10 Must-Try Japanese Restaurants in SM Mall of Asia

Bookmark this list for when you crave anything Japanese in the area.

left: bestselling ramen from botejyu; right: bestselling sushi rolls from watami
PHOTO BY Facebook/ BOTEJYU Philippines (left); Facebook/ Watami Philippines (right)

SM Mall of Asia
Address: Seaside Blvd.,Pasay City
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

(SPOT.ph) Our love for everything Japanese isn’t just a phase. We’re endlessly enchanted by the wonders of the Land of the Rising Sun—and its food is no exception. The craving is real, and so is the rise of Japanese restaurants in the metro. In SM Mall of Asia alone, you’ll already find an impressive selection of dining spots serving hearty Japanese fare.

Bookmark this list of our standout choices for Japanese restaurants in Mall of Asia:  

Mendokoro Ramenba 

left: exterior view of Mendokoro Ramenba; right: bestselling ramen from Mendokoro Ramenba
PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/ SM MALL OF ASIA OFFICIAL

Where to find: G/F MOA Square

No list of the best of the best Japanese restaurants would be complete without Mendokoro Ramenba. The long lines at their branches prove that word has clearly gotten out about how good the food they are serving is. And yes, we can confirm it: Mendokoro Ramenba takes every detail—from the broth and the noodles to the toppings and seasoning—into careful consideration. The result: dishes that will leave you wanting for more. Also, Mendokoro Ramenba has a dedicated ramen bar to ensure that diners enjoy their bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen right away, at its absolute best. 

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Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09177047104. 

Pet-friendly? No

Yabu House of Katsu 

left: exterior view of yabu; right: bestselling katsu sets from yabu
PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/ SM MALL OF ASIA OFFICIAL (LEFT); FACEBOOK/ YABU HOUSE OF KATSU (RIGHT)

Where to find: Level 2, Main Mall

There is something undeniably satisfying about a serving of golden-coated juicy meat that’s fried to perfection and served with unlimited refills of rice, cabbage, miso soup, and fruits. This is exactly what you will indulge in should you choose to sit down for a meal at Yabu House of Katsu. The dishes may look unassuming, but the flavors speak volumes. Prepare to be impressed by their Katsu Sets, Premium Kurobuta Katsu Sets, Menchi Katsu Sets, Seafood Katsu Sets, Original and Special Katsudon Sets, and more. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09190744535.

Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are welcome in their alfresco area. 

Yayoi 

left: exterior view of yayoi; right: bestselling teishoku set from yayoi
PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/ SM MALL OF ASIA OFFICIAL (LEFT); FACEBOOK/ YAYOI PHILIPPINES (RIGHT)
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Where to find: Level 2, Main Mall

Dining at Yayoi allows you to experience two signature elements of Japanese culture: authentic teishoku meals and the seamless efficiency Japan is known for. Their menu reflects the concept of Japan’s popular well-balanced set meal, which includes a main dish, a side of vegetables, tsukemono or Japanese pickles, miso soup, and rice. Efficiency is part of the experience at Yayoi, with iPads at every seat for quick and convenient ordering as well as keeping track of your meal. If you're not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with their bestsellers: Katsu Toji Teishoku, Mix Toji Teishoku, and Hitsumabushi Teishoku. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at (02) 8821 6082.

Pet-friendly? No

Niku Niku Oh Kome 

left: interior view of niku niku oh kome; right: bestselling hamburg from niku niku oh kome
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Niku Niku Oh Kome PH

Where to find: Level 1, North Main Mall

At the recently opened Niku Niku Oh Kome, diners are treated to a unique dining experience featuring premium handmade Japanese-style hamburgers grilled to perfection right in front of you. The live cooking experience adds to the appeal of this Japanese restaurant in SM Mall of Asia. With a focus on freshness and flavor, the dining spot serves daily doses of premium beef hamburg steaks, including the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu Hamburg steaks that showcase the best of Japanese beef. 

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Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09177256866.

Pet-friendly? No 

Yakiniku Like 

left: interior view of yakiniku like; right: bestselling grill set from yakiniku like
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Yakiniku Like Philippines

Where to find: Level 2, Entertainment Hall

This Tokyo-famous yakiniku restaurant is set to become your go-to spot for premium Japanese meats perfectly grilled for maximum flavor. You’ll find wallet-friendly options in Yakiniku Like’s menu: your favorite meat in ala carte option starts at just P89 for 100 grams, while set meals such as the Pork and Chicken Set start at P199 for 100 grams. Set meals come with rice, soup, and kimchi or salad. Dining alone? No problem as solo grilling is an option in this J-grill spot!

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page.

Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed but they are not permitted to sit and dine at tables/chairs for safety and sanitary purposes. 

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu 

bestselling gyukatsu dishes from Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Philippines
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Where to find: Level 2, North Wing

There are foodies who make the pilgrimage to Japan just to taste its gyukatsu. But you need not cross oceans as you can experience one of Kyoto’s culinary gems at this Japanese restaurant in Mall of Asia. Indulge in gyukatsu that’s crispy golden on the outside and tender juicy on the inside at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu. Every bite of their Premium Wagyu Sirloin is a melt-in-your-mouth delight—a meal that lingers long after the last bite. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page.

Watami 

left: interior view of watami; right: bestselling sushi rolls from watami
PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/ SM MALL OF ASIA OFFICIAL (LEFT); FACEBOOK/ WATAMI PHILIPPINES (RIGHT)

Where to find: G/F Entertainment Mall South Veranda

A dining spot that offers a little slice of Japan, Watami is the perfect place to share umami-rich flavors and unforgettable moments with those who matter most. After all, good food is best enjoyed with loved ones. Enjoy heartfelt conversations over hearty servings of the Japanese casual restaurant’s ramen, tempura, katsu, teishoku sets, rice bowls, skewers, hot pot meals, yakiniku, stone pot meals, nigiri, sashimi, sushi and more. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09175245058.

Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed in their alfresco area. 

Botejyu 

bestselling dishes from botejyu
PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/ BOTEJYU Philippines

Where to find: Level 1, North Wing Entertainment Mall

No passport needed to get a taste of Osaka, as beloved Japanese joint Botejyu serves dishes that honor the traditions of Osakan cuisine, elevated with modern innovation. Its extensive menu offers a diverse selection of authentic Japanese fare: Legendary Okonomiyaki, Osaka Specialty Curry Rice, Osaka Premium Takoyaki, Tonkotsu Ramen, Gourmet Rice Bowls, Japanese Style Grilled Rice Dishes, BBQ Amiyaki Grilled Dishes, Sushi and Sashimi, Japanese Dessert, and more. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09176260780.

Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura 

left: interior view of Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura; right: bestselling udon noodles from Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura
PHOTO BY Facebook/ Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura

Where to find: G/F Main Mall, South Wing

At Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura, a satisfying bowl of udon is more than just noodles. As the “home of the original udon noodles,” the restaurant showcases the authenticity of Osaka’s udon tradition, where every serving is freshly made and masterfully crafted. Other must-try items on the menu include Ebi Moriawase Bento, Premium Mochi, Yakitori, Gyudon, Katsudon, Curry Rice, Tempura, Tuna Don, and more. 

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09761926863. 

Dohtonbori

left: interior of dohtonbori in sm mall of asia; right: dohtonbori's okonomiyaki
PHOTO BY Dohtonbori

Where to find: Level 2 Entertainment Wing

Craving for okonomiyaki? Dohtonbori has been serving these savory grilled pancakes, which features 100% domestically grown vegetables for more than 20 years now. You'll also find that its menu features a wide array of Japanese favorites, from yakisoba to teppanyaki and more.

Contact details: For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact them at 09177055022.

Pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed in their alfresco area.

Also read:

Where to Eat in SM Mall of Asia: 10 Must-Try MoA Restaurants

LOOK: SM Mall of Asia Unveils Massive MOA 360 LED Screen

New PITX-MOA Electric Bus Route Now Available on Weekends

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