Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay — Restaurant in Malay

When you’ve just stepped off a culinary high—the kind that only Tokyo can deliver, with its quiet confidence and obsessive reverence for detail—walking into a restaurant like Gyukatsu Boracay comes with unfair baggage. But that’s the game. And food, like memory, is a demanding thing.

Gyukatsu Boracay sits unassumingly in one of the island’s livelier pockets. I arrived at 8PM. The place wasn’t packed, which was surprising for Boracay, but a welcome convenience. I was seated almost immediately despite two large groups ahead of me. That kind of efficiency is worth noting—no-frills, fast, focused.

Now to the main event: the A5 Wagyu. The name alone carries weight, and the price point sets certain expectations. What landed on the plate, however, didn’t quite deliver the promise. The meat lacked that signature, almost magical tenderness—the kind where fat and flesh blur together into silk. Instead, the chew was present, a little too present, and the flavor, while still enjoyable, felt muted, as if it never quite stepped into the spotlight.

The miso soup didn’t offer much redemption. The seaweed was on the tougher side, and the broth lacked depth. It had the body of miso soup, but not the soul—no warmth that lingers, no umami punch that quietly anchors a meal.

The rice was… serviceable. Which, for a gyukatsu experience, is almost a dealbreaker. In Tokyo, my son devoured two bowls of rice on its own—the kind of rice that glistens slightly, plump and sticky, a textural dream. Here, the rice felt like filler. I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t Japanese short-grain at all.

But then, unexpectedly, a side dish whispered in: the potato salad. Creamy, smooth, delicately balanced—comforting without being cloying. It didn’t try too hard, and that’s what made it work. It was the kind of humble side that ends up being the quiet hero of the plate.

Dessert pulled off a similar trick. Their vanilla ice cream—soft, fragrant, beautifully textured—hit that perfect spot between nostalgic and elevated. A clean, sweet finish that felt like an apology. A good one.

Overall Verdict: Gyukatsu Boracay is trying. And in fairness, it’s doing many things right: fast service, decent flow, and a few well-executed side notes. But when you slap “A5 Wagyu” on the menu, you’re not just selling beef—you’re selling an experience. And if you’ve had that experience in Japan, this will taste like a slightly out-of-tune cover of your favorite song. Familiar, yes. But not quite the same magic.

Would I come back? Maybe—for the potato salad and ice cream. But not for...

On November 16, I had the pleasure of visiting Gyukatsu Boracay with my friends, during the first week of their soft opening. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this establishment was striving to deliver an exceptional Japanese dining experience on the beautiful island of Boracay. I ordered the mid-cutlet tonkatsu, and the experience of cooking my steak on a sizzling stone grill was both fun and immersive. The meat was as tender and flavorful as promised, showcasing the quality of their authentic Japanese ingredients. This interactive element truly set the meal apart, adding a personal touch to every bite. Gyukatsu’s commitment to authentic Japanese meat products justifies its mid-range pricing, offering value for diners seeking quality over quantity. The staff’s attentiveness and politeness were remarkable. A special moment that stood out was when my friends conspired with the store manager to surprise me with a birthday song. The entire crew joined in, creating a heartfelt and unforgettable celebration. That level of warmth and effort is rare and greatly appreciated. While the food preparation time of 20-25 minutes may test the patience of hurried diners, I found it entirely acceptable for a steak experience worth savoring. However, I would advise those in a rush to opt for a quicker dining option like Mc Donalds or Jollibee. One area for improvement is the oil splattering from the stone grill during cooking, which could be messy. After sharing this feedback with the proactive store manager, I felt reassured that adjustments would be made—a testament to their dedication to customer satisfaction. Considering this was their soft opening, I was impressed by how much thought and effort had already gone into creating a memorable dining atmosphere. It’s clear they are committed to delighting both local and international guests with authentic Japanese cuisine paired with exceptional service. Gyukatsu Boracay offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience that combines quality, flavor, and heartfelt service. I’m excited to return on my next trip to the island and have no hesitation in recommending it to friends and fellow travelers. If you’re a steak lover or simply enjoy a unique dining experience, Gyukatsu Boracay is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you smiling. Rating: 5/5 Authentic flavors, warm service, and island charm—Gyukatsu has all the ingredients...

I ordered the A5 Yakiniku Set and a side of Gyukatsu for dinner, and every single bite was an experience to remember.

Let’s start with the A5 Yakiniku—it’s a taste of heaven on a plate. The meat is unbelievably tender and flavorful, a melt-in-your-mouth perfection that’s worth every peso. The potato salad in the set was a standout for me—so far, it’s the best I’ve had in any restaurant. Creamy, well-seasoned, and perfectly balanced, it’s a dish that deserves its own praise.

The unlimited cabbage salad with Goma Dressing on the side? Simply amazing. The crisp freshness of the cabbage paired with the nutty, umami-rich dressing is something I kept coming back to throughout the meal. The miso soup was also delightful, packed with generous amounts of seaweed, making it more hearty and satisfying than the usual.

To top it all off, the frozen vanilla ice cream served at the end was a sweet surprise. It’s served firm, but as it melts, it becomes this gooey, creamy delight that wraps up the meal perfectly.

Now, onto the Gyukatsu—the true highlight of the night. The meat was not only huge but packed with flavor. It’s cooked just right, with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior that’s bursting with savory goodness.

What made the experience even better were the small details: the condiments on the table that complemented the meat so well, and the friendly, attentive staff who went out of their way to guide me on how to grill and enjoy the dishes properly. Their warmth and hospitality added a personal touch that made the dining experience even more memorable.

This is hands-down a 5-star restaurant for me. The only downside? I went alone this time. Next time, I’m definitely bringing friends and loved ones to share this incredible...