Azabu — Restaurant in Cebu City

I rarely give reviews unless an experience stands out, either positively or negatively.

This restaurant once exuded a luxurious ambiance, but our recent visit left much to be desired.

Arriving around 6:30 pm on a Friday, we noticed the absence of other customers. We initially assumed it might be early for dinner service, giving them the benefit of the doubt. However, upon entering, the staff were sitting/loitering around and seemed surprised by our arrival, almost as if they weren't expecting guests.

To my surprise, the air conditioning wasn't adequate, requiring a strong electric fan to cool the place. I couldn't help but wonder if they opted for the fan instead of fixing the air conditioning, or if this was a temporary measure.

As we placed our orders, another pair of guests arrived and were promptly served dish after dish. I couldn't help but wonder why their orders seemed to be faster to prepare. My order, comprising salmon sashimi and salmon sushi, appeared straightforward and quick to serve.

Despite only four customers in the restaurant, it took approximately 30 minutes to receive my first order. Were they under staff or did the staff make a mistake in sequencing our orders?

While the food was acceptable, the price didn't match the quality or the previous experience the restaurant had offered. The employees were pleasant, but it was evident that they lacked proper training given the restaurant's price point.

By this point, I had decided against returning, although I hadn't yet considered leaving a negative review. However, at 4 am, I woke up with severe stomach discomfort that persists as I write this. It's become clear to me that it's my responsibility to caution others about this establishment, as it seems dirtier than I initially thought.

This restaurant appears to be declining, dying and seemed to be on their last breath. I wouldn't want others to undergo the...

My Comfort Food!!!!

Restaurant: AZABU

Location: Robinson Galleria, Cebu

AZABU is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Cebu, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience that's truly delightful.

Ambiance: The moment you step in, the serene ambiance with traditional Japanese decor sets the mood. The elegant wooden interiors, soft lighting, and subtle background music create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a casual dinner or intimate gathering.

Cuisine: The menu boasts an impressive array of dishes that cater to every palate. From fresh sushi and sashimi platters to flavorful teriyaki and tempura selections, each dish is meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients. The sushi, in particular, stands out for its freshness and artistic presentation.

Service: The service here is impeccable. The staff members are attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and eager to assist with recommendations. They exhibit a genuine warmth that adds to the overall dining experience.

Highlights: Don't miss their signature meal sets—the Azabu Sets are absolute must-tries. Additionally, their sizzling teppanyaki dishes are a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

Price: While slightly on the higher end, the quality and taste justify the prices, making it a worthwhile splurge for an exceptional dining experience.

Overall: Azabu embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine. With its delightful flavors, inviting ambiance, and attentive service, it's a culinary haven for Japanese food enthusiasts.

Note: Personal preferences may vary, but based on my experience, Azabu delivers an exquisite Japanese...

The place is plain inside and aside from the big sign outside, there is no hint of it being a Japanese restaurant inside. Our server was patient, explaining items in the menu that caught our eye with her incredible knowledge of their product. She was the lone server was very busy, attending 5 other tables, but she was able to keep up with our every need. There were five us family members. My family had the Katsudon set, Gyudon set, ShrimpTempura, ramen, and grilled pork belly. Having been to Japan, they said the food here taste authentic. They were quite content with the size of the servings and happy with the modest price. I, on the other hand had the New Style Sashimi, considered a trademark dish, because I was curious. Each order comes with only four fish slices of tuna and whitefish (no salmon today) with hot olive oil poured on it to “cook” the fish a little. I ordered double. Invented by Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, a Japanese celebrity chef. The dish was was good to the palate, but not too pleasing to the eyes. It looks like it came from a can of raw sardines. My mind associates olive oil and fish with sardines. I had to drain and wipe off the oil from the fish, and asked for soy sauce and wasabi. I’ll stick to the traditional sashimi and won’t be too adventurous with...