Cover Yayoi's Mix Toji Teishoku
Yayoi's Mix Toji Teishoku
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Who doesn't love Japanese? Find out where to get the best Japanese food, for every mood
At the core of Japanese cuisine is an unwavering dedication to top-tier ingredients, treated with the utmost respect to bring out its best qualities. Embolden this with a unique commitment to sincere hospitality, and it's easy to understand its irresistible allure. Thankfully, a healthy sum of chefs and restaurateurs have committed themselves to bringing this philosophy to the Philippines.
If you're on the hunt for the freshest sushi, most indulgent ramen, or the crispiest tonkatsu in the country, you're in luck—here are the best Japanese restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022:
This list is in alphabetical order.
See also: The 15 Best Spanish Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022
1. Chino
Above Chino's tuna tataki
Chino's tuna tataki
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Location: BGC
Known for: one-of-a-kind creations that blend the flavours of Japanese and Mexican cuisine with each bite—think spicy tuna tostadas, soft shell crab tacos, and Wagyu California burritos. Chino's extensive drinks selection is not to miss either, tequila and kakuhi included, of course.
See also: Where To Order Tacos In Metro Manila
2. Ippudo
Above Ramen from Ippudo
Ramen from Ippudo
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Location: Pasig City
Known for: crave-worthy bowls of ramen with perfectly bouncy noodles and expertly-made broth flown in from Japan. Whether you opt for Ippudo's classic shiromaru, modern akamaru, or spicy karaka varieties, you'll surely leave will a happy belly. Make some room for their impressive side dishes too, such as the gyoza and aburi sushi rolls.
See also: Kiwami Food Hall Is Your New Go-To for Japanese Food - Here’s Why
3. Kazunori
Above Kazunori's omakase sushi take-out special
Kazunori's omakase sushi take-out special
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Location: Makati City
Known for: an omakase experience that leaves diners in awe at the expertise of chefs Kuramuri and Saito. Lauded for their quality sushi, Kazunori's omakase only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients available. For a more casual meal, explore the delightful a la carte menus, which range from sushi to soba, sandos to donburi.
See also: Asian Noodles 101: What's the Difference Between These 6 Noodle Families?
4. Keizo
Above Sashimi from Keizo
Sashimi from Keizo
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Location: BGC
Known for: unfussy Japanese food served in a hole-in-the-wall setting. A testament to the timelessness of Japanese cuisine, Keizo is a delicious ode to the classics, be it straightforward sushi or hearty bowls of delectable gyudon.
5. Kimpura
Above Sushi from Kimpura
Sushi from Kimpura
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Location: Makati City
Known for: a mouthwatering teppanyaki selection, best enjoyed at the misono table for a front row seat to some culinary theatre. Crisp yet tender tempura is another highlight at Kimpura, which has amassed a loyal patronage for five decades and counting.
6. Maisen Tonkatsu
Above Maisen Tonkatsu's signature offering
Maisen Tonkatsu's signature offering
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Location: Taguig
Known for: crisp tonkatsu in a range of yummy iterations. Enjoy Maisen's signature item the traditional way with rice and fresh shredded lettuce, within a fluffy sando, or blanketed in comforting curry gravy.
See also: Foodie Finds: Entrepreneur Mons Romulo Shares Her Top Takeout Picks
7. Mecha Uma
Above A dish from Mecha Uma
A dish from Mecha Uma
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Location: BGC
Known for: a tasting menu by Mecha Uma's head chef Bruce Ricketts that flaunts the culinarian's creative mind. For a truly sensorial and interactive experience, be sure to grab a seat at the counter.
See also: Chef Bruce Ricketts Discusses His Cooking Style and The Importance Of Quality Craftsmanship
8. Mendokoro Ramenba
Above Shoyu ramen from Mendokoro Ramenba
Shoyu ramen from Mendokoro Ramenba
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Location: Makati City
Known for: perhaps the richest bowls of ramen around, which earned Mendokoro Ramenba a notorious following. While the lines may be intimidating, the popular shoyu ramen, indulgent super chashu ramen, and unique karai tokusei tsukemen are well-worth the wait.
9. Minami Saki by Astoria
Above The big sushi boat from Minami Saki by Astoria
The big sushi boat from Minami Saki by Astoria
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Location: Pasig City
Known for: a colourful range of sushi in various formats, especially the smokey aburi sushi. If you're after a truly show-stopping dish, look no further than Minami Saki's big sushi boat.
10. Miyazaki Gyu
Above Luxurious Miyazaki Wagyu at Miyazaki Gyu
Luxurious Miyazaki Wagyu at Miyazaki Gyu
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Loaction: BGC
Known for: exquisite Mizayaki Wagyu, lauded for its sumptuous melt-in-your-mouth character. Enjoy it as beef sushi, in shabu-shabu, or as a simple yet luxurious steak. Better yet, put your faith in the hands of Miyazaki Gyu's discerning chefs with an omakase meal.
11. Nikkei
Above Nikkei's seared tuna with sea urchin risotto
Nikkei's seared tuna with sea urchin risotto
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Location: Makati City
Known for: lively Japanese-Peruvian dishes that marry the flavours and techniques that hallmark both culinary cultures into one refined restaurant. From the ceviche selection to the delectable mains, all the way to the cocktails, Nikkei will delight with its inspired treats.
12. Nikkei Nama Bar
Above Nikkei Nama's chirashi
Nikkei Nama's chirashi
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Location: BGC
Known for: the vibrant cuisine you know and love, enlivened in a bar setting with robata items and other specials unique to Nikkei Nama Bar. Come for happy hour and bite your way through the collection of dishes great for sharing, sake sangria in hand.
13. Nobu Manila
Above Nobu Manila's black cod miso
Nobu Manila's black cod miso
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Location: Parañaque City
Known for: internationally celebrated dishes from the mind of celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, like the famed black cod miso. Whether you've booked for an intimate date night in the floating cabanas, a large family get together in one of the private rooms, or simply wish to take your seat at the bar, you're in for a sophisticated evening at Nobu.
14. Ogawa
Above A sushi platter from Ogawa
A sushi platter from Ogawa
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Location: BGC
Known for: authentic Japanese food, plain, simple, and oh-so-good. If you're on the hunt for a no-frills meal that celebrates the cuisine's greatest hits, Ogawa is the place for you.
15. Senju
Above Senju's salmon oyako don
Senju's salmon oyako don
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Location: Mandaluyong City
Known for: magnificent sushi, teppanyaki, udon, and more, all the way to the sake range. As Edsa Shangri-La, Manila's dedicated Japanese restaurant, Senju promises a delightful gastronomic experience.
16. Sugi
Above Sushi from Sugi
Sushi from Sugi
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Location: Makati City
Known for: traditional Japanese food in a humble and cosy setting that allows the dishes to speak for themselves. Family-owned since 1983, Sugi keeps customers coming back for more with personal service and reliable dishes.
17. Tsukiji
Above Sushi from Tsukiji
Sushi from Tsukiji
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Location: Makati City
Known for: the best, freshest seafood, straight from Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market. This dedication to quality extends well beyond Tsukiji's sushi offerings, with Wagyu steaks that may just compete with steakhouses around the metro.
18. Umu
Above Umu's sukiyaki
Umu's sukiyaki
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Location: Makati City
Known for: delicious dishes across the many facets of Japanese food. Sushi, teppanyaki, udon, sukiyaki—dive into one and feast on all it has to offer, or graze across Umu's extensive menu; the choice is yours.
19. Yabu: House of Katsu
Above A cheese-stuffed menchi katsu from Yabu: House of Katsu
A cheese-stuffed menchi katsu from Yabu: House of Katsu
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Location: BGC
Known for: irresistibly golden and crisp katsu designed in partnership with chef Kazuya Takeda, who holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand star for his speciality in the dish. Explore Yabu's chicken, fish, and prawn katsu dishes, or find comfort in the infallible tonkatsu.
20. Yakumi
Above Yakumi's maguro carpaccio
Yakumi's maguro carpaccio
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Location: Parañaque City
Know for: an extravagant all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch that lets you curate your own gastronomic adventure. Enjoy fresh oysters and sashimi, sinful steaks and foie gras, and beautifully crunchy tempura to excite the senses. Treat yourself to Yakumi's whimsical dessert bento to top it off, and swing by the candy cart to bring home some goodies, too.
See also: A Sushi Brunch Buffet? Why Yakumi's Japanese Brunch Is A Must-Try
21. Yamazato
Above Yamazato's autumn-winter kaiseki
Yamazato's autumn-winter kaiseki
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Location: Pasay City
Known for: omakase dinners and thoughtfully-curated teppanyaki sets, great for easy, elegant meals—simply sit back, relax, and indulge. From the tableware to the interiors, the service staff's kimonos to, of course, the authentic Japanese dishes, Yamazato effortlessly transports guests to Japan.
22. Yayoi
Above Yayoi's mix toji teishoku
Yayoi's mix toji teishoku
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Location: Makati City
Known for: bang-for-your-buck sets that don't leave much to be desired. Yayoi celebrates the beauty of teishoku, which are at once generous yet well-balanced with steamed rice, miso soup, vegetables, pickles, and your dish of choice. Juicy karaage, luxurious unagi, and flavoursome sukiyaki are just three of the many options to choose from!
23. Yurakuen
Above Sushi selection from Yurakuen
Sushi selection from Yurakuen
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Location: Manila City
Known for: superb Japanese cuisine that stays true to its roots, executing the classics to a T. Dine in one of Yurakuen's private dining rooms or find some zen energy in the scenic hall with floor-to-ceiling windows.
About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
