Tucked behind Gatherings in Merivale, Kisi is an intimate bar space and courtyard offering an alternative taste of Gatherings without the formal table service. Built around relaxed socialising, Kisi provides alternative ways of dining and having a drink, serving small versions of dishes from the Gatherings kitchen alongside a thoughtfully curated beverage list.
The drinks selection features wines sourced from around the world, a curated list of cocktails, a weekly ten-dollar wine pour, and craft beer on tap from Three Boys. Music sits at the heart of the Kisi experience, soundtracked by team-curated playlists, with playing cards on hand and a screen playing interesting video clips, music videos, and occasional sports.
Kisi operates exclusively on a walk-in basis with no table bookings required, complementing its cosy indoor nook with generous outdoor seating and standing space in the courtyard. The entire venue is also available to hire for private dinner parties and bespoke gatherings.
Tucked neatly behind Gatherings in Merivale, Kisi presents an intimate bar and courtyard hideaway that reimagines the dining experience. Designed as a relaxed, alternative taste of Gatherings without traditional table service, Kisi invites guests to drop in for a drink, graze on small plates, and settle into a uniquely casual neighbourhood atmosphere.
Kisi is conceived as an informal companion to Gatherings, offering guests alternative ways of dining and drinking. The space itself is compact and intimate indoors, opening out into an atmospheric courtyard with ample outdoor seating and standing room. It functions both as a vibrant local hangout for casual drinks and as an exclusive venue available to hire for private dinner parties.
Music forms an essential pillar of the identity at Kisi. The soundtrack is shaped by team-curated playlists that define the room's energy, while a dedicated screen plays a mix of visual clips, music videos, and occasional sports matches. Decks of playing cards are scattered about, inviting visitors to linger over games and conversation.
The culinary offering at Kisi mirrors the ethos of Gatherings, translated into a bar-friendly format. Rather than a formal multi-course sitting, the kitchen produces smaller-scale versions of signature Gatherings dishes. These bite-sized offerings provide the freedom to sample diverse flavours alongside a glass of wine or beer without committing to a full restaurant dinner.
The beverage program at Kisi is tightly curated and approachable. The wine list showcases diverse bottles from around the world alongside a rotating ten-dollar weekly wine pour that highlights interesting producers. For beer enthusiasts, fresh local brew is poured from Three Boys on tap, while a considered cocktail menu rounds out the options for late-afternoon and late-night drinks.
Kisi operates entirely on a walk-in basis with no table reservations taken, ensuring that spontaneous drop-ins are always welcomed. Doors open at 5:00 pm from Wednesday through Sunday, staying open until 10:00 pm on weeknights and Sundays, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Under its house policy, Kisi never closes early, offering a reliable retreat for courtyard drinks and shared bites in Merivale.