The best Japanese restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

Modern izakaya 12/10 is back in business, and patrons old and new have swiftly flocked to the new Rockwell outpost in search of the famed uni toast and faux Twix. Apart from its signature tasting menu and à la carte bites, they have recently rolled out its daytime desserts menu and espresso bar—an inspired alternative to afternoon tea with the same playful Japanese twist.

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Flavourful Japanese fare has made Ginza Modern Japanese Dining a fast favourite in the Metro’s competitive circle of Japanese establishments. Here, fresh, premium produce is served in contemporary fashions, from stone pot fried rice with foie gras to aburi sushi in a sweet lip-smacking glaze.

Formerly situated along the bustling Aguirre Ave in BF Homes, Hanakazu Japanese Restaurant now calls The Bellevue Manila, Alabang its new home. Run by the same family that turned the original into a neighbourhood gem, its reputation for quality sushi stands strong, fortified by the spoils from the yakiniku rooms.

Read more: Neighbourhood Guide: 17 Restaurants, cafés and bars in and around Alabang

Quality is king at Ippudo, the reliable ramen-ya that has won over loyalists across the planet. Using a 15-hour pork bone broth imported from Japan, you can rest assured each bowl of delicious ramen is as good as you remember it. 

A youthful Poblacion watering hole by Notorious Concepts, Japonesa entices diners with its unique Japanese-Peruvian dishes. Come by for zingy tiraditos, a unique lengua katsu or their signature La Japonesa maki with crispy rice and spicy tuna.

Yes, its sushi and other Japanese staples are exquisite, one perhaps best enjoyed omakase-style right at the counter. But it’s Kazunori’s contemporary specialities like mentaiko spaghettini, Japanese sandos, and Wagyu truffle soba that truly set it apart. While you’re at it, be sure to order their premium chawanmushi—some even claim it’s the best in the country.

Tucked away in Burgos Circle, this unassuming eatery offers some of the best Japanese food in BGC. The sushi is as fresh as can be and served in generous portions. But as its regulars will tell you, the gyudon, chicken katsu, and spicy tuna sashimi are the true must-try items Keizo Restaurant.

From birthdays and Sunday lunch to grand family reunions, Kimpura continues to be a reliable choice for milestones and celebrations. Gather around the teppanyaki table for dinner and a show.

Chicken, prawn, or the classic pork—enjoy crisp, juicy tonkatsu with all the accompaniments at Maisen Tonkatsu. For something more unique, try out their line of katsu sandos with fries, and wash it down with some classic highballs from the bar.

Though you might expect chicken ramen to be lighter than your typical pork-based broth, Marudori proves otherwise. Each ramen concoction is a rich distillation of umami chicken flavours, naturally thick from the bird’s fat and collagen. No matter the ramen order, be sure to start with their bestselling gyoza and tsukune.

Pull up a seat at Tatler Dining’s Restaurant of the Year 2023 and let Chef Bruce Ricketts handle the rest. Mecha Uma is the country’s premier omakase experience, with a lineup that continually changes based on Ricketts’ playful whim and the bounty he has procured for that day. Needless to say, the best seats in the house are right by the bar, where you can witness Ricketts’ culinary magic first-hand. Expect creative sophisticated bites crafted with precision—beyond that, there’s really no telling what’s in store.

In case you missed it: The Tatler Dining Awards 2023: Best New Restaurant, Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year & more

A strong contender for one of the Philippines' most-loved ramen shops, Mendokoro Ramenba has earned a cult following with its perfectly bouncy noodles, delectable broth, and mouthwatering chashu. Yes, the lines are long, and you should expect to wait a few minutes before being seated even during off hours—but the hype is warranted, and there’s a reason we come back to it time and again.

From day dot, Mōdan was the talk of the town. At this cosy 12-seater chef’s table experience, Jorge Mendez puts his culinary brilliance on full display, presenting modern Japanese bites united by a thoughtful theme. Its first menu, Ode, took inspiration from Mendez’s many mentors and inspirations like Margarita Forés and his own mother—an experience that won the establishment Tatler Dining’s Best New Restaurant Award 2023, and Chef of the Year 2023 for Mendez. Follow the restaurant on Instagram to be notified when reservations re-open for its sophomore menu, Origami.

See also: Mōdan presents its second menu: Origami

The newest restaurant to join the Nikkei family, Nikkei Robata specialises in items of the robatayaki, from Ibérico pork to black cod. While you might spot some dishes from the Nikkei and Nikkei Nama menus, take the chance to try Nikkei Robata signatures like the Hokkaido scallops on rice with rich uni sauce.

A name recognised across the world, Nobu is known for its Japanese-Peruvian cuisine crafted by the eponymous chef Nobu Matsuhisa. At Nobu Manila, enjoy his signature dishes like black cod miso, as well as exclusive Filipino offerings such as Nobu-style sisig.

Ogawa Traditional Japanese Restaurant may not boast contemporary interiors or the trendiest bites making the rounds, but sometimes, that’s a good thing. Revisit the long-loved BGC restaurant for well-executed classic Japanese specialities you know and love.

Together with chef Margarita Forés and restaurateur Amado Forés, chef Tamura-san breathes new life into his famed ramen-ya with Ramen Ron. Take comfort in Ukkokei’s classic Karamiso ramen or explore newer offerings like the seafood ramen and mushroom ramen. Not in the mood for soup? The aburasoba and hiyashi goma are just as popular.

Edsa Shangri-La’s dedicated Japanese destination, Senju remains to be a reliable choice for quality sushi and delectable teppanyaki. The extensive and diverse menu offers classic dishes guaranteed to satisfy everyone‘s cravings—but if you’re looking for more, come by for their Sunday buffet.

A popular gem in BF Homes, Sensei is Chef Bruce Rickett’s casual culinary playground. Once just a hole-in-the-wall shop, Senesi offers modern Japanese bites like foie gras aburi and uni butter soba, as well as a few classic sashimi and nigiri options. 

Sugi has truly endured the test of time, retaining its status as a go-to destination for Japanese fare since the ‘80s. Settle into one of their Japanese-style rooms (where diners are invited to sit on the floor) and tuck into crisp tempura, succulent beef teppanyaki, and fresh sushi.

Looking for a new dining destination to try in Tagaytay? Takao Studios Coffee offers an experience unlike anything you’ll find in the area (or even within the metro): coffee, beer, and ramen at one rooftop hangout.

To put it simply, Tsukiji sets the bar for Japanese cuisine in the country. Named after the famed Tsukji Fish Market from which they source their fresh sushi, the restaurant pleases even the staunchest critics, even over 30 years on. Ohmi Wagyu beef, pristine chirashi, decadent gindara teriyaki—when one thinks of luxurious Japanese staples, Tsukiji naturally springs to mind.

Dusit Thani Manila may be best known for its Thai fare at Benjarong, but you’d be remiss to discount its Japanese restaurant, Umu. Specialising in traditional Japanese dishes, Umu’s signature dishes include hamachi kama, wafu steak, and sukiyaki. Enjoy these comforting picks al fresco overlooking the hotel’s zen garden, or alternatively, opt for fresh bites at the sushi counter or the lively teppanyaki experience.

The image of golden, crispy katsu is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Elevate it with prized Kurobuta pork cooked to perfection and a delectable dipping sauce, and it”s easy to see why Yabu: House of Katsu continues to reign as one of the best katsu shops in the metro—an impressive feat for a homegrown brand. Top your katsu with some of their la-yu sauce (made with crispy garlic bits and chilli oil) for even more texture and flavour.

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Solaire Resort’s Japanese restaurant, Yakumi offers a wide range of Japanese dishes from sushi to teppanyaki and even ramen. To enjoy the full experience, book a seat for their Sunday brunch buffet, so you can eat your way through everything that Yakumi has to offer.

Traditional Japanese fare in an elegant setting is what you’ll find at Yamazato, Hotel Okura’s premiere Japanese establishment. Enjoy a leisurely meal with well-made specialities and opt for one of their seasonal kaiseki offerings, which utilise only the best ingredients available.