Best Japanese restaurants in Makati (2025 Guide)

Makati, the business and lifestyle capital of Metro Manila, isn’t just about skyscrapers, malls, and nightlife—it’s also a culinary playground where you can find almost every global cuisine imaginable. But if there’s one cuisine that consistently stands out in Makati, it’s Japanese food.

In 2025, Japanese restaurants in Makati continue to trend among locals, expats, and tourists alike. From authentic izakayas tucked in side streets to high-end sushi bars and cultural food hubs like Little Tokyo, the city is brimming with options for Japanese dining lovers.

Whether you’re looking for affordable ramen, premium sushi, grilled skewers, or fine kaiseki dining, Makati has a spot for you. Here’s a detailed guide to the Best Japanese Restaurants in Makati (2025 Edition)—plus how to save up to 50% when dining out using Eatigo.

Trending Japanese restaurants in Makati

1. Layaw Makati – The Rising Izakaya Star

Layaw Makati is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about Japanese-inspired restaurants in the city.

• Culinary Highlights: Layaw is styled after a Japanese izakaya (pub), offering grilled skewers, gyoza, sushi rolls, and Japanese-inspired cocktails. Their menu caters to both comfort-food cravings and adventurous palates.
• Ambience: The interiors are hip and modern yet cozy, perfect for after-work drinking sessions or casual nights out with friends.
• Why It’s Trending in 2025: With its balance of authentic flavors, affordability, and stylish vibe, Layaw appeals to Makati’s young professionals who want both quality food and a lively atmosphere.

✨ Pro tip: Pair their yakitori skewers with sake or craft beer for the ultimate izakaya experience.

For more details and to make a reservation, visit Layaw Makati Eatigo page

2. Tango – Japanese Fusion for the Modern Diner

Tango offers a refreshing fusion approach to Japanese cuisine, blending traditional elements with global influences.

• Culinary Highlights: Expect sashimi platters, tempura, premium grilled dishes, and inventive cocktails. Some offerings bring unexpected international twists that keep the menu exciting.
• Ambience: Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Tango is great for group gatherings, casual date nights, or business dinners.
• Why It’s Trending in 2025: Tango attracts foodies who want Japanese staples with a modern flair, making it one of Makati’s most Instagrammable dining spots.

✨ Pro tip: Don’t miss their signature tuna tartare and sake-based cocktails.

For more details and to make a reservation, visit Tango Eatigo page

3. Manmaru – Authentic Izakaya Experience

If you want a true taste of Tokyo in Makati, Manmaru delivers an authentic izakaya-style dining experience.

• Culinary Highlights: Manmaru is known for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), ramen bowls, sushi, sashimi, and Japanese comfort food like karaage (fried chicken).
• Ambience: Rustic, cozy, and casual—it feels like walking into a neighborhood bar in Japan. Popular among expats and Japanese nationals living in the city.
• Why It’s Trending in 2025: Manmaru thrives on authenticity and consistency, making it a beloved go-to for late-night eats and casual drinking sessions.

✨ Pro tip: Visit during dinner for a true izakaya vibe with beer, sake, and bar chow.

4. Keizo – Fine Japanese Dining in the Heart of Makati

If you’re looking for an upscale Japanese dining experience, Keizo is one of Makati’s most refined restaurants.

• Culinary Highlights: Known for premium sushi and sashimi, Keizo also offers kaiseki-style dishes (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal) using imported and seasonal ingredients.
  
• Ambience: Intimate, minimalist, and sophisticated—ideal for business dinners, romantic dates, or special occasions.
• Why It’s Trending in 2025: In a district full of casual Japanese eateries, Keizo stands out for its luxury dining and authentic high-end Japanese techniques.

✨ Pro tip: Reserve in advance—Keizo is popular among Makati’s upscale dining crowd and seats fill up fast.

5. Little Tokyo – Makati’s Japanese Food District

No discussion of Japanese restaurants in Makati would be complete without Little Tokyo, a food enclave in Legazpi Village. This iconic cluster of Japanese-owned restaurants has been a mainstay of authentic Japanese dining in the Philippines for decades.

• Must-Visit Restaurants inside Little Tokyo:
  
  • Seryna – Best for premium sushi, sashimi, and donburi bowls.
  • Urameshiya – Specializes in yakiniku (Japanese barbecue).
  • Hana – Known for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and comfort street food.
  • Izakaya Kikufuji – Famous for authentic sashimi and grilled dishes, a favorite among Japanese expats.
    
• Ambience: Walking into Little Tokyo feels like being transported straight to Japan, with lanterns, small eateries, and izakayas lining the courtyard.
• Why It’s Trending in 2025: Despite new competitors, Little Tokyo remains the benchmark for authenticity, offering a wide range of Japanese dining styles in one spot.

✨ Pro tip: Go with friends and restaurant-hop within Little Tokyo for a mini food crawl.

Why Japanese Food is So Popular in Makati

Japanese cuisine has always been a crowd favorite in the Philippines, but in Makati, it’s especially loved because:

1. Variety of Experiences – From affordable ramen houses to luxury sushi bars, there’s something for every budget and occasion.
2. Authenticity – Many Japanese restaurants in Makati are Japanese-owned or chef-led, ensuring traditional flavors.
3. Healthy Appeal – With its focus on fresh seafood, vegetables, and balanced meals, Japanese food aligns with wellness trends in 2025.
4. Dining Culture – Makati’s cosmopolitan crowd embraces Japanese dining as both a casual hangout and a fine dining indulgence.
   

Pro Tip: Save Big with Eatigo

Dining in Japanese restaurants can sometimes be pricey, especially for sushi and premium dishes. But with Eatigo, you can enjoy time-based discounts of up to 50% at select restaurants in Makati.

• Score deals on izakaya favorites at Layaw and Manmaru.

✨ With Eatigo, you can explore more restaurants in Makati while keeping your budget in check—luxury dining at half the cost!

Final Thoughts

The best Japanese restaurants in Makati (2025) prove that the city is not just a financial district, but also a cultural and culinary hub.

• For casual and modern Japanese: Layaw and Tango are rising stars.
• For authentic izakaya vibes: Manmaru hits the spot.
• For fine dining: Keizo offers sophistication and traditional elegance.
• For the ultimate experience: Little Tokyo remains the heart of authentic Japanese dining.
  

No matter your craving—sushi, ramen, yakitori, or tempura—Makati’s Japanese food scene has it all. And the best part? Book through Eatigo to enjoy these dining experiences at unbeatable value.