10 Best Japanese Restaurants in Metro Manila

(SPOT.ph) If the immense popularity of sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, udon, and other dishes is anything to go by, it’s safe to say Japanese food has a powerful hold on the mind of the hungry Filipino. The cuisine has a way of delivering umami while keeping balance of flavor in mind—plus emphasizing the use of quality ingredients. You likely have your share of go-to spots, but if you’re up for a change, these more recently opened establishments and best Japanese restaurants in Metro Manila have you covered.

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Metro Manila

Ginza Japanese Restaurant

With branches in Makati and Ortigas, Ginza is a semi-hidden spot that whips up great versions of classics—from clean-tasting sashimi to more contemporary sushi rolls, to rice bowls, to meat- and seafood-centric mains, and everything in between. Don’t miss the Charcoal Sumiyaki Udon (P750), a signature dish with dark-grey charcoal noodles stir-fried and topped with seafood.

Ginza Japanese Restaurant is at Fashion Interiors, 2307 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.

Marudori

Tonkotsu (pork) may be the most common meat base when it comes to ramen, but Marudori shows us that chicken, too, can make for ramen bowls that are rich and heady in their own right. No wonder; the paitan ramen-ya hails from the group behind Mendokoro Ramenba after all. Whether you go for the basic Shio Paitan (P430), the nutty-spicy Tantanmen (P490), or one of their branch exclusives (e.g. the uber-limited Lobster Ramen available only at their Rockwell location), you’re bound to be rewarded by unctuous slurps that are potent on the telltale taste of chicken. 

Marudori is at ​​G/F 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City and G/F V Corporate Center, Soliman Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Mōdan

Private-dining spot Mōdan is decidedly untraditional with their neo-Japanese philosophy—and deliciously so. There’s a clear Japanese influence to the courses on their tasting menu (P4,500), but with strategic liberties taken—think Gyu Kakuni Korokke with Wagyu short ribs, apple tsukemono, and wasabi beets; Amaebi in a zingy sauce inspired by Japanese-Peruvian tiradito; and Gindara that’s aged for a meatier bite. The menu is also a very personal one, not only in that it alludes to Chef Jorge Mendez (of Ohayo Maki and Ramen Bar)’s deep love for Japanese cuisine, but also pays tribute to the friends, family members, and colleagues that played instrumental roles throughout his life.

Mōdan is at Unit 3 Level 1 Escalades East Tower, 20th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City.

Nagi Izakaya

From the folks that brought us Ramen Nagi comes Nagi Izakaya, conveniently located at The Podium—talk about a perfect post-work chillout spot. As you’d expect they do have ramen, with exclusive bowls like the Premium Red Chashu King (P650) with Szechuan peppers and Black Tsukemen King (P650) with noodles tinted black by squid ink. But you’ll also find plenty of other gems on their menu—rice bowls, sushi rolls, and even cocktails.

Nagi Izakaya is at G/F The Podium, 18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.

Genba Kappouryouri

This Parañaque establishment does both ends of the raw and cooked spectrum well, boasting excellent sashimi flown in from Japan as well as robatayaki (meat, seafood, and other ingredients grilled over charcoal). Go for the 5 Kinds Choices Sashimi Platter (P2,850), Grilled Ox Tongue (P1,080), or the Grilled Hamachi Chin (P1,100) for a taste of what they do best. The restaurant also offers omakase (starts at P4,500), and occasionally holds live Tuna Dismantling Shows; give their socials a follow for updates.

Genba Kappouryouri is at Unit 101, K1 Center, Aseana City, Parañaque City.

Yamazato

Seasonal ingredients are transformed into works of art on a plate at Hotel Okura’s Yamazato, which has outposts around the world—and the Amsterdam location of which was awarded a Michelin star in 2002. Kaiseki-ryouri, or the art of multi-course meals featuring seasonal ingredients, is the name of the game here; the exact dishes evolve (as is the nature of the genre) but you can typically expect appetizers, soup, sashimi, a grilled dish, shiizakana (a simmered dish), a deep-fried dish, shokuji (a rice course with pickles), and dessert.

Yamazato is at Hotel Okura, Portwood Street, Pasay City.

Ramen Ron

OG ramen fans would know that Ukokkei Ramen Ron was a force to be reckoned with in the local ramen scene. The restaurant sadly closed for some time—but would thankfully reopen as Ramen Ron, with their Chef Tamura teaming up with Chef Margarita Fores and son Amado. They began with ramen kits for delivery before opening a physical outpost in Rockwell, cooking up signatures like the Tantanmen (P510) and newcomers like the Tantan Chahan with Cheese (P365).

Ramen Ron is at G/F, RS-103, Edades Tower, Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

Yugen

Elegant in ambience and varied in menu, Yugen ticks all the right boxes. This Pasig establishment is one of those places that pulls off both traditional and contemporary genres of Japanese food. Go classic with dishes like the Beef Sukiyaki (P685) and Ebi Tempura (P595)—the latter is an especially standout version with a light yet crisp coating and succulent insides. Or, embrace modernity with the carbonara-esque Shifudo Udon (P550) and decidedly loaded Yugen Roll (P720).

Yugen is at G/F, The Crescent Condominium, 29 San Miguel Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig

Manmaru

Consider this under-the-radar joint at Makati Cinema Square the insider’s best-kept secret. What it lacks in frills, it makes up for in quality eats at wallet-friendly prices. Think Jo Nigiri Sushi (P499) with fresh-tasting seafood; crisp Ebi Tempura (P299/five pieces) with juicy shrimp on the inside; and a hearty Gyudon (P229) with a good amount of beef. 

Manmaru is at G-1 Makati Cinema Square, Fernando Street, Pio del Pilar, Makati City.

Bar Koji

Semi-hidden within the Arnaiz branch of Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, Bar Koji shines the spotlight on the traditional Japanese rice wine that is nihonshu, or more colloquially outside Japan, sake. Expect an extensive lineup of the beverage that includes sparkling variants and even one brewed with the yeast from strawberry flowers. Not to be missed here, though, is their excellent Japanese food that you can order ala carte. We’re talking Hatta Usuzukuri (P300) with lapu-lapu fanned out like a flower; Unagi (P275) and Hotate (P350) nigiri with A+ balance of seafood and rice; and the explosive Spicy Tuna Temaki (P350).

Bar Koji is at Ralph’s Wine & Spirits, G/F Pamana Building, Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati City.

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