Our Top 22 Japanese Restaurants in Metro Manila, Philippines

Dining out in a Japanese restaurant always pops out our mind every time we look for a nice place to eat. As a family, Japanese food is one of our top favorites. In the last five years of exploring the Japanese food scene in the city, we have curated our Top Japanese Restaurants in Metro Manila. This list may go longer as we explore more Japanese Restaurants in the upcoming months. We will update this blog from time to time. For now, here are our Top 22 Japanese Restaurant Brands in Metro Manila (in no particular order).

1.) Hanakazu Japanese Restaurant

Location: 2nd Floor, Tower Wing, The Bellevue Manila, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1781

Hanakazu Japanese Restaurant has been serving authentic Japanese dishes with a twist since 2005. It was founded by Chef Otsuka with highest culinary standards, putting great attention to detail- from the ramen broth to the sashimi slice. It is instagrammably located inside one of the most luxurious hotels in the metro, The Bellevue Manila. During our visit, we ordered Maguro Sashimi, Akami Maguro, Shime Saba, Torikawa Salad, Wagyu Cubes Steak, Grilled Salmon, Fried Ebi, Ham, and Fish. For reservations, you may DM them on their facebook or instagram or landline 282525142 or email hana@onlyathanakazu.com (Swipe below photo for more pictures).

2.) Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant- Makati

Location: 900 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Philippines

Tsukiji was once voted as the Best Japanese Restaurant 2014 MBKRS awards. This Japanese restaurant is the nearest to Asian Institute of Management when I took my Foreign Service Written Exam 2023. During our visit, we are awed with the interiors and the blending of nature that you see from their huge, clear, transparent windows. We ordered green tea, Gyudon, Miso soup and Japanese curry rice. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

3.) Nikkei Nama Bar

Location: 2F, One Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Nikkei Nama Bar is the reflection of the Japanese influence on Peruvian gastronomy. It fuses ingredients from both cultures- Japan and Peru. During our visit, we tried their Nikkei Ceviche, Causa Platter, Yakitori Platter, Sushi and Maki Platter and Salmon Teriyaki. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

4.) Ginzadon

Location: 2F, Newport Garden Wing, Resorts World, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Ginzadon offers Japanese and Korean Cuisines in one of the premium malls in Metro Manila- The Newport Mall. Known for luxury diners, the meals are prepared by one of the top chefs in the country. Some of our favorites are Gyoza, Gyudon with US Premium Beef, Ebi Tempura, and Maki Salad. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

5.) Hanamaruken Ramen Philippines

It is the home of the famous soft bone pork rib ramen. With more than 40 plus branches internationally, Hanamaruken follows the philosophy that ramen should be made with excellent meat and prepared by passionate chefs. Just send them a DM on their social media pages for more info. (Swipe below photo for more pictures).

6.) Botejyu

Botejyu is an authentic traditional Japanese restaurant (normally with live kitchen) offering famous Okos & bestselling Okonomiyaki.

7.) Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant

Locations: SM Megamall | SM Mall of Asia | One Bonifacio High Street | M1 Tower | SM City North Edsa

This restaurant is famous on serving “Teishoku” – a very simple yet well-balanced set meal which is served on a tray with a combination of steamed rice, miso soup, a main dish of your choice, vegetable and pickles. (Swipe below photo for more pictures).

8.) Yabu House of Katsu

This restaurant specializes on serving katsus with unlimited rice and cabbage. It was founded by Chef Kazuya Takeda, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-starred chef. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

9.) Marugame Udon

Marugame Udon is a cafeteria-style restaurant offering Japanese dishes. One of the highlights on their menu is their udon noodles. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

10.) Ooma

Ooma is a bold take on casual Japanese fare through playful and creative dishes, paired with a range of beers and sakes, all served in a buzzy Tsukiji Market-like setting. Our most favorite is their gyudon and royal milk tea! Just send them a DM on their social media pages for more info. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

11.) Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Ramen Santouka is one of the best Japanese restaurants specializing in the best authentic Ramen in the metro! (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

12.) Nadai Fujisoba

Locations: SM Aura | Mitsukoshi

From its humble beginnings in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, Nadai Fujisoba extended its reach to the Philippines by maintaining their signature Japanese buckwheat noodle.

13.) Sumosam

Locations: Gateway Mall | Robinsons Magnolia

One of the best Japanese Restaurants which offers best selling bento meals, ramen, and sashimi. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

14.) Akira Japanese Restaurant

Locations: Robinsons Magnolia | Shangri-La Plaza | Alphaland City Club

Apart from the usual best-selling Japanese cuisines, people visit this place because of its laid-back and secluded ambience. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

15.) Ippudo

Ippudo is a Japanese restaurant chain which is home to the world-famous Tonkotsu Ramen. The brand was founded in 1985 by Ramen King Shigemi Kawahara. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

16.) Tori Ichi Yakitori & Bar

Location: 31st St corner 4th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines

Tori Ichi Yakitori & Bar is a premier yakitori restaurant in Bonifacio Global City. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

17.) Tokyo Bubble Tea

Locations: The Fort | SM Megamall

You would simply think that they just sell bubble teas, but no. They are a Japanese fusion restaurant which serves lovely bubbly food and tea-based drinks. Our most favorite is their gyudon and royal milk tea! Just send them a DM on their social media pages for more info. (Swipe below photo for more pictures).