It’s like we have a mini Tokyo in Manila!
Japanese cuisine has always been a favorite among many Filipino foodies so it’s not surprising that many restaurant franchises straight from the Land of the Rising Sun have opened in Manila in the past months.
Here are some of the newest ones in the metro–be prepared for some intense sushi cravings.
YAYOI – SM Megamall
YAYOI (or more popularly known as “YAYOI-KEN” in Japan) is a contemporary Japanese restaurant offering set menu dining called Teishoku–a balanced tray of rice, miso soup, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), a main dish and a side dish. Read full feature here.
Insider tip: It's pronounced as ya-yo-wee, which means 'spring' or 'growing'
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
3/F SM Megamall B, Ortigas, Mandaluyong
Akimitsu Tendon – NAIA 3
Akimitsu is a tendon restaurant franchise from Asakusa, Tokyo brought into the country by the Ramen Nagi group. It specializes in traditional Japanese tendon (tempura donburi) and other donburi bowls and sets. This is its first branch in Manila.
Also read: 11 Popular Japanese Restaurants in Manila Worth Your While
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
NAIA Terminal 3, Domestic Airport, Pasay
Botejyu – SM MOA
Botejyu is the pioneer of the legendary okonomiyaki and has been serving authentic Japanese specialties from different parts of Japan. It is a restaurant chain hailing from Osaka and has been operating since 1946. Read full feature here.
Reservations are accepted
View their Instagram account
G/F North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay
(0917) 626-0780
Dohtonbori – various branches
Dohtonbori is the #1 okonomiyaki restaurant chain in Japan, established in Tokyo in 1990. It has almost 300 stores in Asia with multiple branches around Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. While its menu offers a variety of dishes, it is mostly known for its okonomiyaki dishes. Read more here.
View menu
View their Instagram account
8 Missouri Building, Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan
+63 2 570-2765
Pablo – Robinsons Place Manila
Pablo is Japan’s and one of the world’s most popular cheese tart specialists. It started in Osaka and the unbelievable response prompted them to open more stores around Tokyo. Read our full feature here.
Also read: 9 Best Places to Get Yummy Cheese Tarts in and out of Manila
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
Level 1, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico St, Malate, Manila
Uma Uma Ramen – S Maison
Uma Uma Ramen is a ramen shop originating from Fukuoka that serves authentic 100% MSG free Hakata-style ramen made with thin noodles and aromatic tonkotsu stock from an old hand down family recipe. Read more here.
Booky Tip: Uma Uma houses a speakeasy bar that serves handcrafted cocktails with a fantastic view of the bay called Horse’s Mouth.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
SM Conrad, Seaside Blvd. cor. Coral Way, Pasay City
(02) 800-7663
Chibo Okonomiyaki – S Maison
Chibo Okonomiyaki, one of Japan’s leading okonomiyaki restaurants, specializes in okonomiyaki, yakisoba and teppanyaki dishes. Aside from their more popular okonomiyaki dishes, they also serve a selection of teppanyaki including seafood, beef, foie gras and more.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
Level 2, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay
(02) 898-3333
Shaburi – Uptown Mall
Shaburi is an all-you-can-eat healthy shabu-shabu brand from Japan that offers unlimited premium meats, fresh seafood, organic vegetables and a selection of appetizers. Read our full feature here.
Also read: 11 Newsworthy Franchises to Open at Uptown BGC
View menu
View their Instagram account
Level 4, Uptown Place Mall, 36th St. cor. 9th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 805-2932
BONUS: OPENING SOON!
LeTAO Cheesecake
LeTAO Cheesecake is a famous bakery that first opened its doors in June 1998 in the city of Hokkaido. It now has over 15 stores spread across the northern city most famous for its deluxe cheeses, harsh winters and onsens (hot springs). LeTAO also has a few international locations including Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong, Thailand, and is set to open their first branch in Manila very soon!
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is a dessert souvenir shop widely popular in Japan, mainly it its capital. It’s operated by the Sucrey candy company that’s also behind other sweet confections like The Maple Mania, côte cour, and Tsukiji Chitose. It now has eight stores in Tokyo, an international branch in Hong Kong, and is set to open shop here in Manila very soon!
Tsuta Ramen
Tsuta 蔦 is the first ever ramen joint located in northern Tokyo (Sugamo) to get a Michelin star last December 2015. It’s a small 9-seater restaurant that specializes in Japanese soba, which is known for its soy-based broth that’s aged for two years! Read our full feature here.
Also read: 10 Awesomely Strange Ramen Around the World
BAKE Cheese Tart – S Maison
BAKE Cheese Tart is the brainchild of Mr. Shintaro Naganuma, the son of Akio Naganuma, president of Kinotoya Confectionery in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It officially opened as a separate store from Kinotoya in July 2011 and is now regarded as the “best cheese tart ever.” Read our full feature here.
Kushikatsu Daruma – Uptown BGC
Kushikatsu is a famous restaurant from Osaka. It specializes in deep fried breaded vegetables, meats, and seafood which go perfect with their signature sauces.
Spot a new restaurant? Let us know! Send us an email at support@phonebooky.com with all the details. Keep tagging us on Instagram @bookyapp #bookymanila so we can join your food trips around the city.
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