Best Japanese Restaurants in Manila, From Traditional To Modern Food

Where to eat Japanese food in the bustling metropolitan? In this guide, we’re featuring some of the best Japanese restaurants in Manila that you must try for traditional to innovative Japanese cuisine.

Manila’s Japanese food scene is thriving, and it’s no surprise.

Filipinos love bold flavors, freshness, and artistry. Elements deeply embedded in traditional Japanese cuisine.

Manila’s best Japanese restaurants range from Michelin-linked tendon specialists to modern izakayas pushing culinary creativity.

Whether you’re craving inventive maki rolls or steaming bowls of rich, creamy ramen that rivals Tokyo’s best, Manila delivers.

Top Japanese Restaurants in Manila

If you’re craving authentic or innovative Japanese cuisine, here are some of the best Japanese restaurants in Manila (plus what to try), in alphabetical order.

Also, check out our Manila restaurant guides for more lists and tips.

Akimitsu Tendon

When it comes to tempura, Akimitsu Tendon is a name that commands respect.

Founded by Chef Akimitsu Tanihara, this restaurant has a reputation for perfecting tendon (tempura rice bowls).

With a legacy tied to a Michelin-starred lineage in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, Akimitsu Tendon has won gold medals at the Tempura World Cup in Japan.

The restaurant opened in Manila with the same philosophy: golden-crisp tempura and perfectly balanced tare sauce over steaming Japanese rice.

This dedication has made it one of the best Japanese restaurants in Manila to savor authentic tempura dishes that, for me, is the closest to the one I’ve had in Japan.

Must-try food at Akimitsu Tendon:

• Hokkaido Tempura – A glorious plate of scallops, shrimp (with the head!), yam, lotus root, broccoli, and crab meat. The freshness of seafood shines through, complemented by a light, buttery, crispy batter.
• Ebi Tempura Maki – A giant tempura roll, where two shrimp tempura are wrapped into a maki and deep-fried whole. Pure tempura indulgence. Watch how they make it here.

Japan Fudo Street

For a taste of street-style Japanese food, Japan Fudo Street brings a mix of traditional comfort dishes in a lively atmosphere.

Designed to mimic the backstreets of Tokyo, this restaurant blends nostalgic flavors with casual dining.

Think of it like a hybrid food hall and restaurant, as you can choose to wander and order from vendors or opt for a full-service sit-down dining experience.

The team behind Japan Fudo Street takes pride in sourcing ingredients from Japan to ensure authenticity.

The menu is a mix of izakaya favorites and sushi creations, making it perfect for first-time diners looking to explore different traditional Japanese specialties in one place.

Must-try food at Japan Fudo Street:

• Takoyaki – A classic Osaka street food—golden, crispy octopus balls bursting with creamy filling. Finished with bonito flakes, Japanese mayo, and a hint of umami-rich takoyaki sauce.
• Mix Seafood Roll – A sushi roll combining four kinds of seafood: hamachi, grouper, salmon, and tuna. The variety of textures and flavors makes this roll a standout.
• Chawanmushi – A smooth, delicate steamed egg custard packed with deep savory flavors. A perfect contrast to the bold izakaya dishes.
• Agedashi Tofu – Deep-fried tofu in a warm tendashi broth. The crispy exterior gives way to silky tofu, soaking up the umami-rich tendashi sauce beautifully.
• Beef Heart – Grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, slightly gamey depth for adventurous diners.

Mendokoro Ramenba

Mendokoro Ramenba is widely regarded as Manila’s best ramen spot, a huge feat for this locally-owned restaurant amidst the plethora of franchises from Japan (like Ippudo and Ramen Nagi).

With a no-nonsense, ramen-bar style setup, diners slurp their noodles side-by-side, mirroring Japan’s intimate ramen culture.

The secret? A dedication to authentic Japanese broth-making techniques and perfectly crafted noodles.

As one of the best restaurants in Manila, Medokoro Ramenba has received multiple accolades for its rich tonkotsu broth and precise ramen execution.

Must-try food at Mendokoro Ramenba:

• Shoyu Ramen – Soy sauce-based broth bursting with umami, yet light enough for balance.
• Super Chashu Ramen – An off-menu special, featuring a torched slab of tender fatty pork and some extras over a base of shoyu ramen. The super chashu is marinated and slow cooked for an even longer time that it takes to cook the soup. Rich, indulgent, and meaty.
• TanTanMen Tonkotsu Ramen – My favorite! A creamier, nuttier take on ramen, thanks to unique blend of sesame paste, ground pork, and chili oil.

Ooma

For modern, creative takes on Japanese cuisine, Ooma delivers playful yet expertly crafted flavors.

This casual Japanese-inspired eatery is the brainchild of Chef Bruce Ricketts, one of Manila’s most celebrated chefs known for his contemporary approach to Japanese food.

Ooma is local gem that stands out among the myriad of Japanese restaurants in Manila franchised from Japan.

Expect vibrant flavors, textural contrast, unique ingredient combinations and inventive twists on Japanese staples, making it one of Manila’s best Japanese fusion spots.

Must-try food & drinks at Ooma:

• Tempura Soft Shell Crab Maki – Big flavors, combining soft-shell crab tempura with pickled radish, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Fresh, vibrant, and rich.
• Scallop & Tamago Hand Roll – Sweet and creamy tamago meets scallops with a hint of spicy mayo and crunchy fried leeks.
• Chili Crab Hand Roll – Sweet and spicy crab meat, accented by crispy enoki mushrooms for contrast in texture.
• Unagi Cheese Maki – Broiled eel, cream cheese, and toasted rice create a creamy, smoky, umami-packed bite.
• Ebi Tempura – Big, plump prawns, the largest among the Japanese restaurants in Manila I’ve tried. I love the use of aonori for an added depth of flavor.
• Hanger Steak – Sous-vide tender beef, best enjoyed when combined with everything. Rich, velvety, and packed with umami.
• Mochi & Matcha Cheesecake – Nutty sesame-cashew crust with a matcha cheesecake base. I’d love it even more with the mochi folded inside.
• Fried White Peach Gyoza – Such a unique Japanese dessert twist with white peach, vanilla ice cream, and shoyu caramel. The shoyu caramel’s salty-sweet depth is a game changer. One of the best desserts in Manila!
• Matcha Ice Tsunami Shake – Cold, refreshing matcha shake loaded with boba. Perfect for Manila’s heat.

Watami

Watami blends traditional Japanese comfort food with modern twists.

With over 700 locations in the Asia Pacific region, expect seafood, sushi, and hot dishes designed for both purists and fusion lovers.

With an extensive menu from sushi, sashimi, skewers to hotpots and teishoku, Watami in Manila stands out for its original dishes that aren’t available in other locations outside Philippines so keep an eye out for those.

Must-try food at Watami:

• Scallop Poppers – Bite-sized scallops with a crisp breaded exterior. Tender inside, crunchy outside for the perfect contrast.
• Salmon Taco Aburi – Flame-seared salmon in a taco shell, layered with seaweed and cheese for creaminess, crunch, and fresh seafood flavor. I highly recommend this unique Mexican-Japanese fusion.
• Stir-Fried Udon with Seafood – Thick, chewy udon noodles stir-fried with fresh seafood.
• Shrimp Tempura – Comes with vegetable tempura, offering a light, crispy batter that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Pork Katsu Curry with Calamari Teishoku – A hearty meal combining crispy pork katsu, rich curry sauce, and calamari. I love that it came with a delightful mochi side.

Whether you’re after Michelin-recognized tempura, authentic ramen, inventive sushi, or street-style Japanese bites, the best Japanese restaurants in Manila deliver exceptional quality and flavor.

From tempura masters to modern izakayas, these spots define what makes Japanese cuisine in Manila so special.

Now, the question is: where are you dining first? As usual, happy travelling and eating!