15+ Must-Visit Japanese Restaurants in Makati (2026 Edition)
If you’re hunting for the best Japanese restaurants in Makati, good news: this city has one of the most stacked Japanese dining scenes outside Japan. From hole-in-the-wall izakayas packed with Japanese expats to full-on yakiniku spots flying in wagyu from Shiga Prefecture, Makati genuinely delivers. We’re talking premium sushi bars, secret ramen menus, century-old tempura brands, and a new yakiniku spot that people are already calling the best in Manila. Whether your budget is “let’s keep it around P500” or “I want the full A5 wagyu experience,” there’s something here for you.
Editor’s Note: Menu prices and operating hours are subject to change. We recommend checking the restaurant’s official pages or calling ahead to secure your reservations and confirm current rates.
15+ Best Japanese Restaurants in Makati
Editor’s Pick
1. Yakiniku Sudaku Japan Makati
📍 Upper Ground Floor, Windsor Square, Antonio Arnaiz Avenue corner Ponce Street, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City
A new destination for premium Japanese yakiniku has officially opened its doors in Makati. Originating from Shiga Prefecture — a region renowned for its expertise in premium Omi beef — Yakiniku Sudaku is recognized as the largest local yakiniku chain in its home region. And now it’s here in Manila, doing what it does best.
The concept behind the name is beautiful. “Sudaku” comes from an old Japanese word meaning “to come together” — a philosophy rooted in shared meals, celebrations, and meaningful connections. So yes, this one is meant to be eaten with people you love.
Fair warning: Yakiniku Sudaku Japan is consistently fully booked, so reservations can be difficult. They also have private rooms, which is a big plus if you want a more intimate setup.
- What to order: The A5 Omi Wagyu sets. Start with the salad bar, pace yourself, and let the tatami rooms do the rest.
- Pro tip: Book at least three days in advance. Seriously — this place fills up fast.
The Ramen and Comfort Bowl Crowd
2. Mendokoro Ramenba
📍 G/F V. Corporate Centre Building, Soliman Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
If you’ve never lined up for ramen in your life, Mendokoro might be where that changes. This compact ramen restaurant is known for its slurp-tastic fare and sleek horseshoe-shaped bar. The place is always packed, but the flavorful and generous portions of their creamy and meaty broth make the long lines worth it.
Their menu is short — which is actually a flex. Every item on it is intentional and dialed in. The Shoyu Ramen and Tonkotsu Ramen are crowd favorites, but here’s the real insider move: you can ask for a secret menu to try out more options like the Super Chashu.
There’s no takeout here. The kitchen is open so you watch everything happen in real time, which makes the whole experience feel very Tokyo counter-style.
- What to order: Shoyu Ramen, Karai Tokusei Tsukemen, and Gyoza.
- Pro tip: Go on a weekday during off-peak hours (3–5PM) to avoid the dinner rush. Takeout is not available, so make sure you have time to sit and enjoy.
3. Manmaru Japanese Restaurant
📍 G-1 Makati Cinema Square, Fernando Street, Pio Del Pilar, Makati City
Manmaru is one of those places you keep going back to without fully understanding why. And then you take the first bite of their spicy salmon sashimi and it all makes sense again. Located beside Little Tokyo in Makati Cinema Square, this izakaya-style spot covers everything from sashimi and sushi to ramen and yakisoba — all at prices that won’t wreck your wallet.
The atmosphere is lively and casual, with private rooms in the back for when you want to have a real conversation. The beef teppan and spicy salmon roll are crowd favorites, and the sushi of the day comes with soup, salad, and kimchi for 420 pesos. Show up around 5PM to get ahead of the dinner crowd.
- What to order: Spicy Salmon Sashimi, Sushi of the Day set, Okonomiyaki, and Matcha Ice Cream.
- Pro tip: Parking is available in Makati Cinema Square’s basement, which makes the whole trip way less stressful.
The Yakiniku and Grill Specialists
4. Nanbantei of Tokyo
📍 3/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City
Yakitori done right. Nanbantei of Tokyo has been the go-to for Japanese skewers in Makati for years, and their Greenbelt 3 branch remains one of the most reliably good spots in the area. The concept is simple — fresh ingredients, clean grill marks, and a sauce that hits differently.
The pork-wrapped enoki mushroom and shiitake skewers are the kind of things you keep reordering throughout the meal. Their salmon balls on skewers with Japanese rice in shiitake sauce have quietly become one of the most underrated items in the whole menu.
- What to order: Pork-wrapped enoki mushroom, shiitake yakitori, salmon balls, and beef yakiniku.
- Pro tip: Pair your skewers with cold Japanese beer and come in the evening for the full izakaya experience.
The Sushi Obsessives
5. Tsumura Sushi Bar and Restaurant
📍 2/F 88 Corporate Plaza, Sedeno Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
If you want arguably the best value-for-money sushi in Manila, Tsumura is that place. Chef Tsumura runs the bar himself, sourcing a mix of local and imported seafood daily. The Chirashi is the move if you can’t decide — you get a little bit of everything, beautifully arranged, at a reasonable price point.
This is not a flashy spot. It’s a proper sushi bar where the quality of the fish does all the talking. The regulars know: if you want to eat well without paying fine-dining prices, Tsumura delivers consistently.
- What to order: Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Tuna Sashimi, Sea Urchin Sushi.
- Pro tip: Go for lunch. The sets are great value and the bar is less crowded than dinner service.
6. Sugi Japanese Restaurant
📍 G/F Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Palm Drive, Makati City
Sugi has been a Makati staple for years and the consistency is real. It’s family-owned and operated, which shows in how tightly the menu is maintained. Fresh cuts of sushi, well-seasoned dishes, and a commitment to not cutting corners. The soft shell crab rolls are a must, and their reliable service makes it a fantastic go-to for family dinners or catching up with friends after a long day at the mall.
- What to order: Soft Shell Crab Roll, Sashimi Platter, Tempura.
- Pro tip: Their bento lunch boxes offer massive portions and incredible value if you happen to be in Greenbelt around noon.
7. Ooma
📍 Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City
Ooma is the kind of Japanese restaurant that draws in people who don’t usually consider themselves Japanese food fans — and then converts them. The name comes from the Japanese word “umai,” meaning “good,” and the food earns it. Think contemporary Japanese plates: tataki, rice bowls, sushi rolls with a modern twist, and some of the cleanest flavors in the Greenbelt area. It’s casual enough for a quick lunch and elevated enough to impress a date.
- What to order: Tuna Tataki, Dragon Roll, their rotating rice bowl specials.
- Pro tip: Greenbelt 3 can get busy during lunch hour. Come at 11AM right when they open for the smoothest experience.
The Old Guards (Still Unmatched)
8. Izakaya Kikufuji
📍 2277 Chino Roces Avenue, Legazpi Village, Little Tokyo, Makati (1231)
There are restaurants people recommend, and then there are restaurants people defend. Izakaya Kikufuji is the latter. It has been a landmark inside Little Tokyo for decades and every time someone declares it overrated, ten more regulars come out of the woodwork to disagree loudly. The sashimi is some of the freshest you’ll find anywhere in Makati. The unagi, wagyu, and tempura are all consistently excellent.
The energy here is classic izakaya — a little noisy, tables close together, efficient service — and it’s crowded pretty much every single night. Japanese expats and locals eat side by side here, which is always a good sign.
- What to order: Sashimi Platter, Unagi, Tempura, and the daily lunch sets if you’re going midday.
- Pro tip: Arrive early for dinner (around 5:30–6PM) or expect to wait. No walk-in guarantees on weekends.
9. Kimpura
📍 Level 4, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Kimpura has been around for decades and it still hits. This is the restaurant where older Makati families bring their kids, and now those kids bring their own kids. The teppanyaki tables, private rooms, and sushi counter make it one of the most versatile spots in the area. Kimono-clad waitresses greet you at the door, which sets the tone immediately.
In a city filled with dining options, few names stand the test of time like Kimpura. Located in the heart of Greenbelt 5, it has become more than just a restaurant — it’s a trusted spot for lunch breaks, intimate dinners, and family celebrations.
- What to order: Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, Gindara Teriyaki, Tempura, and Teppanyaki for the table experience.
- Pro tip: The weekday lunch sets are genuinely great value. The private rooms can host up to 50 people — perfect for company dinners or big family occasions.
10. Umu Japanese Restaurant
📍 Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Centre, Makati City
If you’re looking for the classic, premium hotel dining experience, Umu at Dusit Thani never misses. The name translates to “born of nature,” and the restaurant’s gorgeous design—complete with a serene koi pond and an authentic Japanese garden—makes you forget you’re right in the middle of the bustling Ayala Center. They feature live cooking stations covering everything from teppanyaki and robatayaki to fresh sushi.
- What to order: The Teppanyaki sets, Spider Roll, and the premium Sashimi Moriawase.
- Pro tip: Request a table by the window facing the koi pond for the best ambiance, and look into their weekend buffets if you have a massive appetite.
The Hidden Gems
11. Kazunori Japanese Restaurant / Kazu Cafe
📍 G/F Mazda Makati Building, 2301 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City
Yes, it is literally inside a car dealership. Don’t let that throw you off. Kazunori is an amalgamation of three dining concepts: a Tokyo-inspired cafe, a modern Japanese dining area, and a sushi bar for omakase — all in a single-level space. It comes from Nippon Hasha, the same group behind Mendokoro Ramenba and Ramen Yushoken, so the pedigree is strong.
The omakase counter is serious business — seafood is flown in from Japan, and the multi-course experience is considered one of the best in this price range in Manila. For something more casual, the Wagyu Truffle Soba and Uni & Ikura hand rolls are the moves. And the matcha tiramisu is quietly one of the best desserts in Makati.
- What to order: Wagyu Truffle Soba, Uni & Ikura Hand Roll, Oyakodon, Matcha Tiramisu. For the full experience: the Omakase (book ahead).
- Pro tip: Sit at the counter if you can. Watching the sushi chef work up close is part of the experience. Kazu Cafe also does a great casual breakfast-style menu if you’re in the area early.
12. Yabu: House of Katsu
📍 2/F Glorietta 5, Ayala Avenue corner East Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City (multiple Makati branches)
Yabu is not just a restaurant. It’s a katsu religion. Since opening in the Philippines, it has turned tonkatsu from a simple breaded pork cutlet into something people genuinely plan their week around. The star is the Kurobuta pork — often called the “Kobe beef” of pork — which explains why the breading stays light and the inside stays impossibly juicy.
Every katsu set comes with unlimited organic brown rice, miso soup, organic cabbage, and fruit. It’s one of the most satisfying value propositions in Makati. The Katsu-Kare (katsu curry) is a separate obsession entirely.
- What to order: Kurobuta Hire Katsu, Katsu-Kare, Menchi Katsu.
- Pro tip: The Glorietta 5 branch has a balcony area that’s ideal for a slightly more relaxed meal. Go between 10–11AM to avoid the massive lunch crowd.
The Little Tokyo District
13. Little Tokyo, Makati
📍 2277 Pasong Tamo and Amorsolo Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City
Little Tokyo is not a single restaurant. It’s an entire food enclave at the corner of Chino Roces Avenue and Fernando Street, a compound that has been a haven for real-deal Japanese cuisine well-loved by both Pinoys and Japanese expats for decades. Many of the restaurants inside are Japanese-owned, and each has its own specialties and signature dishes.
Think: a collection of izakayas, sashimi bars, yakitori spots, and noodle houses, all concentrated in one lantern-lit courtyard. Izakaya Kikufuji is here. Seryna for premium sushi. Yamazaki. Nodasho. The whole place feels like a pocket of Tokyo tucked into Makati.
- Pro tip: Park at the Makati Cinema Square basement and walk over. It’s about three minutes on foot and way easier than trying to park on-site.
14. Edoya Japanese Restaurant
📍 2227 Fernando Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City (inside Little Tokyo area)
Edoya is one of the newer spots in the Little Tokyo area and it’s already built a dedicated following. The restaurant has wooden interiors with traditional Japanese aesthetics, and you can even wear kimonos for free — adding to the full cultural dining experience. Inside there’s also Chotto Matcha, a dedicated matcha cafe with drinks, coffee, and desserts.
The food is prepared by Japanese chefs, and the menu covers traditional Japanese staples — from artful sushi rolls to chawanmushi, gyoza, and enoki mushroom wraps. The Maguro Mosaic Roll is a visual stunner and worth ordering just to see it arrive at the table.
- What to order: Chef’s Gyoza, Asari Butter, Gyu Enoki, Maguro Mosaic Roll, and anything from Chotto Matcha for dessert.
- Pro tip: If you’re visiting Little Tokyo anyway, Edoya is a great option when you want something slightly more contemporary with a cultural twist.
15. Musashi Maru
📍 4/F Japan Town, Top of the Glo, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati City
Musashi Maru is the kind of spot that Makati regulars quietly keep to themselves. Located in Japan Town on the top floor of Glorietta 2, this is a surprisingly affordable sashimi destination that punches well above its price range. The five-kinds sashimi set is the undisputed star of the menu — fresh, generously portioned, and priced at a level that makes you want to order two rounds.
Inari sushi, katsu dishes, and curry rounds out a straightforward but well-executed menu. It’s not the fanciest setting in the building, but when the sashimi is this fresh and this affordable, nobody cares.
- What to order: 5 Kinds Sashimi, Inari Sushi, Chicken Katsu set.
- Budget range: Around P600 and up for a group sharing experience.
- Pro tip: Head up to Glorietta 2’s Japan Town floor and you’ll find several other Japanese spots alongside Musashi Maru — great for a Japanese food crawl without leaving the building.
Bonus Pick: The Fine Dining Choice
16. Kyo-to
📍 G/F Coyiuto House, 119 Carlos Palanca Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
For when the occasion calls for something truly special. Hidden away in Legazpi Village, Kyo-to is one of Makati’s most refined Japanese dining secrets. Helmed by Chef Ryohei Kawamoto, who brings years of experience from Osaka, this spot specializes in kaiseki ryori—a traditional, multi-course Japanese dinner that balances taste, texture, and visual presentation flawlessly. The setting is intimate, minimalist, and built for celebrations or date nights where you actually want to impress someone.
- What to order: The Kaiseki tasting menu. It changes based on the seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan.
- Pro tip: Always reserve well in advance. With limited seating, it is highly exclusive and fills up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a truly special night out, Inagiku at Makati Shangri-La and Kazunori’s omakase experience are both top contenders. Yakiniku Sudaku Japan is also a stunning choice if you want to do premium wagyu in a private tatami room setting.
Manmaru at Makati Cinema Square, Musashi Maru at Glorietta 2’s Japan Town, and the restaurants inside Little Tokyo all offer great Japanese food without breaking the bank. Yabu’s set meals with unlimited rice, cabbage, and miso soup are also excellent value.
Yes! Little Tokyo at 2277 Pasong Tamo and Amorsolo Streets in Legazpi Village is still open and active in 2026, with multiple Japanese-owned restaurants operating inside the enclave.
Yakiniku Sudaku Japan is a premium Japanese yakiniku restaurant that opened in Makati in early 2026 at Windsor Square on Antonio Arnaiz Avenue. It originated from Shiga Prefecture in Japan and is best known for serving A5 Omi Wagyu — one of Japan’s top three wagyu beef varieties. It has private tatami rooms, a salad bar, and a Zen garden space. Reservations are highly recommended as it fills up quickly.
Mendokoro Ramenba in Salcedo Village is widely considered the top ramen destination in Makati. Their shoyu and tonkotsu broths are deeply savory, the noodles are springy, and the portions are generous. Ask about the secret menu for additional options like the Super Chashu.
Yes. Several do: Kimpura (up to 50 pax), Yakiniku Sudaku Japan (tatami rooms), Kazunori (available for omakase groups), Inagiku at Shangri-La, and Manmaru all have private or semi-private spaces available.
Find Your Next Japanese Food Fix in Makati
With this many options, there is zero reason to keep ordering the same delivery. Get out there and try something new this week. Have you been to any of these spots? Got a personal favorite that didn’t make the list? Tell us in the comments — we read every single one and we’re always looking for the next great tip.
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