We’re turning Japanese, we really think so.
Although eating with our hands and kubyertos is part of our identity as Filipinos, there’s a glaring reason why using chopsticks is so common around town. Cultural, modern twists and turns have always been happening around Metro Manila, and the biggest win it’s brought to us is Japanese food.
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Ramen, sushi, sashimi, tempura, soba, okonomiyaki, and other Japanese dishes have grown to become comfort food for us, so we all use a quick update on which restaurants to hit if we want the very best. Check out the Japanese restaurants that will win your hungry hearts.
Soru Izakaya – Maginhawa
Influenced by the Robotayaki style of Izakaya, Soru Izakaya offers a tasteful blend of after-work gastropub drinks accompanied with fresh Japanese eats. From sashimi plates and savory yakitori combinations to refreshing beverages and speakeasy cocktails, Soru Izakaya completes the whole modern Japan experience that brings you a glimpse of the Tokyo night life.
Also read: 11 Places in Manila to Get Japanese Food for as Low as ₱99!
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140 Maginhawa St, Sikatuna Village, Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 738 2543
Dohtonbori – multiple branches
The okonomiyaki craze has taken over the metro and Filipinos are quickly jumping on the Japanese savory pancake trend thanks to this international franchise. Enjoy the fun that comes with DIY or have your server cook it for you.
Insider Tip: Expect to take home a little bit of that savory scent with you.
Ganso-Shabuway – multiple branches
This restaurant franchise from California is a shabu-shabu joint that takes pride in natural and fresh ingredients like grass-fed beef and various hot pot toppings.
Insider Tip: Each shabu set comes with unlimited rice, soup refill and dipping sauces. For more details on this restaurant, read this post.
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(02) 822-4864
Nikkei – multiple branches
Nikkei is the first Japanese-Peruvian sushi bar and restaurant in Manila. East definitely meets West quite uniquely here. Bestselling dishes include the Parmesan Scallops, Grilled Ebi Sushi Rolls, and Seared Tuna. Booky Tip: They also serve bespoke Japanese inspired cocktails! Read our full feature with recommendations here.
Also read: 13 Japanese Restaurants Hidden in Little Tokyo of Makati
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Frabelle Business Center, Unit GO3, 111 Rada St, Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 880-0231
Shinsen – multiple branches
Shinsen is a homegrown local sushi bar and restaurant serving authentic Japanese food fare made with only the freshest ingredients available in the market. They have an extensive menu including sushi rolls, sashimi, Japanese steak, affordable donburi bowls, bento lunch sets and more.
Also read: 10 of the Best Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurants in Metro Manila
Osaka Ohsho – SM Megamall
Osaka Ohsho is a Japanese restaurant chain that specializes in gyoza, which comes in different flavors. Aside from gyoza, Osaka Ohsho also offers other Japanese favorites like tonkatsu, donburi, teppanyaki, and more.
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3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong
(02) 631 7494
Tori Ichi – multiple branches
Tori Ichi is a Japanese restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic Japanese yakitoris grilled with the use of Japanese Binchotan. Aside from yakitori, Tori Ichi offers other authentic Japanese food like sashimi, sushi, and ramen.
Haru – Kapitolyo
Haru Sushi Bar & Restaurant, from the same owners of another Kapitolyo favorite Cafe Juanita, is a casual dining spot serving affordable Japanese cuisine. The sakura-filled interiors with a bridge smack at the middle adds to the authenticity and romance of the place.
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9 West Capitol Dr, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(02) 631 0597
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