Little Tokyo in Makati: Your Authentic Japanese Dining Destination
Ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki—name it, you got it here at Little Tokyo.
All Japanese food-lovers out there surely know where to go when it comes to an authentic Japanese cuisine experience. Found at Pasong Tamo, Makati City is where Little Tokyo lies; a hub where one can find a handful of restaurants and groceries where you can buy Japanese goods. Foodies will definitely love this spot where they can devour their favorite Japanese dishes, from ramen, sushi, to okonomiyaki— all without having to go to Japan.
Fasten your seatbelts now as we take you to a gastronomic trip to Japan without having to leave Manila. Here’s a detailed guide to Little Tokyo in Pasong Tamo:
RESTAURANTS
- Sekitori Japanese Restaurant
If you’re going to visit Sekitori, don’t forget to order their much loved Chanko Nabe, a kind of stew known as the original sumo food. This dish consists of pork bone, chicken bone, vegetables, and fruits boiled and simmered in the same pot for 5 hours.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm; 5:00 pm to 12:00 mn
Fans of Hanshin tigers will surely know this place as they call this home. Kagura, famous for their tasty okonomiyaki, is headed by a chef from Osaka who cooks these savory Japanese pancakes.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm; 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
3. Urameshiya
Enjoy charcoal-grilled food items here at Urameshiya! This authentic Japanese barbecue restaurant offers boneless short ribs and fresh sliced meat on the grill.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
4. Oishinbo
Oishinbo is an izakaya-style restaurant or a Japanese style pub. You’ve got to try their tempura, that’s one of their bestsellers.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
5. Riozen
Yet another izakaya-style restaurant is Riozen, which offers wide variety of food. The place is spacious so it doesn’t feel too crowded come peak hours.
Operating Hours: 5:30 pm to 12:30 am (Monday to Saturday); 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm (Sunday)
6. Nodasho
Nodasho’s experienced Japanese chef makes traditional Japanese dishes that the restaurant offers. Try their fresh sashimi and the popular makikari hot pot (P980) with miso broth that’s very rich in flavor.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm to 1:00 am (Monday to Friday); 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm to 12:00 mn (Saturday and Sunday)
7. Seryna
Foodies love Seryna which makes it one of the most jam-packed restaurants in the hub. Make sure to reserve a seat as you try their delicious bento meals here.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 1:30 pm; 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
8. Izakaya Kikufuji
As one of Little Tokyo’s iconic restaurants, this izakaya restaurant is certainly a must-visit in the hub. Popular for both locals and expats, Izakaya Kikufuji serves the best sushi in town. Try their Pacific bluefin tuna or “fatty tuna,” and have the liberty to choose whether to get it sliced to a sashimi or broiled.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday to Friday); 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
9. Shinjuku Ramen
This restaurant is one of the oldest ramen shops in Manila. Shinjuku Ramen was said to have started the trend of “hot bowl of ramen noodle” in the Philippines. Must try includes tsukemen (dipping ramen), udon, yakisoba, or pan-fried noodles.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 12:00 mn
10. Hana
This restaurant is known for its takoyaki and shaved ice dessert. They also offer other dishes such as sushi.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 11:30 am to 11:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
GROCERIES
1. Yamazaki
This restaurant is also a part grocery store which sells Japanese goods. They also sell bento boxes that you can take out for lunch.
Operating Hours: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
2. Seikyo
If you’re looking for affordable finds in Little Tokyo, go to Seikyo. They sell items for as low as P80 and is very convenient for nighttime shoppers as they close as late as 10:30 pm.
Operating Hours: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
KIOSK
1. Dojo Dairy
Looking for desserts? Check out this little kiosk found between Kagura and Urameshiya, which offers delicious Japanese-inspired ice cream. Try their miso, sesame, and Wasabi light for P150 a cup.
Head now to Little Tokyo to get the best Japanese dining experience here in Manila!
