Sensei — Restaurant in Parañaque

Our recent dinner at Sensei was a delightful revelation, a culinary journey that completely overturned my initial expectations. Stepping into the restaurant, the sleek, modern ambiance hinted at a potentially pricey experience, and I braced myself for the possibility of artfully arranged but ultimately meager portions. My preconceived notions, however, were swiftly and deliciously shattered. From the moment the first dish arrived, it was clear that Sensei was a masterclass in flavor and generosity. The donburi, a humble-sounding rice bowl, was elevated to an art form, a symphony of perfectly cooked rice, tender protein, and a rich, umami-laden sauce that lingered on the palate. Each grain seemed to carry the essence of the dish, a testament to the chef's meticulous attention to detail. The maki rolls, a staple of Japanese cuisine, were far from ordinary. They were substantial, bursting with fresh ingredients, and presented with a delicate artistry that spoke to the restaurant's commitment to both taste and visual appeal. The sashimi, a true test of a Japanese restaurant's quality, was impeccable. The fish, sliced with precision, was incredibly fresh, melting in the mouth with a clean, delicate flavor that spoke of the ocean's depths. The texture was sublime, a testament to the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs. What truly surprised me, however, was the unexpected and expertly executed fusion element. The inclusion of Mexican-inspired dishes, a bold move, proved to be a stroke of genius. The vibrant flavours of Mexico, seamlessly integrated with the refined techniques of Japanese cuisine, created a unique and exciting culinary experience. The fusion dishes were not mere novelties; they were thoughtfully crafted, showcasing a deep understanding of both culinary traditions. The portions, contrary to my initial fears, were generous, ensuring that every diner left satisfied and content. The restaurant was bustling, a testament to its popularity, yet the service remained attentive and efficient, adding to the overall positive experience. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the murmur of satisfied diners, the clinking of glasses, and the subtle, inviting aromas of the kitchen. It was clear that Sensei had cultivated a loyal following, and rightly so. The combination of exceptional food, generous portions, and a vibrant atmosphere made for an unforgettable dining experience. I left Sensei with a renewed appreciation for the depth and versatility of Japanese cuisine, and a strong desire to return and explore the rest of their menu. It is safe to say that Sensei has earned a permanent place on my list of favorite restaurants, and I eagerly anticipate...

I think I like this better at their old place. Food is so-so that took too long to serve. Service was seriously slow. Even the desserts took more than an hour to serve, drinks took same time. All orders came incomplete - missing chopsticks, condiments, tissue. Asked for water with ice, water came without ice. Then asked for refill with ice, the ice came without water! 😞 maki was supposedly good but it order took a long time to be served! Its the longest time i had to wait for a maki, chahan, coke, cake... even iced tea was served last. Imagine if I ordered a steak? Other orders of the group took a really long time - way longer. Choc cake was okay - has the hersheys unsweetened powder taste. Nicely plated. Toasted banana wasnt bad - not great either. I guess dont order desserts here or choc cake would be safest to order, if you must. The store shares the space with a mexican resto. Place gets packed. Parking is always a prob. But this new place is too tucked that it is easily missed. I hope they put a lighted signage.

Price - a bit pricey for me for what they offer overall. Maybe improved dining experience wouldve justified the price.

Service - slow. Though the servers were smiling.

Ambiance - interior wise its nice. Industrial feel. But i guess japanese food is best enjoyed without the smell of the taco or birria. My opinion only.

Overall, its okay place to hangout...

Visited sensei last week and we truly enjoyed their food and here's my personal rating.

Salmon Aburi = 100/10 i wanted to order another one kaso we have more food pa. This one literally melts in your mouth, which reminded us sa fatty tuna we had in Japan. So its really really good talaga.

Tuna and Crispy Scallop Dynamite: 8/10 masarap sya pero mas masarap talaga si Salmin Aburi. Di ako nakamove on.

Hanger Steak: 7/10 The steak was really good. However, i did not like the combination of the gravy/sauce with miso taste sa steak. I think the steak tastes good on its own and sana optional ung sauce, so we could've decided if we want the steak with it or not. The black sauce compliments the steak really well as it adds a smoky taste sa steak, which makes it enjoyable.

Ebi Tempura: 10/10 Our most favorite Tempura is from Huey ying in Dampa, but this one in Sensei is a good contender. In my preference, i liked that the batter isn't bland, and you can taste the freshness of the shrimp and swrved really Hot. A must try.

Lastly

Sensei Chocolate cake: 5/10 It's good on taste alone. Pero its the texture that we didn't liked so we didn't finish this one. So it's more of a personal preference. We just find the texture a bit weird.

Late na namin nakita sa board that they have wagyu din pala which is not in the menu.

So looking forward on our next visit, hopefully we coudl try their wagyu and...