Kazunori Japanese Restaurant in Makati: A Tokyo-Inspired Restaurant, Cafe, and Sushi Bar

Tucked along the busy thoroughfare of Chino Roces Avenue Extension is the best-kept secret this side of Makati—Kazunori, a Japanese restaurant, cafe, and sushi bar owned by Nippon Hasha, the same group that brought us Ramen Yushoken, Mendokoro Ramenba, and Marudori!

You are guaranteed to get the best of Japanese cuisine, from sushi and skewers to donburi and soba—that is, except for ramen, which already has its own dedicated place.

Wagyu Truffle Bowl / IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

Established in 2017, Kazunori is an amalgamation of three dining concepts and various culinary influences. It has integrated a Tokyo-inspired cafe, a modern Japanese dining area with a Mazda showroom, and a sushi bar for omakase into a single-level 229-sqm space.

IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

With its highly extensive menu, you can experience both traditional, modern, and ingenious renditions of Japanese cuisine—everything that takes a lifetime to master. What’s special about Kazunori is that, despite its relatively obscure location, it naturally stands out because of the experience that it offers. The experience here is artisanal and sincere—dedicated to showcasing the real quality of every dish.

For a start, you can enjoy traditional Japanese dining at the main dining area, which is at the back part of the restaurant, hidden from view. In this area, you can easily watch chefs perform wonders at the semi-open kitchen, overseen by Japanese chef Kazunori Kuramochi whom the restaurant was named after.

IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

Kazunori highlights the simplicity in every comforting serving of soba, a less famous Japanese noodle that is surely worth a try. We recommend their Kamo Tsuke Soba, a combination of cold buckwheat noodles,  kamo tsuke broth, foie gras tempura, and sous vide duck breast.

Kamo Tsuke Soba / IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

If you’re going for a quick meal to fuel you up or just craving for some meat, they have various kushiyaki (skewers) such Tori Mune as Buta Kushi Miso.

The Buta Kushi Miso is tender, flavorful pork belly marinated in a special sauce made with white miso for about three days. It is served with Japanese chili powder on the side for an added kick. The Tori Mune, on the other hand, is yakitori glazed with tare sauce or shio seasoning grilled over Japanese binchotan coals to boost the flavors of the meat.

Buta Kushi Miso / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Meanwhile, you can have more casual dining at the cafe, which is right at the front of the restaurant, the first area you’ll walk into as you enter Kazunori. The café is furnished with wooden tables and olive green sofas, a casual and laidback setup for a delightful Japanese meal.

IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

Behind the cafe is the semi-enclosed area that serves as a sushi bar for omakase that offers the restaurant’s crown jewel—fresh, authentic, high-end sushi prepared by resident chef Saito Takeru.

IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

If you’re wondering what makes Kazunori’s sushi specials stand out among the rest, it all boils down to their utmost respect for this delicacy. The application of the Japanese art of ike jime makes a big difference in the taste. It involves a deep understanding and lifetime mastery of the act of netting and killing fish to preserve the quality. Choosing and cooking the rice, a crucial part of sushi, is also a highly meticulous feat for the professional sushi chef.

Omakase Sushi / IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant / Kazu Cafe

In order to fully explore Kazunori’s sushi offerings, consider getting their Omakase, which translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” or simply entrusting the choice to the sushi master. Their talent and various techniques will bring you an interesting plate of sushi, a celebration of Japanese ingredients and different seasonalities in Japan.

Omakase platter / Kazunori Japanese Restaurant / Kazu Cafe

In three different settings, Kazunori brings feelings of warmth and comfort, all while you savor your favorite Japanese dish—whether you seek something traditional, modern, or novel.

Private Room & Corkage Fees

For guests seeking an intimate dining experience, Kazunori Japanese Restaurant along Chino Roces Extension offers a variety of private dining options for guests. The restaurant features a private room that accommodates up to 12 people, available for a consumable fee of Php 35,000 during prime lunch and dinner hours from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. or Php 20,000 for the afternoon slot between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

IMAGE from Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

Prices include tax and a 10% service charge. Additionally, for those planning a special occasion, Kazunori provides a three-hour rental of the private room for Php 15,000, with a deposit of Php 7,500 required upon reservation. For larger gatherings, the entire restaurant can be rented out, accommodating up to 76 guests for Php 250,000 during weekdays from Monday to Friday.

Please note that corkage fees will apply if you wish to bring your favorite sake or drinks to Kazunori. A fee of Php 500 will be charged for drinks and Php 1,000 for sake.

Kazunori Japanese Restaurant and Kazu Cafe in Ayala Triangle Gardens

Don’t miss the chance to explore this vibrant culinary destination in Makati! For inquiries, you may contact Kazunori’s Chino Roces Avenue Extension branch at 0917-836-2695 or follow their Facebook page to get updated with their latest offerings. 

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