spirit.

Kaito Del Valle

Honorable awards