The Girl Behind the Pen

Just three months young, Japonesa in Poblacion, Makati is already making the buzz across the metro for good (and sumptuous) reasons. This Japanese-Peruvian restaurant is Notorious Concepts' newest child—the same group behind Alamat and West 32 located in the same neighborhood.

While Japonesa was launched last April, it already gained a sweet spot on every foodie and influencer's dining radar. Because of its popularity and multiple requests to cater to daytime market, Japonesa has finally opened its doors for lunch-lovers. They are now open everyday starting 11am.

To be really honest with you, I am not always a fan of Japanese cuisine when it comes to sashimi, sushi, maki, and anything that comes with raw fish or meat—but, I loved it there. I'll tell you why.

From maki to yakitori skewers, Japonesa surprised me in so many ways. Let's start with my menu favorite: bomba camarones. It comes with a bowl full of crispy shrimps and spicy aioli. This appetizer really served its purpose as it increased my hunger and prepared me for the main course.

Bomba Camarones, PHP 500

My second most favorite is Japonesa's signature roll called La Japonesa. It has crispy rice, spicy tuna, and green chili. Everyone in our group loved this dish. La Japonesa definitely deserves its spot as one of the restaurant's best. 

La Japonesa, PHP 650

I also tried their Pollo Negi which is a skewered chicken thigh with scallion. The meat is very tender and the sauce is like heaven in your mouth. Their Lengua Katsu (beef tongue katsu with creamy mashed potatoes) is also a crowd-favorite. 

Pollo Negi, PHP 220

Lengua Katsu, PHP 950

Sake Ajo Verde, the salmon with green garlic sauce, is definitely a must-try. From how the salmon was cooked down to its sauce, everything was good. If you love maki, I suggest you try Japonesa's Camarones Tempura. It comes with shrimp tempura. avocado, cucumber, and spicy aioli. Last but not the least, the Entero Shimeji. When you get a serving of this, you'll have shimeji mushroom with squash puree and garlic chimchurri. 

Sake Ajo Verde, PHP 790

Camarones Tempura, PHP 520

Entero Shimeji, PHP 380

Now on to the drinks! Of course, I wouldn't let the day pass without trying their most popular signature cocktail: Sakura. It's a mix of gin, strawberry, and hibiscus topped with fresh blooms that make it all the more Instagrammable. 

Sakura, PHP 400

Watermelon Hai-Ball, PHP 380 | 3 Olive Martini, PHP 550 | Cosmopolitan, PHP 400

You can also try their Watermelon Hai-Ball that is a mix of sake, watermelon juice, and elderflower. Not only is it aesthetically-pleasing but also flavorful. If you're having a girls' night (or day out), make sure to order a glass (or two) of Japonesa's Cosmopolitan and feel like Carrie Bradshaw for a day. Or, if you feel like having a James Bond moment, why not go for the three olive martini? 

Japonesa truly meets dining expectations with its offerings bursting with so much Japanese and Peruvian flavors meant to impress the foodie in you. 

Japonesa Poblacion

Address: 5658 Jacobo Street corner Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City

Budget: PHP 1,500 for two

Food: 8/10

Overall look: 7/10

Hospitality: 8/10

Is Japonesa Poblacion open now? Yes they are open.

Japonesa opening hours: 11am - 1am, Monday - Thursday & Sunday | 11am - 3am, Friday & Saturday

Contact information: Facebook / Instagram

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