Izakaya Shonantei — Restaurant in Quezon City

A hidden gem in the urban jungle of Quezon City. Izakaya Shonantei is one of my favorite Japanese Izakayas in the Philippines and, by far, has the best service.

We ordered the Somen and Mori Soba partnered with Katsudon and Tempura and Grilled Mackarel.

The Somen was fresh partnered with the dipping sauce and spring onions, ginger, and nori. The noodles were so fine that it slid down my throat.

The Mori Soba had been a staple order whenever we visited Izakaya Shonentei. The buckwheat noodles cut perfectly to absorb the dipping sauce partnered with a dab of wasabi, which just thrills your taste buds.

Katsudon, a must for all you pork lovers . It is simple yet complex at the same time. The katsudon had been accompanied by sliced cabbages topped with kewpie had just the right amount to taste good but not sinful.

Tempura, another staple dish in most Japanese restaurants. The tempura had been prepared so well and served fresh out of the oil bed. The seasoning is just right to enthrall all tempura enthusiasts. The tempura had been accompanied with lotus root, eggplant, and radish to go with the tempura sauce. The ingredients so finely chopped and picked that it blended with the paper it was on.

Grilled Mackarel, a dish I can not speak for, but my partner always orders this. It's been a staple order ever since she has been visiting Izakaya Shonantei.

Uni, another dish thay I can't speak for. However, this is always ordered towards the end, as in the words of my partner, 'I want this to be the last taste on my mouth as I go.' True enough whenever we visit, this is her last meal.

Yakitori, as if we hadn't had enough, we ordered grilled yakitori, specifically the salmon, pork tenderloin, and bacon & tomato. The grilled pork was as tender as your cheek with a flavor so unique that you jump for joy. But to steal the show is to the bacon & tomato yakitori that surprised me as I bit through the skewer. A burst of tomato exploded inside my mouth, filling it with flavors that can only be called heartfelt.

To top it off, we ended our meal with a shot of plum wine, which can only be described as a sweet juice that cleanses your palette, leaving you with only fond memories of what came before.

I love Izakaya...

I’ve been a regular patron of Izakaya Shonantei for years, even back when they were still located in Mindanao Ave. before moving to Congre. I actually first discovered them on Zomato back then. Hahaha! Tagal na pala! This restaurant has always been a go-to spot for me, my family, and my friends, and it never disappoints.

They serve authentic Japanese food that consistently delivers on quality and taste. Our staples include buta bara, tori kawa, tomato bacon, tempura, wagyu cubes, and sashimi, all of which are always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Every time I bring someone new here, they end up loving the food just as much as I do.

What’s even more telling is that I often see Japanese office workers dining here too. To me, that says a lot about the authenticity and quality of the food. If the flavors pass their standards, then you know you are in the right place.

But what truly sets Izakaya Shonantei apart is not just the food. It is the warmth, humor, and hospitality of the owner, Ms. Janet. She has always been very gracious, entertaining, and funny. She knows how to engage with her customers in a lighthearted way that makes you feel comfortable and at home. She politely checks in to make sure everyone is having a good time, asks for feedback on food and new menu items, and does it in a way that is thoughtful and sincere, never intrusive.

On top of all that, parking attendants are always available to assist. It makes the experience smoother from the moment you arrive until you leave.

Whenever we dine here, it feels comforting, like going home and enjoying a lovingly prepared meal, only with authentic Japanese flavors. It is more than just a restaurant. It is a place where great food, genuine hospitality, and even a few laughs come together to create lasting memories.

I don’t even have updated photos to share because I always forget to take them. I get too caught up enjoying the food and the conversation. But maybe that says it all.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants authentic Japanese food paired with a truly enjoyable...

Seen this place so many times when passing by Philand and have always wanted to try dining here with my cousin. Finally found the chance to try today and let me tell you my experience:

Went inside and was amazed by the interior, it looked as if I went to Japan in that moment because the inside was very Japan-like.

Staff were very enthusiastic despite the time (I arrived around 9:00pm) they shouted the greetings they always say when customers arrive.

Went nearer to ask if they accept GCash payments which they do.

Checked the menu and a lot of Japanese dishes are being offered with a not so expensive yet not cheap price, the food was perfect, I had no issues with the quality and money I spent because it was worth it.

Ordered the Edamame (I have always heard from my Japanese teacher before that this snack pairs well with beer or sake), Uni Sushi (wanted to try sea urchin for the first time), and Torimomo (looked very appetizing in the menu) as my first meal here and did not disappoint!

After eating and asking the staff to take out the left torimomo and edamame, the owner, ate Janet approached me and suggested that I should eat the uni sushi with the ginger and wasabi and asked my experience with the food.

I happily answered that "I have always wanted to try here and the food was so good" with a big smile and she smiled back, returning to her seat.

I then payed for my food and went to talk to ate Janet on which alcohol she could recommend to me and that's how she told me that Soju makes you very prone to heartburn and gave me not one but two shot glass full of Plum Sake to try.

All in all it was one of the best experience and I would dine again with...