10 Splurge-Worthy Japanese Spots for Omakase + Kaiseki in Manila

(SPOT.ph) Japanese cuisine is as eternally enticing as it is also multifaceted. On the swanky end of its spectrum are the momentous meals known as omakase and kaiseki—which are similar (and tend to be used interchangeably) in that they involve multiple courses and revolve around seasonality. In essence, though, omakase involves dishes selected and crafted by the chef (the word translates to “it’s up to you” after all) and tends to be more open to spontaneity, with the chef possibly adjusting what he makes based on your reactions to previous courses. Kaiseki, on the other hand, will typically have a prescribed order of dishes cooked specific ways: appetizers, soup, sashimi, a grilled dish, shiizakana (a simmered dish), a deep-fried dish, shokuji (a rice course with pickles), and dessert.

When done right, omakase and kaiseki are more than just meals; they're akin to concerts (of the edible sort!) that take your senses on a journey—one that's at once flavor-forward, yet sophisticated. Elegant, but still with the telltale umami that's part and parcel of the cuisine's appeal. Give them a whirl at these establishments around the Metro—no plane ticket required.

Also read: 10 New Japanese Restaurants to Hit Up for Great Sushi, Ramen + More

Hit up these Japanese restaurants for great omakase or kaiseki:

Kazunori

This dining spot along Chino Roces Avenue has been dishing up topnotch sushi and sashimi since opening in 2017—so it’s no surprise their omakase’s been a hit among food enthusiasts especially last year. They’ve got 13 to 15 (P6,000), 17 to 19 (P8,500), and 20 to 22 (P11,500)-course variations; either way, you can expect stellar bites showcasing top-tier seafood and other quality ingredients flown in from Japan.

Kazunori is at G/F, Mazda Makati Building, 2301 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City. For more information, check out Kazunori Japanese Restaurant’s Facebook page.

Yamazato

Yamazato has outposts around the world, with their Amsterdam location being awarded a Michelin star in 2002. They bring that same magic over to their Philippine leg in Hotel Okura with their kaiseki (P8,000+) of seasonal elements served raw, simmered, fried, grilled, and so on, forming a varied yet cohesive roster of small and big plates. The exact dishes, of course, changes based on what’s available, but a course of duck braised and steamed with wine that we sampled on a recent visit was a standout.

Yamazato is at Hotel Okura, Portwood Street, Pasay City. For more information, check out Hotel Okura Manila's Facebook page.

Mecha Uma

Mecha Uma—Chef Bruce Ricketts’ playground with a clear Japanese backbone, taken the irreverent direction—isn’t for the faint-hearted. But dive in and you’ll be rewarded with bites that are as experimental (where appropriate) as they are explosive, with high-end ingredients that might include ankimo (monkfish liver), abalone, Matsutaka Wagyu beef, and so on flown in weekly from Japan. From there, the team goes playful—some flavor combos in dishes from previous runs are scallops with grapes and shiso, and abalone with awabi liver and egg yolks. Mecha Uma's omakase is held between Tuesdays and Sundays, from 6 to 10 p.m.; prices start at P9,150 for around 14 courses.

Mecha Uma is at G/F RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, check out Mecha Uma’s Facebook page.

Kyo-to

After a brief hiatus, this Legazpi Village establishment reopened its doors in 2022. And thank heavens—their kaiseki (P7,500) is known to be some of the best in the city. Kyo-to does justice to the art of the multi-course meal with their use of fresh and seasonal ingredients from Japan, married with the rightful application of traditional cooking techniques as called for. Think clean-tasting, succulent sashimi; Wagyu beef and Alaskan king crab legs grilled to perfection; and more.

Kyo-to is at G/F Coyiuto House, 119 C. Palanca Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, check out Kyo-to’s Facebook page.

Fukudaya

Japanese tradition is the name of the game for Fukudaya, which is an underrated spot for good omakase at a relatively affordable rate of P3,000 and up (depending on the season). They deliver a sublime experience with great plates using fresh, tip-top ingredients and proper Japanese cooking techniques. Note that omakase reservations should be placed at least three days in advance.

Fukudaya is at Arya Residences, McKinley Parkway corner 8th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, check out Fukudaya Philippines’ Facebook page.

Nobu Restaurant

The Chef Nobu Matsuhisa-helmed establishment originally from New York needs no introduction, and they serve a must-try omakase over at their Philippine leg at the Nobu Hotel Manila. There's the Signature Omakase (P5,444) that features their best-known dishes and highlights the restaurant’s telltale manner of melding Japanese and Peruvian elements. Alternatively, there's also the Seasonal Omakase (P8,871 as of writing) that changes every few months.

Nobu Restaurant is at L/1 Nobu North Tower, Aseana Avenue, City of Dreams, Parañaque City. For more information, check out Nobu Restaurant Manila’s Facebook page.

Daimasu

Under-the-radar as Daimasu may be, the restaurant along Pasong Tamo extension ought to top your dining bucket list. Apart from their excellent izakaya fare that taste true to their origins, Daimasu’s omakase (P8,000) is also excellent, with seafood and fresh produce of superb quality, prepared just minimally so their natural flavors get to shine.

Daimasu is at G/F Unit A-1/2/3 Allegro Center, 2264 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. For more information, check out Daimasu Japanese Restaurant’s Facebook page.

Bar Koji

Drop by Ralph’s Wines & Spirits on Arnaiz Avenue and hit up this under-the-radar sake bar, which also serves omakase. The exact dishes—and prices—change depending on what’s available, but if their ala-carte fare is anything to go by, you can expect splendid sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese bites employing fresh, succulent seafood and meats. Your best bet, of course, is to take your pick from their sake selection and get a bottle or two to accompany the food.

Bar Koji is at Ralph’s Wine & Spirits, G/F Pamana Building, Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati City. For more information, check out Bar Koji’s Instagram page.

12/10

We had to bid this goodbye to this modern izakaya in 2020 but are thankfully able to say hello once more as they recently reopened at a new location in Rockwell. Long known for their contemporary bites with Japanese flair (with the occasional Korean touches), 12/10 now also lets you sample their signatures in the form of their 11-course omakase (P3,900). Included in the affair are small yet striking plates of the likes of the Tuna (with mango, asparagus, and wasabi), Uni Toast (brightened by pineapple and lent zing by shiso), and Kurobuta (given depth by mushroom, pear, and dashi).

12/10 is at 8 Rockwell, G/F Lopez Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City. For more information, check out 12/10’s Facebook page.

Tsukiji

You can get some of the best sushi in Manila from this OG Japanese restaurant, but the best way to fully experience what they do best is by going for their eight-course kaiseki (P9,900). Tsukiji’s Chef Toshiro Okajima—whose resume includes a stint at the Tsukiji market in Japan—works his magic on fresh seafood, top-tier meats, and other seasonal ingredients. Tsukiji occasionally also holds special runs of their kaiseki that also include pairings with selected alcohol varieties, e.g. whisky and sake; keep your eyes on their social media pages for updates.

Tsukiji is at 3/F Milky Way Building 900 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. For more information, check out Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant's Facebook page.

Editor's note: as the menus change seasonally, photos used are for illustrative purposes only.

Also read:
What Is Sashimi-Grade Salmon/Tuna And How To Buy
Turning Japanese: Where to Find the Best Sushi in Manila

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