January 15, 2026

Kushizaru Japanese Restaurant in Makati: Japanese-Style Izakaya Serving Yakitori & Kushiage

Kushizaru Japanese Restaurant in Makati City is a Japanese-style izakaya restaurant specializing in yakitori (grilled skewers) and kushiage.

IMAGE from Kushizaru Japanese Restaurant

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Kushiage is a popular Japanese dish featuring skewered and deep-fried meat, seafood, and vegetables. The ingredients are coated in a light batter, before being deep-fried until crispy and golden.

What sets Kushizaru apart is its dedication to freshness and quality. The chicken used for yakitori is processed the same day and sourced from Cartimar, ensuring clean flavors with no unpleasant odor.

IMAGE from Kushizaru Japanese Restaurant

Yakitori / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Seasonings are kept simple—guests can adjust salt and other condiments to their taste—while the house-made special sauce (tare) is a must-try.

Popular skewers include Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, and Fresh Chicken Thigh (Php 220 for 2 sticks), as well as Pork Belly and Chicken Wings (Php 240 for 2 sticks).

Each chicken thigh and pork belly skewer is generously portioned at 60 g per stick. For variety, order the 5-piece (Php 480) or 8-piece (Php 880) assorted yakitori platters.

The restaurant also offers Shiro Reba Tataki (White Liver Tataki, Php 450 for 3 sticks)—a dish inspired by a Japanese favorite traditionally served as liver tataki. In the Philippines, it’s presented as skewers, letting diners savor its delicate texture and rich taste.

White Liver Tataki / IMAGE from Kushizaru Japanese Restaurant

Aside from kushiage, they also serve Japanese food staples such as fried rice, ramen, curry, fried noodles, sushi, tempura, and even a special Kids Menu for the little ones, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all ages.

The restaurant offers three types of ramen: Shio Ramen (Php 300), Miso Ramen (Php 380), and Tonkotsu Ramen (Php 380). The rich broth, made from hearty miso and ingredients that highlight the natural umami, is both deep in flavor and refreshingly clean on the palate.

Miso Ramen (Php 380) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

The hand-pulled noodles perfectly complement the soup, creating a satisfying and well-balanced bowl. Guests can also customize their ramen with various toppings such as Ajitama (soft-boiled egg, Php 50), Chashu (braised pork, Php 100), or corn (Php 50) for an extra burst of flavor.

Diners may also partner their ramen with their Gyoza with its crispy exterior and juicy filling.

Gyoza / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

For midday cravings, Kushizaru recently launched a lunch set menu—from tonkatsu to seafood and sushi—available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., priced between Php 300 and Php 800.

As evening falls, the restaurant transforms into a lively izakaya, open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last food order 9:00 p.m., last drinks order 9:45 p.m.).

Private Gatherings

What’s more, Kushizaru offers three private rooms that can each accommodate up to 10 guests, with the largest room able to seat around 25 to 30 people. These private rooms are available exclusively for group reservations. The entire restaurant can also be reserved for private functions, with rental fees subject to consultation.

Guests are welcome to bring their own cakes to Kushizaru, free of charge.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

The restaurant is now accepting banquet reservations, perfect for group gatherings and special occasions. Guests who make an advance reservation for six people or more will receive a complimentary 900 ml bottle of either Kinmiya or Kuro Kirishima shochu, adding extra value to the celebration.

IMAGE from Kushizaru Japanese Restaurant

Any shochu that isn’t finished during the banquet can be kept at the restaurant for future visits, allowing guests to enjoy it at their own pace. This offer makes group dining even more convenient and rewarding, whether for casual get-togethers or festive celebrations.