Manmaru Japanese Restaurant- Makati — Restaurant in Makati

My wife and I took the time to visit this place located at Makati Central Square on the ground floor. The restaurant had what I was looking for the Sabah Shioyaki or Grilled Mackerel and it did not disappoint at all. Just having been to Japan it is mostly a staple of Izakayas (Japanese Bars) to have this item but unfortunately it is missing from popular japanese restaurants around the metro so we had to look for one and here they serve it. The area is filled with many Japanese restaurants and it kinda looks and feels like Little Tokyo in Makati. The area is quite easy to traverse by Chino Roces Ave.

The restaurant as I have observed is the go to spot for almost all people who went here while there are other Izakaya's around the area, it felt like a staple around the area for people to rush eat here and go back to work. Understandably so, everything is in perfect unison from service to the food top Notch all around. One comes to mind if you eat here, they are professionals at the highest level of restaurateur. The Maitr'D took us to our seats cordially. The manager took our orders but when he heard our orders he had the quick wit of understanding that all we ordered wont fit on our table thus transferring us to a 4 seats table so we can eat comfortably. The Maitr'D welcomes every guest consistently with an Irashaimase. Observably everyone runs like clock work here and it shows how well trained and professional are the staff here. The restrooms are clean here and the over all interior of the restaurant is a classic Japanese Restaurant/ Izakaya.

Now for the highlight of this review the food. We ordered the Sabah Shioyaki set, Chocken Teppanyaki set, Unagi, Yakitori 5, Tori Karaage and the Clam Miso Soup.

The Tori Karage is Juicy, Soft and Tender and golden crisp on the outside while an original blend of Manmaru for the karage sauce is served on the side. The Grilled Sabah is tasty and well grilled that you can eat even the skin. It's not over powering in taste but it brings a fresh seafood flavor. The unagi is fresh although a bit gamey on the taste its perfectly balanced by the sauce. The Grilled Chicken Teppanyaki is Manmaru's best seller among its set menus, the vegetables paired with the Grilled Chicken gives a complexity to an already flavorful dish enhancing its flavor. The Miso Clam Soup cleanses the palate after all the savory foods. The Miso Clam soup is a bit lighter to the taste compared to the Miso Soup they have. Brings fresh seafood flavor to the soup. The Agedashi Tofu, I highly recommend all dishes especially the agedashi tofu, it's one of our staple go to when eating at izakaya's. Manmaru's version is both light and Fresh to the taste, the sauce is not overly salty and the tofu has a crisp exterior. The Yakitori brings a flavor combination in every bite that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It's a variety of different chicken parts from liver, to wing, etc. for its price It's definitely a must order here.

Overall, Manmaru is a must try Japanese/Bar dining experience whether youre on a date like us, on a bar diving restaurant hopping trip or even if your just coming for a quick bite. Manmaru can cater you with their hands on, efficient approach to serving you the Manmaru experience. We came for the food but stayed because of the...

Stepping into Manmaru Izakaya in Makati is like finding a hidden gem—a cozy, bustling spot that promises an authentic Japanese dining experience without the hefty price tag. Our recent lunch there was nothing short of a delightful surprise, and it's a place I'm already planning to revisit.

We walked in with a plan: a few dishes to share between us, just a quick bite. We ordered the Salmon Aburi Roll, Salmon Maki, Tempura, Miso Ramen, Takoyaki, and Katsu Curry. Looking at the list, we thought it would be a modest spread, enough for a satisfying lunch. What we didn't expect was the sheer generosity of the portions. Each plate arrived, brimming with food, proving to be far more shareable than we initially imagined. This made the whole experience feel like a true feast, perfect for a group.

The food itself was, in a word, spectacular. The Salmon Aburi Roll was a standout, with a subtle sear on the salmon that brought out its rich, buttery flavor, perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce and fresh rice. The Salmon Maki was equally fresh and simple, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. The Tempura was a masterclass in lightness—each piece of prawn and vegetable was encased in a delicate, crispy batter that wasn't greasy at all.

But for me, the true highlight was the Miso Ramen. The broth was a deep, savory hug, rich with fermented soybean flavor that was both comforting and complex. The noodles were perfectly chewy, and the toppings were generous. Eating that bowl, I found myself sweating with a joyous intensity, the kind you get when a meal is so incredibly good it demands your full attention. It wasn't just a meal; it felt like a lifetime experience crammed into one sitting. The Takoyaki were crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside, drizzled with savory sauce and bonito flakes that danced in the heat. And the Katsu Curry was a symphony of textures—the pork cutlet was perfectly fried to a golden crisp, contrasting beautifully with the velvety, slightly sweet curry sauce.

After all that, we braced ourselves for the bill, anticipating a hefty total given the amount and quality of the food we consumed. To our absolute shock, it was incredibly affordable. Manmaru Izakaya truly offers great value for your money. It's rare to find a place that delivers such high-quality, delicious food in generous portions at such a reasonable price point.

Manmaru Izakaya is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, no-frills Japanese comfort food. It’s a place that proves you don't need to empty your wallet to have an unforgettable dining experience. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to dive into the rest...

Manmaru offers an excellent value for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in Metro Manila. Although it doesn't boast the most authentic Japanese fare, this Japanese izakaya provides a delightful dining experience with a menu that cleverly adapts to local tastes.

The food selection at Manmaru is commendable, with standout dishes that keep patrons coming back. The katsudon was delicious, the gyu enoki and gyu steak were succulently prepared, and the ebi tempura was crispy and flavorful. The aburi salmon sushi roll was decent, and the uni don was a pleasant surprise; generously topped with local uni, it was substantial enough to satisfy three people. It's important for diners to note the use of local uni, which, while plentiful, might differ slightly from its imported counterparts in terms of flavor.

Despite the bustling atmosphere, the service at Manmaru was efficient. The staff managed to keep up with the high volume of customers, maintaining a commendable speed in service delivery. This aspect of their service, although hectic, was appreciated for its effectiveness.

The izakaya vibe of the decor contributes positively to the overall dining experience, providing a sufficiently clean and inviting environment.

Overall, Manmaru is a place that I'd heartily recommend to anyone looking for great value Japanese cuisine in Metro Manila. The combination of satisfying portions, effective service, and a pleasant atmosphere makes for a very fulfilling...