Ippudo Uptown's Makeover – A Bit of the New, a Taste of the Old
I've been eagerly waiting since late last year for Ippudo Uptown to reopen after its renovation — and finally, the wait is over. We dropped by last week, and the place has definitely undergone a transformation. There’s a lot to like, but also a few things that made me miss the old vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown:
👍 Pros:
Fresh Menu Options: The new additions to the menu bring a more “dinner out” feel — some elevated items that look interesting and worth coming back for. It feels like they’re experimenting with a more refined dining experience.
Warm, Attentive Service: Maybe we caught them on a good day, but the staff were all smiles and very attentive throughout our visit. The hospitality really stood out.
Familiar Flavors: Thankfully, the taste we’ve all come to love is still intact. It did seem like the portions might be a tad smaller than before, but nothing too drastic — still satisfying.
👎 Con:
Atmosphere Shift: This is where things felt a bit off for me. The new layout seems to go for a trendier, more modern aesthetic, but in doing so, it lost some of the cozy charm that made Ippudo Uptown feel like a quiet ramen retreat. The lighting is brighter and the space feels more compact, making it feel a little less relaxed compared to the older setup.
✨ Overall:
The experience was still enjoyable — the food remains solid and the staff did a great job. But personally, I miss the old ambiance. That dimly lit, spacious, and mellow vibe used to be part of the charm. While I appreciate the attempt to refresh the place, I hope future tweaks bring back a bit of that old...
Read moreI had an amazing experience dining at Ippudo Uptown BGC and I can confidently say that it's a must-visit spot for anyone craving for authentic Japanese cuisine in Manila.
One of the highlights of my visit was the excellent service provided by Arnon, who went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was a memorable one. He was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, which made our ordering process seamless and enjoyable. Arnon's exceptional service added an extra layer of warmth and comfort to our dining experience.
Furthermore, I was impressed by how the manager handled the delay in serving our tofu. The manager was apologetic and took the time to explain the situation, which made us feel valued and appreciated as customers. This level of professionalism and care is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to delivering exceptional service.
In addition to the excellent service, I was also impressed by the friendly staff who greeted us with warm smiles and made us feel welcome from the moment we entered the restaurant. The staff's positive attitude and eagerness to assist us with our dining needs added to the already fantastic dining experience.
The ambience of the restaurant was equally impressive. The restaurant looked new and neat, with modern decor and comfortable seating. The lighting was just right, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere that made us feel at home.
Overall, I highly recommend Ippudo Uptown BGC to anyone looking for a great dining experience in Manila. The exceptional service, friendly staff, and fantastic ambience make this restaurant a...
Read moreIt was a beautiful Easter Sunday when my entire family decided to gather for lunch at Ippudo in Uptown Mall. Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the restaurant had undergone an impressive renovation, transforming the space into a warm, inviting ramen bar with a modern touch.
As we settled in, Gary Angeles, the restaurant manager, greeted us. Gary's warm demeanor and professionalism made an immediate impression on us. He walked us through the menu updates, describing the new items and the reasons behind some exciting changes. His passion for food was evident, and we greatly appreciated his thoughtful recommendations, which we eagerly decided to order.
As the restaurant began filling up, we observed Gary actively supporting his staff, engaging with customers, and ensuring every order was precise and promptly served. While we appreciated the restaurant's fresh ambiance and enticing menu, the outstanding service, from the warm receptionist to the attentive server and Gary himself, truly elevated our Easter Sunday lunch.
Kudos to the whole team at Ippudo Uptown Mall! Gary's positive leadership benefited the staff, and their camaraderie made for a delightful dining experience. We left with full bellies and happy hearts, and we're already looking forward to...
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