Experience the real Japan in Nihonbashitei

When you enter a Japanese restaurant and see groups of Japanese nationals happily enjoying their meals, then you know you've come to the right place. This is the common scene you'll find in Little Tokyo in Makati, where you'll be greeted by a long line up of Japanese restaurants offering authentic Japanese cuisine.

But you see, Little Tokyo is not the only place where you can find the best Japanese restaurants in the city. A few kilometers further down the street of Amorsolo (at the corner of Amorsolo and the stoplight before the entrance to the Skyway) lies a humble Japanese restaurant, which has become a comfort dining place for me and C.

Nihonbashitei has become our go-to place for yummy Japanese comfort food

Upon entering the restaurant, you'll instantly get a feel of real Japan - from the simple interiors in neutral colors, to the Japanese chefs by the sushi bar, to the Japanese customers in intense conversations (in pure Japanese, of course). If you get lucky, you'll even chance upon a friendly Japanese server.

The simple interiors make you feel like you're in a restaurant in Tokyo

You can reserve one of these rooms for more privacy. Usually, Japanese businessmen have meetings here.

C and I already have a list of our favorites in Nihonbashitei. I, for one, go gaga over their salmon sashimi. Their sashimi is always served fresh, and you can tell from the nice salmon pink color of the thick slices. Once you dip the salmon sashimi in Kikkoman mixed with wasabi, you'll be in salmon sashimi heaven.

Fresh Salmon Sashimi (P280)

Another item worth ordering again and again in Nihonbashitei is their Toro Spicy Sashimi. You can opt for salmon, but I highly suggest ordering the tuna. Imagine cubes of fresh tuna tossed in spicy and slightly sweet sauce topped with crunchy tempura bits - you don't even need soy sauce and wasabi anymore. You can eat this as is!

Toro Spicy Sashimi (P220)

And because C is such a fan of Unagi, his top picks would always include the Unagi rice meal that comes with two huge pieces of deliciously-cooked unagi on top of a box of rice. It comes with miso soup, too. And as if this much unagi wasn't enough, C would partner this with Unagi rolls. The unagi slice in each roll is big enough in proportion to the rice.

Unagi Rice (P550) - comes with miso soup

My favorite item on the menu is also one of the cheapest. Three pieces of grilled Enoki Bacon, each one with a generous serving of thin and firm enoki mushrooms, wrapped in soft and smoky bacon -- definitely drool worthy. We suggest to get the salted version of this.

You can never go wrong with bacon - Enoki Bacon (P65 per stick)

And aside from the great-tasting food, the service is something really noteworthy about this restaurant. Servers are almost always running from one table to the other to ensure that you get your orders in no time. At first glance you'd think parking is a problem, but they offer valet services for those who don't want to stress themselves out in finding a decent parking slot.

And so whether it's after a long, tiring day at work, a steady weekend with friends, or simple celebrations like a successful presentation to our bosses, we always find reasons to go back to Nihonbashitei. Give it a try, and maybe you'll find comfort in their authentic Japanese menu, just like we did. :)

THE GOURMANDE'S SCORE: 5 out of 5


Nihonbashitei is located at the corner of Pasay Road (Arnaiz) and Amorsolo. It's right by the stoplight before the entrance to the Skyway. You can call for reservations at 818-8893 / 818-8894. Open from 11am to 2am, Mondays to Sundays.