The Counter at Ginza One in Makati: A Taste of Authentic Yakitori in Manila
The Counter at Ginza One is the newest culinary venture from the esteemed Ginza Group of Companies, officially opening its doors in August 2024 within Ginza One in Makati.
Chef Masahiko Kodama, the Michelin-listed and Bib Gourmand-awarded chef behind the acclaimed Yakitori Kodama in Setagaya, Tokyo, helms this counter-style yakitori specialty restaurant.
IMAGE from The Counter at Ginza One
Known as a true yakitori master, Chef Kodama brings his philosophy of precision, tradition, and balance to Manila, making The Counter a destination for those seeking an elevated Japanese dining experience.
At The Counter, authenticity is paramount. The intimate restaurant offers only 15 seats, nine at the counter and six at tables, ensuring that each diner enjoys a personalized and immersive view of the culinary artistry.
Using exclusively imported ingredients, including prized binchotan charcoal for grilling, the dishes highlight the finest flavors with remarkable depth.
IMAGE from The Counter at Ginza One’s Instagram account
The restaurant operates on four seatings daily during Chef Kodama’s visit: 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
Once a month, Chef Kodama himself visits Manila for a week to directly prepare and oversee the menu. On weeks when he is away, the kitchen is led by Chef Paul and Chef Edward, both of whom have been rigorously trained under Chef Kodama’s standards.
The highlight of the experience is the Kodama Signature Course, a tasting menu designed to showcase a variety of chicken parts prepared in the traditional yakitori style.
IMAGE from The Counter at Ginza One’s Instagram account
During Chef Kodama’s visit, the course is priced at Php 5,200++, while on weeks led by Chefs Paul and Edward, the course is offered at Php 3,900++.
Alongside skewers of chicken classics such as negima (chicken and scallion) and bonjiri (chicken tail), the course also includes seasonal vegetable skewers, noodles, and dessert, creating a well-rounded introduction to the chef’s culinary philosophy.
While yakitori is the centerpiece, The Counter at Ginza One also offers an excellent selection of à la carte dishes. The Tori Liba Pate presents a silky chicken liver pâté spread over toasted brioche, offering a perfect balance of richness and crunch.
Tori Liba Pate (Php 350) / IMAGE from The Counter at Ginza One’s Instagram account
For a lighter option, the Smoke Tori Sarada (Php 350) features smoked chicken tossed with crisp greens and a bright ginger dressing that lifts the flavors with refreshing zest.
For those looking for comfort food, the Oyakodon brings together tender chicken, scallions, and soft-scrambled eggs served over steaming rice, embodying Japanese comfort food with refined finesse.
Oyakodon (Php 550) / IMAGE from The Counter at Ginza One’s Instagram account
Because of its limited seating, reservations are highly recommended, especially during Chef Kodama’s visits. The restaurant maintains an elegant casual dress code, prohibiting slippers, flip-flops, and tank tops to preserve its refined atmosphere.
Families are welcome; however, children dining at the counter during Chef Kodama’s stay are required to order the Signature Course as well.
The Counter at Ginza One is more than just a restaurant. It is an intimate stage where Japanese culinary tradition meets precision and artistry. From the refined Kodama Signature Course to carefully curated à la carte offerings, every dish reflects the discipline and philosophy of Chef Masahiko Kodama.
With limited seating, an elegant ambiance, and the mastery of yakitori brought directly from Tokyo, The Counter offers diners in Manila a rare chance to experience Japan’s culinary excellence up close, one skewer at a time.
