Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant in BGC: Michelin-Awarded Japanese Grilling Arrives in Metro Manila
The aroma of grilled skewers now fills Bonifacio Global City with the arrival of Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant, which hosted the grand opening of their first branch in the Philippines on September 2, 2025.
Known in Osaka, Japan, for its mastery of yakitori with a signature sauce perfected over the years, Ikoka brings an authentic slice of Osaka’s dining culture straight to Metro Manila.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
With a reputation built on precise technique, carefully sourced ingredients, and a dedication to flavor, Ikoka has consistently impressed Japanese diners and earned international recognition, including being selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2022 to 2024.
Ikoka is the creation of Chef Masashi Hara, who also have sister restaurants in Osaka such as Sumibi Yakitori Torishō and Ikoka Nishitenma.
IMAGE from Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant
At Ikoka, every skewer is meticulously prepared: chicken is uniformly cut, skewered with care, and grilled slowly resulting to a crispy, smoky skin and juicy, flavorful yakitori, enhanced by house-made sauces tailored to each cut.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The menu features 17 varieties of yakitori including the Negima (chicken thigh and scallion) and Crispy Tebasaki (chicken wings). Diners can also enjoy creative originals such as Tsukune with cheese, as well as rare cuts like Soriresu (chicken oyster). Their yakitori offerings are priced around Php 120 to Php 170 per stick.
IMAGE from Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant
Beyond yakitori, the restaurant offers a well-rounded menu of Japanese comfort dishes.
Highlights include Momo no Karaage which is a juicy and marinated chicken thigh pieces that are deep-fried to a golden crisp.
Momo no Karaage (Php 310) / IMAGE from Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant
Seiro Gohan, a Japanese steamed rice dish served in a wooden seiro (bamboo steamer box), topped with seasoned ground meat (chicken or pork) and thinly sliced egg crepe strips (kinshi tamago).
Seiro Gohan (Php 390) / IMAGE from Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant
Diners may also try their Pork Syougayaki Teisyoku, a Japanese set meal featuring thinly sliced pork sautéed with onions in a savory-sweet ginger sauce. The pork is served with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of mayonnaise, accompanied by steamed rice, pickles, and miso soup.
Pork Syougayaki Teisyoku (Php 400) / IMAGE from Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant
The restaurant features a 65-seat main floor along with two semi-private VIP area, making it suitable for everything from casual nights out to business dinners and intimate gatherings.
With its refined yet welcoming atmosphere, Ikoka captures the spirit of a modern Japanese izakaya while delivering the quality of a fine dining restaurant.
