Your dream Japanese restaurant bucket list just came to life.
Japan is undoubtedly one of the most coveted food meccas in the world because of its hot bowls of ramen and fresh sushi. It is one of the few countries that strives to preserve its rich culture and history, this includes maintaining traditional culinary techniques and recipes. On the other hand, it is also one of the most advanced countries today in terms of technology and that only helped in transforming Japanese cuisine in many ways imaginable. Fact: There is a ramen house where robots make the ramen.
UPDATE: See the Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila this month!
For now, let’s enjoy the awesome local and international Japanese specialty restaurants we have in Manila, minus the robots. We tallied your favorite Japanese restaurants on Booky and here are the results!
11. Genki Sushi – BGC
The Japanese are well-known for their fast-paced lifestyle and advanced technology, so it’s actually a no-brainer for this international chain to bring Japan’s famous conveyor belt sushi to Manila. Genki Sushi gives you the ultimate high-tech experience of ordering your food on an iPad and watching your food on a train swiftly delivered to your table. Booky Tip: Their tables have built in hot water dispensers so you can enjoy their unlimited matcha tea powder!
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
2/F BGC Stopover Pavillion, Rizal Dr cor 31st St., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 624-2867
10. Ogawa – BGC
If you’re planning to go on a special Japanese-themed date, visit Ogawa and take a trip to old town Japan. You can choose from a variety of imported wagyu meats, fresh sushi, quality seafood and more. Booky Tip: Their set meals are the more affordable options for budget eaters. Trust us, get the Teppan Gozen. If you’re ready to splurge, the Lobster Teppan and Dragon Rolls are great choices.
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2/F Fort Strip, The Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Ave cor 28th St,Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 886-4994
9. Dohtonbori – Greenhills
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. Booky Tip: Expect to take home a little bit of that savory scent with you.
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8 Missouri Building, Missouri St,Greenhills, San Juan
(02) 570-2765
8. Ganso-Shabuway
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. Booky Tip: Each shabu set comes with unlimited rice, soup refill and dipping sauces. For more details on this restaurant, read this post.
Select branch: Shangri-la Mall, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 5
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(02) 822-4864
7. Ippudo – SM Megamall
It is certainly not a surprise that a ramen joint is on this list, after all, the ramen craze has simmered down but is definitely not over. This international ramen franchise has over 80 branches in Japan and other countries like London, Bangkok, Singapore, and New York. Booky Tip: For more top ramen recommendations, read our Ultimate Ramen Guide here.
No reservations accepted
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3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall,Ortigas, Mandaluyong
(02) 470-1837
6. Nihonbashi Tei – Makati
Pasay Road is home to many late night food joints and this place is almost always full even in the wee hours of the night. Your usual suspects are Japanese nationals and night owls in the evening and the working class and big families in the day time. Booky Tip: Their bestsellers include the Spicy Salmon Sashimi, Asahi butter clams, mixed sashimi chirashi bowls and iced coffee.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
806 Arnaiz Ave cor Amorsolo St,San Lorenzo, Makati
(02) 818-8893
5. Ramen Yushoken – Alabang
Ramen Yushoken is definitely on every food lover’s must try ramen list. Their bestselling Tantan-Men is a favorite amongst many ramen addicts out there. Booky Tip: No time to head down south just yet? Visit their sister restaurant in Makati, Mendokoro Ramenba, instead. Be ready to queue because it only has 20 seats.
No reservations accepted
Molito Lifestyle Mall, Madrigal Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 808-7424
4. Mendokoro Ramenba – Makati
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. Booky Tip: They have limited seats and don’t accept reservations so make sure you plan your visit ahead of time. Tried all the ramen joints in the country? Check out our Ultimate Guide on Weird Ramen here.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
G/F V Corporate Center 125 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati
(02) 215-1751
3. Nikkei – Legaspi Village
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.
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Frabelle Business Center, Unit GO3, 111 Rada St, Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 880-0231
2. Ichiba Japanese Market – Newport Mall
Ichiba is the latest addition to Manila’s Japanese food scene. It’s the first Japanese seafood market in Manila that has 10 food stations, each offering different Japanese specialties. Booky Tip: They have a fishing area so kids and kids at heart can experience catching their own meal for the day! Read our full feature here.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila,Newport City, Pasay
(0917) 732-2176
1. Izakaya Kikufuji – Little Tokyo
Kikufuji is no doubt, Makati’s best open secret. The secret to their success? Their authenticity, fresh sushi bowls and signature grilled wagyu sticks. Booky Tip: This place gets packed especially on the weekends. Try visiting during off-peak hours. Wanna know more about Kikufuji’s neighbors? Checkout our Ultimate Guide to Little Tokyo of Makati post here.
No reservations accepted
Little Tokyo, 2277 Chino Roces, Pasong Tamo,Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 893-7319
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!
