More Dishes at Yabu, More to Love!

 

You know how some kids pronounce “love” as “yab,” barely getting that right roll of the tongue for L.  I tell you, I yab Yabu… and my tongue is rolling for more dishes.  Since the first time I have gushed about Yabu here, Bubba and I have been back countless of times.  We are not big mainstays of Megamall but because of Yabu, and Bubba’s total addiction to it, we’ve returned time and again. 

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Yabu, House of Katsu 

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From its minimalist modern comfortable interiors that were only one spacious dining area before the renovation, they have expanded to take over the space from their neighbor.  Still despite the expansion, people who have come to love Yabu like us have continued to grow and flow.  Good thing, their host by the front door who helps guests be seated is quick and fast and arrange for available tables efficiently.

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Last time we visited, we decided to peruse the menu and order new items, alongside our usual favorites.  We couldn’t keep away from what they do best, that mmm-juicy inside pork cutlet with perfectly crunchy-flaky exterior.  But, there was more to discover and now I think, I’m torn between that and a new favorite. 

On the Table

Superior Potato and Egg Salad (any two appetizers for Php 195)

Chunks of potato and egg, tossed in creamy mayonnaise-mustard dressing

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For any appetizers from their choices of 4 or 5, you can order two for only Php 195.  I was interested to try their seaweed appetizer but it was unavailable. 

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Hiyayakko Tofu

Cold silken tofu cubes in ponzu sauce, sprinkled with bonito flakes

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Clean tasting tofu cubes in semi sweet ponzu sauce is a good started to prime the palate.

Kurobota Pork Set Php 575 (120g)  

Bubba decided that instead of ordering either the regular hire or rosu, he opted for the Kurobota Pork Set.  This is a 3/4 inch cutlet made from rosu or pork with a trimming of fat.  It is sometimes called the kobe beef of pork, due to its rich marbling, softness, and flavor.  Kurobuta, also known as the Black Berkshire pig, is the world’s finest pork. 

 

During that visit, we bumped into two friends, Ricky of Dulcelin-fame whose Wagyu Tri-Tip has made Bubba and me salivate endlessly and DeDet of Pepita’s Kitchen enjoying a Saturday lunch with her lovely girls.  Tita DeDet swears by the Kurobota set, which was initially her daughter’s favorite, until she tried it and became a convert herself.  It’s definitely tenderer and is packed with a little more flavor than a regular pork cutlet. 

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To add a little more body and kick, Bubba in the last 2-3 visits have been ordering the chili-garlic sauce on the side.  I get the exhilarating flavorful kick from the mustard splotch Yabu serves on the side but this was a good differentiating taste.

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SM Mega Food Sale Gives Big Bites at Best Value

 

Memorable food trips are best experienced with friends and what else, GREAT discounts!  It’s all happening under one roof –where the best of the best fast casual, specialty restaurants, ethnic, semi-casual and pizza and burger joints   converge.  Yes folks, the SM Mega Food Sale is back. 

SM Mega Food Sale, SM Megamall, list of restaurants, branches, dates, date, February 25, 26, 24, 2012, time, pepper lunch, yabu, gotti, all you can eat, 

I’ve got my taste buds hooked on visiting three of my favorite restaurants there and it’s also the perfect time to try out at least 2 NEW restaurants at the Atrium.     

 

Event: SM Megamall’s Mega Food Sale

Date: February 24, 25, 26, 2012

EXPECT: HUGE DISCOUNTS and PRICE-OFFs, BUY 1 TAKE 1s, EAT ALL YOU CAN, FREE APPETIZERS, FREE DESSERTS, FREE DRINKS, AND MANY MORE!

When I was in Hong Kong for the Asia Pacific Cable Convention 2 years ago, my friend Pebbles brought us to this place called Tonkichi where I absolutely loved the Tonkatsu and Katsudon with freshly pounded-sesame sauce and unlimited cabbage salad dressed in this lip-smacking cream-based dressing that’s light and peppery… I loved the food concept, including service and ambience!  So imagine little dancing happening in my heart when I found out that the same can be found in Megamall! 

SM Mega Food Sale, SM Megamall, list of restaurants, branches, dates, date, February 25, 26, 24, 2012, time, pepper lunch, yabu, gotti, all you can eat, 

Yabu, House of Katsu, is located in Mega Atrium.  Its interiors are casual minimalist with a modern vibe apparent in the Anime comic strip on one wall and the handsome brown leather chairs.  Let’s get down to business: FOOD.

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Yabu House of Katsu

When I attended CASBAA in Hong Kong in 2010, I always looked forward to dining with Pebbles because she knows where the good eats are and is a full-pledged foodie at heart too.  I remember that I bumped into her at Cibo in Shangri-la one time with Michelle Lim (better half of Chef Bruce) and she told me about her friend inviting her out to a restaurant because he saw it in Between Bites blog.  What a small world the world is eh?

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What’s even fantastic, other than Pebs working for Asian Food Channel (AFC) and food being part of her territory, is the fact that she knows Hong Kong and Singapore like the back of her hand traveling back and forth in both countries when she was still based in SG.  She brought us to this place called Tonkichi in HK and I absolutely loved the Tonkatsu and Katsudon there especially with freshly pounded-sesame sauce and unlimited cabbage salad dressed in this lip-smacking cream-based dressing that’s light and peppery

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Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurant

 

 

If you do a backyard survey among your friends on their favorite cuisine, Japanese cuisine will definitely be on the top 2 list.  And what’s there not to love about the Japanese?  Er, except for territory invasion and similar events, Japanese are well lauded for their love for their country and most especially, the wonderful dishes they introduced to the rest of the world. 

 

 

Sushi, don buri, tamagoyaki, sukiyaki, tempura, yakiniku, and the best quality of beef, need I say more?  In Japanese cuisine, quality of ingredients and presentation are dealt with heavy importance.

 

Yes that’s me with the children of the foster family that adopted me for 4 days 🙂 

 

The Michelin Guide supposedly awarded Japanese cities by far the most Michelin stars of any country in the world.  Tokyo alone has more Michelin stars than the combination of Paris, Hong Kong, New York, LA and London. 

 

 

I have about 25 Japanese restaurants in my list but the 10 below are what I have compiled for my TOP 10 at this time.  Please don’t look for Seryna, Tsukiji, Yuu Jin, Haiku, Sushi Kappo Kobikicho and Nihonbashitei first and will have a different list for those.  I can’t find my photos for Senju 🙁

 

 

10. Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

 

Upon entering Nagomi, one would feel the Japanese vibe of the restaurant, with the usual rack stand of Japanese magazines, private rooms with sliding doors and certain pieces like the Japanese lantern and posters add to the whole appearance.  The very long sushi bar seals the deal. 

 

 

Nagomi sometimes has that old smell but it doesn’t stop Japanese business men from the Ortigas area to frequent the place.  This Japanese restaurant has a wide range of dishes to offer.  It shows in their extensive menu. 

 

 

If you don’t feel adventurous, their cold soba with tempura set satisfies your cold noodle craving at a reasonable price. 

 

 

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Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

 

 

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

El Pueblo, Real de Manila,

Doña Julia Vargas Ave. cor ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(632) 635 4546/ (632) 632 1736

 

 

9. Konbini

 

 

Before Royce Chocolates formally opened in Manila, Konbini Store is our easiest access point to Royce chocolates.

 

 

What’s interesting about Konbini Store is the way a customer has to order his/her meal.  They have this rack of cards with photos of the dishes and price tag. 

 

 

You just get the cards (dishes) you want and pay for them at the counter like paying for grocery at a convenience store.  Then they will serve the food on your table.

 

Miso Chasiu Ramen PHP 220

I was going to opt for the Shoyu Ramen but changed my mind and went for Konbini’s Miso Chasiu Ramen. 

 

 

I wasn’t expecting much but was delightfully surprised that the Miso Chasiu Ramen was really a warm hearty bowl of yum.  In degree of taste and cheaper price, it can actually rival Ukkokei Ramen Ron in my book. 

 

 

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Konbini Store’s Chasiu Ramen

 

 

Konbini Store

57 Connecticut Street,

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan

(632) 722 4263

 

 

8. Nanbantei of Tokyo

 

 

Nanbantei is a Japanese restaurant located at the 3rd level of Greenbelt 3.  It looks smaller from the outside but the inside is very spacious with three divided dining sections.  The open grill stands in the middle of the first dining area with a table outlining the front grill section. 

 

 

The grill section is where yakitori happens.  Yakitori is the process of roasting bite size pieces of meat, poultry, or vegetables, which Japan cooking is famous for. 

 

Nanban Yaki PHP 180 (2 sticks) –Bubba’s order

Beef with special Nanban sauce.  Square cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch of tender beef that has a peppery and smoked flavor.  The beef was tender, buttery and flavorful.  The sate sauce can append another layer of taste.

 

 

Yaki Niku PHP 170 (2 sticks) –2 orders, Jem and I had the same order

Grilled thin slices of beef, which were also good, but it was a tad bit saltier for my taste.  The cut of the beef is similar to the Sukiyaki cut but slimmer and softer. 

 

 

Nanbantei’s strength lies on their grilled dishes.  Order the platters that appear to have more value for money. 

 

 

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Nanbantei of Tokyo

 

 

Nanbantei of Tokyo

3rd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Makati City, MM.

(632) 757 4130

 

 

7. Hana and Kagura

 

 

Hana is a rather small restaurant, probably 30-32 sqm floor area that had a narrow bar on the right side and 3-4 tables inside and a private corner at the far end.  Hana is known as the best place to get the biggest and most delicious Takoyaki in town. 

 

 

Takoyaki PHP 120

Hana is quite famous in the block because of their Takoyaki.  They have a takoyaki stand set up outside of the restaurant and you’re ensured that you get the freshest of their Takoyaki balls right of the hot iron grill.  Takoyaki to some is considered as the best street food in Japan. 

 

 

6 pieces of giant dumpling, shaped like a ball, is from a Japanese batter with diced or whole baby octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. 

 

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Hana Restaurant, Little Tokyo

 

 

Hana Restaurant

Little Tokyo Compound,

Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

(632) 339 3855

Open from 10 am – 11pm

 

 

Kagura

 

 Kagura is in the same compound as Hana Japanese restaurant and they are actually right beside each other.  Kagura was actually our first choice but it was fully booked for that day.  Kagura is known to dish out the best Okonomiyakis or Japanese pizza.

 

 

 

6. Izakaya Kikufuji

 

 

As usual, Bubba and I found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal.  Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji is a favorite alternative. 

 

 

The dining space at Kikufuji is quite spacious with the sushi bar slash open kitchen right smack at the center of the restaurant.  The place was brimming with people, a lot were Japanese but I noticed that crowd also composed of Filipinos and we spotted eye candy Georgina Wilson.

 

 

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

 

 

It’s better to visit Kikufuji during lunch than dinner.  Prices are cheaper, for one.  Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter

 

Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52

The grilled items on the menu are quite extensive and it’s hard to go wrong because it’s the Japanese chef who manages the grill.  The bacon had grilled marks that looked appetizing and the cured meat wasn’t salty at all.  There’s a bit of sweetness in the skewered meat that probably came from the enoki mushrooms as well.

 

 

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time being a small fan.  Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste.  The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent. 

 

 

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki was like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks.  It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side. 

 

 

 

READ MORE:

Izakaya Kikufuji

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

 

 

5. Ukkokei Ramen Ron

 

Ukkokei Ramen Ron is located along Pasay Road in Makati but it stands out from the rest of the scene since it garnered reputation as the best ramen in town, taking out Shinjuku who held the fame for the longest time off the top spot.

 

 

Ukkokei serves Ramen with three (3) different soup bases.  This is the best place to start –choose from Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt-based) or Miso (miso-based).  Then pick out the option you want under each soup-based category depending on the ingredients you want on your soup.

 

     

Miso Butter Corn Ramen PHP 360

Get served with a bowl of piping hot ramen that will bring you much comfort –both in taste and texture.  Ramen is freshly made with just enough bite but still retains its softness and excellent elasticity.  The miso-based broth tastes delicious but others might get turned off by the oiliness of the soup. 

 

 

I love Ukkokei’s Miso Butter Ramen.  There is generous amount of corn kernels and bean sprouts that adds a different crunchy bite while the butter adds creaminess to the whole deal.  If you find the pork slices or chayu too few like I did, order an extra plate for PHP 120.

 

 

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Ukkokei Ramen Ron

 

 

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Unit 1-2, Upper G/F, Tesoro Building,

822 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road),

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 856 4588

 

 

4. Chibori

 

 

Chibori is a spacious sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of the business district of Cebu.  In 2008, this was where my tongue lost its virginity to Uni.  Thanks to Norman who specifically booked that Japanese dinner for me to taste my first ever sea urchin experience.

 

Norma and Chris

One of my favorite Cebu photos, this one with Travel Factor 

 

 

Assorted Sushi Platter –Premium PHP 800+

6 kinds of sushi were plated on a wooden rack with some side garnish salad.  It was my first time to try uni (sea urchin) and although it tasted like too much “sea,” I really enjoyed the salty fishy flavor and velvety texture.  The boys let me finish most of it.

 

Sushi Moriawase

 

Tempura

 

 

Sukiyaki PHP 600++

Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hotpot with thinly sliced beef (ooh lala), carrots, leeks, tofu, other veggies and vermicelli noodles.  The broth has a sweet note to it.  Sukiyaki used to be a staple order for me every time I dine Japanese but haven’t ordered this much lately. 

 

 

Chibori’s sukiyaki is a winner because it has a good balance between the sweetness of the broth and flavor of the beef.  The veggies were soft but still had a bite to it.  One of the best Sukiyaki’s in the Philippines!

 

 

READ MORE:

Chibori– Cebu

 

 

Chibori

G/F CJRS Bldg., Asiatown IT Park,

Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

 

 

3. Tsumura

 

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt of enthusiasts of high quality and equally priced sushi.  Some have dubbed Tsumura, “Tsu-mahal,” because prices of certain dishes here can go up the wazoo!  A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

 

 

 

Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni.  The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel.  Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

 

 

Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

 

Uni PHP 80

 

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

 

 

READ MORE:

The Way a Sashimi Should Be at Tsumura

 

 

Tsumura

2nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza, Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

 

 

2. Inagiku

 

Inagiku was awarded as Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secret (MBKRS) Winner of Best Japanese Restaurant in 2010.  It’s no surprise since Inagiku is known to serve world-class Japanese cuisine with its delicate ALWAYS FRESH sushi and sashimi.   

 

Sushi Platter

  

 

Tempura Sushi Roll

 

 

Grilled Gindara

 

 

Make sure that you always have room for Wasabi ice cream!  It’s a favorite ice cream flavor of mine, next to Pistachio and Blueberry.

 

 

READ MORE:

Inagiku

 

 

Inagiku

Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati, Metro Manila

(632) 813 8888 loc. 7588, 7599

 

 

1. Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

 

Japanese is what Bubba loves best and the first time I brought him to Urameshiya for a dinner date, he fell in love with the restaurant.  The setting strongly reminded me of my Japan trip.  Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Japan have a lot of character and produce mouthwatering dishes as those in the upscale ones. 

 

Urameshiya Entrance

 

Urameshiya Yakiniku serves the best Yakiniku in Manila.  I’m biased because I love my meat in its smoky grilled/semi-charred condition.  Bubba and I usually order the Tarafuku Set but their Wagyu set is also one of the best.

 

On the Table

Enjoying my Japanese BBQ!

This was a wonderful date spent with Bubba

And another one 🙂

 

 

Tarafuku Set PHP 1,850

With the economic crunch, it’s definitely not easy for everyone to shell out almost 2K for a beef set that’s good for a hungry couple.  However, I really recommend burning (literally) 2K for Urameshi-ya.  I feel that every peso of that set is worth the quality and quantity of meat you’re getting.

 

 

Urameshiya definitely tops our list at this time! 🙂

 

 

READ MORE:

Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Urameshiya Part Deux

 

 

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

(632) 819 5008

 

 

Kikufuji, On a Different Light

 

 

Bubba took me out on a dinner date two Saturdays ago and Kikufuji was our choice of restaurant.  That specific visit didn’t impress me much, particularly service and menu price –I found it on the expensive side.  Last Saturday, Richard and Irene who are pioneers of Kikufuji went to revisit the Japanese restaurant since they haven’t in two months.  Bubba and I thought of tagging along.

 

 

The dining area looked cleaner during lunch than in the evening.  Chaos seemed to be down a notch too.  On both sides of the restaurant is the usual Japanese sit-down where you take off your shoes –it was booth type that allows a bit of privacy.

 

 

On the Table

 

Appetizers/Side Dishes – Free

Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter

 

 

Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52

The grilled items on the menu are quite extensive and it’s hard to go wrong because it’s the Japanese chef who manages the grill.  The bacon had grilled marks that looked appetizing and the cured meat wasn’t salty at all.  There’s a bit of sweetness in the skewered meat that probably came from the enoki mushrooms as well.

 

 

Katsudon PHP 265

A week ago during dinner time, Bubba ordered the same thing but this time, their Katsudon was cheaper.  It was priced at PHP 300 during dinner, which is way more expensive.  Plus factor is it comes with unlimited Jasmine rice.

 

 

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time.  Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste.  The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent.  Serving was generous that I was only able to finish half while Bubba finished the other half.

 

 

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Between Richard, Irene and Lauren, the three of them ordered Tempura, Gindara, Shake, Maguro and Beef Teppan.  Yes, they are a family who loves to eat. 

 

 

Other than those, Richard also ordered Shoga Yaki which is like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks.  It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side.  It’s a must-order on the next visit.

 

 

Service was mainly more attentive and gracious this time around and I think Irene being with us had a lot to do with it.  It is certainly best to visit Kikufuji during lunch time than dinner time because dish prices are cheaper for some reason and they give you more bang for your buck with all the side dishes that go with your lunch meal.  They also include cold tea drink and cold coffee after your meal.  Get authentic Japanese dishes at Kikufuji at an affordable price when you go during lunch.

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji Album

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji

 

 

Saturday evening, Bubba invited me out for a dinner date and we found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal.  Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji was our target that evening. 

 

 

The dining space at Kikufuji is quite spacious with the sushi bar slash open kitchen right smack at the center of the restaurant.  The place was brimming with people, a lot were Japanese but I noticed that crowd also composed of Filipinos and we spotted eye candy Georgina Wilson.

 

On the Table

 

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

 

 

Katsu Ju-Bako Mono PHP 350

Bubba never fails to order Katsudon and I can’t stop complaining when he does because it bores me to death.  This time though, I purposely picked Kikufuji for Bubba to be able to order his favorite since they serve really good Katsudon.

 

 

It’s  quite expensive at PHP 300++  but the breaded porkchop was quite substantial with thick pieces of pork meat.  Richard said it’s better to go during lunch time since they give you appetizer and side dishes with your rice meals.  Bubba loved his Katsudon order at Kikufuji and was glad that there was Tonkatsu sauce readily available on the table that he didn’t have to ask for one.  Yes, he takes his Katsudon order with extra Tonkatsu sauce always on the side.  Then why not order Tonkatsu?  My thoughts egg-zactly! 😉

 

 

Bubba was quite surprised that I didn’t eat much.  My appetite lately is quite weird actually.  I feel like eating and I don’t feel like eating.  After Kikufuji, we passed by the Japanese grocery store but the mongo bean ice cream that he had before was not available.  We walked around Little Tokyo checking out the menus of the restaurants there.

 

 

At one point, I was tempted to eat Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki from Kagura but since Bubba was already full, decided to save it for another date.

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji Album