Sayonara, diet.
Japan is one of the most popular destinations in the world, not just for its many wonderful sights, but also for its food. Everyone can’t stop raving about the fresh slices of sashimi and that steamy bowl of ramen they found in a dark alley in Tokyo.
Lucky for us because we don’t have to fly out every time we crave quality gyoza or ramen–no shortage of awesome Japanese restaurants here! There’s Japan’s #1 okonomiyaki chain, teppanyaki-all-you-can, yakitori bars, and more.
Here are 10 of your most favorite Japanese restaurants today where you can book a table to get up to Php500 off and even free dessert!
How, you ask? Just sign up to Booky Prime to receive free P1,000 discount credits instantly. You can consume these credits at any of our 400 partner restaurants around Metro Manila. Make your first booking today!
Dohtonbori – Greenhills / SM North
All the way from Tokyo, Dohtonbori is Japan’s #1 okonomiyaki restaurant chain that offers the first cook-your-own okonomiyaki experience in Manila. It has over 300 stores in Japan, with branches in Thailand and Taiwan. It’s for foodies who enjoy DIY meals. It’s not for people who prefer American-style pancakes. We recommend the Deluxe Okonomiyaki, Four-Cheese and Dohtonbori Pizza, and their premium yakiniku. Our insider tip: Skip the queue, you can now book a table through Booky at both branches! Read the full feature here.
WAFU – Greenhills
WAFU is a modern Japanese restaurant that speaks of class and elegance from interiors down to food. It’s helmed by the new executive chef, Chef Nobuyoshi Onishii, former Sushi Master from the renowned Midori Sushi in Japan. It’s for intimate gatherings or relaxing catch-up sessions with your family and friends. It’s not for those looking for good Japanese food on a tight budget. We recommend the U.S. Flat Iron Steak, Sukiyaki Cut Beef, and Oyster Teppan. Our insider tip: Check out their Php999 promo, where you are given 2 hours to enjoy teppan-all-you-can at their teppanyaki stations on the second floor. Book ahead as there are limited slots per seating time. See more photos here, and the full feature here.
View their Instagram account
N Western St., Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan
(02) 570-3242
The Red Dot Modern Japanese Bistro – Legaspi Village
The Red Dot is a casual bistro by Chef Chris Oronce, and it serves Japanese favorites with a modern touch. It’s for Makati locals looking for a hearty office lunch or after-work hangout. It’s not for those looking for ramen. We recommend the donburi rice bowls, sushi, and bento specials. Our insider tip: The restroom inside the restaurant is only for females. The male restroom is located outside the place, in the building lobby.
View their Instagram account
110 C. Palanca Jr St, Legazpi Village, Makati
(02) 818-1551
Ganso Shabuway – Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Greenbelt 5, Rockwell
Ganso-Shabuway is an international franchise from California that offers Japanese-style hot pot. They serve all-natural grass fed beef, fresh produce and other hot pot toppings. It’s for people who are looking for a healthier dining option. It’s not for sushi lovers. We recommend the Set B (for 2) with Spicy Miso broth, Wagyu beef set, and their Seafood Deluxe Set. We’ve been reading great reviews about their dipping sauces, so make sure to try those as well. Our insider tip is that every order of single or sharing shabu-shabu set comes with unlimited rice, soup refills and dipping sauces. See the full feature here.
Butamaru – Westgate Alabang
Butamaru is known to serve authentic ramen that specializes in the pork flavor as to which ‘buta’ means ‘pig’. It’s for ramen lovers out there who crave flavorful broths. It’s not for those who hate the taste of pork. We recommend the Tantanmen, Tsukemen, and their Black Sesame or Green Tea Ice Cream. Our insider tip: Order the off-menu hane gyoza, which is made with cheese and is lightly fried. (It’s not always available though, so good luck!) Check out their full feature here.
View their Instagram account
CE405 Westgate Center Commerce Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 887-4255
Nikkei – Legaspi Village
Nikkei is the first Peruvian-Japanese sushi bar in Manila headed by Argentinian Chef Christian Cejas. “Nikkei” is a term that describes Peruvian cuisine culturally inspired by the Japanese, the latest food trend in Europe. It’s for adventurous eaters who love to try new cuisines. It’s not for people looking for party-sized servings. We recommend the Salmon Belly Nigiri, Miso Kurobuta, Seared Tuna, Kobi Nigiri Sushi and Parmesan Scallops. Our insider tip: Get their good-for-sharing Tres Leches for free when you book a table with Booky!
View their Instagram account
Frabelle Business Center, Unit GO3, 111 Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati
+63 2 880-0231
Asakusa: Home of Tempura – The Grove Pasig
Owner Celline Bautista and husband, Jacob Bautista, have always had a knack for food, but one trip to Japan made a world of difference–it led to the birth of this now go-to tempura joint. Asakusa is a modern Japanese restaurant specializing in all kinds of tempura. It’s for Japanese food addicts who can’t get enough of this iconic dish. It’s not for those who try to avoid deep fried food. We recommend the Emperor Set, Salmon Maki, Chawan Mushi, Tempura Udon and the Make Your Own Tempura Set where you can pick any tempura by the piece. Fun fact: Asakusa is actually pronounced as ‘ah-sahk-sa” and not “ah-sah-koo-sah”. See the full feature here.
View their Instagram account
G/F Grove Retail Row, The Grove by Rockwell, near Ortigas Ave, C5,Ugong, Pasig
+63 2 941-0157
Tori Ichi Yakitori & Bar – Net Quad Bldg., BGC
Tori Ichi is a premium yakitori bar hailing originally from Kyoto, specializing in seasoned grilled meats on skewers. It’s for diners looking to experience authentic yakitori in a relaxed but upscale setting. It’s not for those looking for huge portions. We recommend the Mochi Bacon Yakitori, Butabara Karashi Yakitori, and the Uzura Tamago with Bacon (Quail Egg with Bacon). Our insider tip: Stay updated on their Facebook posts; they often have buy-1-take-1 yakitori and even some huge yakitori sets!
View their Instagram account
G/F Net Quad Bldg., 31st St cor 4th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
+63 917 861-6720
ROKU – Katipunan, Trinoma
Roku Sushi + Ramen is a modern Japanese restaurant that serves ramen, donburi, sushi, and other unique Japanese concept dishes (did someone say ramen burger?). The family-owned business is the brainchild of a young entrepreneur who sought inspiration from her travels and, of course, her love for Japanese food. It’s for students and yuppies looking for great and affordable Japanese food. It’s not for Japanese food lovers who like things much more traditional. We recommend the Dream Roll, Okonomiyaki Roll, S.S. Roll and Spicy Firecracker Roll. Our insider tip: They’re doing a sushi-all-you-can promo this July! Check out the mechanics here.
BUTA+WAGYU – SM Aura
Buta+Wagyu is a Japanese Wagyu Steakhouse serving only the most authentic high quality beef and homegrown organic pork. It’s for couples and families looking to spend their special occasions over a fancy dinner. It’s not for diners who want a good Japanese meal on a tight budget. We recommend the Japanese Wagyu Sushi, Steamed Omi Wagyu Sirloin, and A5 Omi Wagyu Ribeye. Our insider tip: Buta+Wagyu is a spinoff of Wagyu Japanese Beef located in Makati.
View their Instagram account
5/F SM Aura, 26th St cor McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
+63 2 946-7262
Insider tip: Want free dessert? Book via Booky, dine, and submit feedback to claim!
Which of these Japanese restaurants are you most excited to try? Add them to your Favorites and Must Try lists on the app so you never have to miss their updates! Don’t forget to tag us on your food adventures on Instagram @bookyapp and #bookymanila.
Go book a table! Who knows, you MIGHT even catch Pokemon here.