If you’re craving for a taste of Japan in Manila you’re in luck. Here are a few select restaurants serving up Nippon-inspired eats in the city.

Since 1989, Tsukiji has been at the forefront of authentic Japanese Cuisine in Metro Manila. Named after the legendary Tokyo fish market, Tsukiji restaurant was the first restaurant in Manila to directly buy, import, and serve fresh seafood for sushi and sashimi and Wagyu Ohmi beef for sukiyaki, and shabu shabu from Tsukiji Market. To this day, Tsukiji receives fresh ingredients from Tokyo’s New Toyosu Fish Market at least thrice weekly. Guests are guaranteed unparalleled quality and freshness with each visit to Tsukiji Restaurant. The restaurant has two dining rooms, one designed as a traditional Japanese restaurant with private tatami rooms and a sushi bar where guests may enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi prepared by Master Sushi Chef, Toshiro Okajima. The yakiniku dining room has special grilling tables where the guests are invited to cook Wagyu Ohmi beef at their leisure. Wagyu Ohmi beef, known for its “melt-in-the-mouth” quality, was developed exclusively for the shogun and his family as a health remedy to promote wellbeing and vitality. Wagyu Ohmi beef is the official beef of the Japanese Imperial Household.  Private function rooms for groups of five to 30 and al fresco dining are also available. Most items are air flown thrice weekly from New Toyosu Mark.

Daimasu is a traditional Japanese fine dining restaurant specializing in sushi and sashimi. Their ingredients are carefully sourced directly from Japan and handpicked by the chef to ensure high quality and authentic dishes for their customers. Seasonality, or the use of fresh ingredients, is important in Japanese culture. With many years of experience in Japan, their chef uses authentic traditional Japanese cooking techniques to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) is their core philosophy, and they make sure that they serve and entertain their guests wholeheartedly.  

Nestled in the heart of the central business district of Makati City is Kyo-to, traditional kaiseki restaurant named after the former imperial capital and cultural heart of Japan. Kyo-to aspires to provides its guests with the highest expression of Japanese gastronomy – kaiseki –an elegant multiple-course meal served with the best seasonal ingredients prepared by head chef, Ryohei Kawamoto.

Welcome to Poblacion’s vibrant culinary scene, where a unique and exciting dining experience awaits you at Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant, Japonesa. Located in the heart of Makati’s Poblacion district, Japonesa beautifully combines the flavors and techniques of two diverse culinary traditions, resulting in a fusion of East and West. Drawing inspiration from Peru’s rich culinary heritage and Japan’s refined gastronomy, the menu showcases a harmonious blend of bold spices, vibrant ingredients, and delicate craftsmanship.

Tsukiji / 900 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati / 11:00 am to 9:00 pm / Open Daily

Daimasu / Ground Floor, Unit A-1/2/3 Allegro Center 2264 Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City / from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm for lunch and 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm for dinner

Kyoto / GF Coyiuto House, 119 C. Palanca Street, 1229 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati City / 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm / Tuesdays to Sundays

Japonesa / 5658 Don Pedro St, Corner Jacobo, Makati / 5:00 pm to 12:00 am (weekdays) / 11:00 am to 2:00 am (weekends)