Your dream Japanese restaurant bucket list just came to life.
A foodie favorite all over the world especially in the Philippines, it comes as no surprise that there’s an abundance of Japanese restaurants in the metro. Thanks to these restos, not only are the Filipinos exposed to a culture that’s completely different from their own but also to dishes that are as numerous as the flavors of their food and techniques used to prepare them.
UPDATE: See the Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila this month!
If you’re one of those people who fell in love with Japanese cuisine whether that’s traditional Japanese food or Japanese food with a modern twist, then we suggest you add these restaurants to your bucket lists and try them ASAP!
All Over the Metro
Summer may be upon us but nothing beats a bowl of hot ramen broth, steaming rice, or spicy maki. Got hungry? Check out these Japanese restaurants that are accessible to anyone and everyone in the metro.
Kureji
Offering the unique “sizzling ramen” experience, Kureji is the place to be when you’re also looking for different flavored chicken wings, gyoza, as well as a make your own ramen experiences.
Recommended dishes: Gyoza, Chicken Wings, Gyudon, Shoyu, Tomato Seafood.
Insider tip: They're going to open a branch at The Podium real soon!
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Marugame Udon
A self-service style restaurant from Tokyo which allows you to create your own udon by picking your own toppings, get affordable, flavorful, and freshly made Japanese dishes at Marugame Udon.
Must-try dishes: Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon, Chicken Paitan Udon, and Beef Yaki Udon.
Nihonbashi Tei
A humble Izakaya offering an extensive list of authentic Japanese specialties at fairly affordable prices, at Nihonbashi Tei you can get your fix of sushi, ramen, yakitori, curry, and so much more!
Yabu: House of Katsu
A homegrown Japanese concept that specializes in all things katsu, Yabu’s sets are no doubt a must-try especially when you find yourself famished after shopping.
Recommended dish; Rosu Original Katsudon
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Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Known as “The House of Tsukemen”, Mitsuyaddo Sei-men is an international franchise by UCC Group that Serves up a variety of noodle dishes, rice dishes as well as their house specialty – the double cheese tsukemen.
Must-try: Double Cheese Tsukemen, Karashi Tsukemen, Chicken Black Pepper Don
Teriyaki Boy multiple branches
Teriyaki Boy hails from and is owned by the people behind the Max’s Group. They are a Japanese restaurant with dozens of outlets around the country. Featuring casual but stylish interiors that are reminiscent of any staple restaurant in Japan, they serve delicious Japanese food like gyoza, ramen, sashimi, and sushi rolls.
Insider tip: You can get 2 orders of their Ebi Tempura, Gyoza, and Japanese Roasted Milk Tea!
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Claim at 22 branches
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Makati and Taguig
Though they are areas that are known best for having a ton of offices, you’ll be surprised at the number of Japanese restaurants in Makati and Taguig that you can find especially if you head to Little Tokyo in Makati!
Kyo-to – Legaspi Village
Have a taste of Japanese through time at Kyo-to, a fine dining Japanese restaurant by Chef Ryohei Kawamoto who serves authentic kaiseki ryori – dishes that explain Japanese history.
Fun fact: The menu changes depending on the season and what's available in the market. In addition, it's suggested that you reserve in advance to get a seat or a private dining room to yourself.
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G/F 119 C. Palanca Jr. St. Legazpi Village, Makati
(02) 805-7743
Mendokoro Ramenba – Salcedo Village and Fort Bonifacio
Mendokoro Ramenba, or fondly called “Yushoken 2.0”, is nicely tucked away along Leviste St., serving fresh bowls of noodles to the ramen faithful in the area.
Must-try dishes: Gyoza, Miso, Shoyu, Tantan-Men, Aji Tamago
Tip: They have limited seats and don't accept reservations so make sure you plan your visit ahead of time.
No reservations accepted
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Kazunori/Kazu Cafe – Pasong Tamo
From the people behind Yushoken Ramen & Medokoro Ramenba, Kazunori is a sushi bar that offers hand-rolled sushi, as well as fresh and quality dishes like omurice, sashimi, and katsudon.
Must-try dishes: Soba and Sashimi
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G/F Mazda Showroom, 2301 Chino Roces Ave., San Lorenzo, Makati
(02) 989-3152 | (0917) 836-2695
Ikomai – Salcedo Village
A casual dining restaurant and hidden gem by Chef James Antolin and Nagoya Chef Hide, get your fix of elevated Japanese street food with a kushiage twist.
Fun fact: Tochi is a dessert shop found in Ikomai and is known best for it's flavored cookies - Salted Macadamia, Matcha, and other desserts.
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G/F ACI Bldg., 147 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati
(02) 816-4588
Ogawa – Fort Strip
Headed and named after Chef Kiyoshi Ogawa from Senju of EDSA Shangri-la, have a unique and authentic Japanese dining experience through their grand interiors and quality dishes like teppanyaki, robatayaki, and more.
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Mori (3 kinds of assorted sashimi), Crazy Maki (7pcs/order), Gokujyo Sushi (Hamacho)
Booky Tip: Their set meals are the more affordable options for budget eaters.
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2/F Fort Strip, The Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Ave cor 28th St.
(02) 886-4994
Mecha Uma – Fort Bonifacio
Get the best of global cuisine with modern Japanese twists that utilize special ingredients at Mecha Uma, the city’s most dynamic chef’s table by the Moment Group in collaboration with your and talented chef Bruce Ricketts. Expect an out-of-the-box experience with it’s 10-course omakase personally prepared by Chef Bruce.
Must-try dishes: Tori Nanban Zuke, Aburi Hotate, and Sake Kasu Ice Cream.
Note: Reservation is required to get a seat for the degustation.
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G/F RCBC Corp Center, 25th & 26th Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 964-9605
Izakaya Kikufuji – Little Tokyo
Izakaya Kikufuji is no doubt, Makati’s best open secret in Little Tokyo, the mecca of Japanese food in Makati. Their secret to success? Authentic dishes like fresh sushi bowls and grilled wagyu sticks.
Booky Tip: This place packed especially on this weekends. Try visiting during off-peak hours.
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Little Tokyo, 2277 Chino Roces, Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 893- 7913 | (02) 893-6131
Quezon City and Manila
With these areas being the biggest cities in Metro Manila, we’ve decided to narrow down the Japanese restaurants that are worth the trip.
If that’s not enough for you, however, simply type ‘JAPANESE QUEZON CITY/MANILA‘ in the Booky app and you’ll see more restaurants you can choose from !
Zaan – Mother Ignacia
Zaan is a Japanese restaurant that found a way to marry its interiors and its dishes to serve up an authentic Japanese experience that’ll transport you to Japan without having to buy a plane ticket.
If you have a taste for the traditional, you’ll enjoy their dining area as well as their soba and their variety of wagashi.
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Norfil Foundation Bldg., 16 Mother Ignacia Ave, Quezon City
(02) 718-1231
Oedo – Sto. Domingo
A restaurant that has a big 2-floored space with function rooms for private events, if you’re planning to have a Japanese themed party, a meeting or get-together with people who love Japanese food, then Oedo is the perfect restaurant for you.
Must-try dishes: Gyu Teppan Yaki, Ebi Tempura, Oedo Maki
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105 Sto. Domingo Ave, Quezon City
(02) 255-5993
Yurakuen – Diamond Hotel
Boasting an Eat-All-You-Can Teppanyaki and Eat-All-You-Can Yakiniku, Yurakuen is no doubt the bread and butter of those hungry and craving for freshly cooked Japanese food.
However, if buffets are not your cup of tea, you can also avail of their ala carte dishes that may be a bit pricey but no doubt, made of high-quality ingredients so you’re sure that the food is worth every peso.
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Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd. cor Dr J Quintos St. Malate Manila
(02) 528-3000
Pasig and San Juan
Two areas that house malls where families/barkadas go to spend their weekends, Pasig and San Juan also houses some Japanese restaurants where you can both eat and hang out with your loved ones!
Tomo – Addition Hills
An authentic Japanese restaurant serving up classic dishes, Tomo sure knows how to let their dishes shine through their choice of having a modern, minimalist, Japanese interiors.
Recommended dishes: Seafood Teppanyaki, Shio Sake/Sake Teriyaki, Unagi Maki
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137 Araullo Street, Addition Hills, San Juan
(02) 537-5729
Oyasumi Ramen – San Juan
Known best for offering a Yokohama-style ramen variant – a thick, greasy, creamy, pork-flavored broth with thick noodles made fresh daily, Oyasumi Ramen will satisfy your appetite for rich, savory, filling Japanese dishes.
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308 Guevarra St cor Seaview St, San Juan
(02) 275-0309
Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant – Kapitolyo
From the owners of Cafe Juanita, Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant is a casual dining spot serving affordable Japanese cuisine in sakura-filled interiors with a bridge smack in the middle to add to the authenticity and romance of the place.
Must-try dishes: Cha Soba, Crazy Roll, Gyoza
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21 West Capitol Dr. Kapitolyo, Pasig
(02) 631-0597
Marufuku – Ortigas Center
If you’re the type who constantly has choice paralysis when faced with a long menu, then we suggest you head on to Marufu, a hidden gem in Pasig that may have a limited menu and intimate interiors but offers up the core basics of Japanese cuisine that’ll satisfy you nonetheless.
Recommended dishes: Beef Teriyaki Robata, Wagyu Teppanyaki, Chirashi Don
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G/F The Crescent Bldg., 29 San Miguel Ave, Oranbo, Pasig
(02) 570-3989
Shinsen Sushi Bar and Restaurant – Sapphire Bloc and C Raymundo Ave
Are you a sushi enthusiast and you’re looking for a restaurant that’ll give you the sushi sweats? Then head on to Shinsen, a homegrown local sushi bar and restaurant that serves authentic Japanese fare prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Recommended dishes: Dragon Roll, Beef Yakiniku, Ebi Tempura, Japanese Pannacota
Minami Saki by Astoria – Astoria Plaza
A restaurant headed by Chef Kimito Katagiri, Minami Saki isn’t hesitant to embrace its authentic and traditional culture and to show it to its customers through the food as well as the small details in their interiors.
Must-try dishes: 5 Kinds of Aburi Sushi (Torched Sushi Tuna, Salmon, Eel, Hamachi and Lapu-lapu with aburi sauce) and Tempura Maki
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G/F Astoria Plaza, 15 J. Escriva Dr. Ortigas Business District, Ortigas, Pasig
(02) 687-111; loc. 8164
We’re all going nuts over our Japanese-themed summer here at Booky! Remember, your taste buds count so make sure to add your go-to restaurants on your “Favorites” list on the Booky app so we can share your favorites with the rest of our food-loving community!
Konichiwa, yummy food!