Sakagura — Restaurant in Taguig

Made an omakase reservation online and was texted the next day to pay 1k as downpayment to confirm the seats. This is standard for tasting menus but the whole communication process was confusing. They kept telling me payment is needed to confirm, I kept asking for payment details/instructions, we did this 4 times before they sent me the QR.

Tasting is priced at 3995+ per person with additional 1,995+ if you opt for sake pairing. They seat you at the bar in front of the chefs and a dedicated server is assigned to explain each dish. Out of the 8 main omakase dishes, only 3 were explained in detail. When we ask the chefs, they just tell you the dish's name, not the components. The server is nowhere to be found. They didnt give us a printout of the culinary experience we were about to embark on like in the other photos Ive seen on google maps.

Quick side note on the interiors, the ac was leaking from time to time on my table by the bar and if you get the center seats, youll constantly feel a hot draft from the open door they constantly forget to close.

On to the omakase itself, though they advertised an 8 course dinner, it also included 3 complimentary items. Miso soup, stewed fish head with daikon and a crab roll as palate cleanser.

Though the servings were small, it ended up being a very filling meal. My favorites were the Hamachi aburi and Aigamo Tataki. The hamachi aburi with chalaquita made it for an unforgettable peruvian-japanese fushion that I still cant stop thinking about while the aigamo was soft and juicy which I really enjoyed.

The rest of the dishes were nothing great. The seaweed in the kaiso salad gave my companion slight food poisoning. She mentioned it being fishy while we were dining. The wagyu though juicy was quite tough to bite. Truffle potatoes bland. Toro roll tasted all kinds of wrong for me.

We also tried their cocktails: nihon sidecar, takara sour and yuzu margarita. Tastes like juice then out of nowhere, it hits you with a punch.

One thing I will say though is the chef is very observant and kind. He noticed my companion cutting her nigiri in half for better bites and without prompting, sliced the next course for her. He also offered complimentary dishes to other patrons (or is that standard practice?).

Overall, for the price, I expected a little bit more effort and...

Visited in November 2024. Philippines. BGC

This Japanese restaurant is where we discovered our favorite Japanese ingredients. Tucked away in a shopping center in BGC, Sakagura is a cozy space with an open kitchen, allowing diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.

Food:

We were eager to sample a range of flavors, particularly drawn to the rich, fatty bluefin tuna otoro and sea urchin. We opted for sushi to savor the pure essence of the ingredients, and also tried their handrolls. The tuna for the sushi was well-cut, but we encountered a piece with a chewy membrane. While the tuna for the sushi was expertly cut, we did encounter a piece with a chewy membrane. The flavor, while a touch underwhelming, was offset by the tuna's luxurious fattiness. The sushi rice was well-prepared, firm yet slightly sticky, but lacked a bit of the vibrant seasoning or rice vinegar that truly elevates sushi. The handrolls also lacked depth of flavor and were a little awkward to eat, even though they were divided into two halves. The pieces were still too big to eat in one bite. The sea urchin roe seemed a bit too runny, though roe from Hokkaido is known for its texture and density. The small wagyu skewers with foie gras inside were an interesting idea, but the execution was a bit lacking. The foie gras was too runny inside, whereas I would have preferred a denser texture and the meat itself proved a bit chewy.

Service: The service was good. Our server was pleasant and friendly. Our order was taken quickly, and we enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Conclusion: Sakagura is a standout Japanese restaurant that showcases exceptional quality. While some dishes could have been refined to achieve greater perfection, the overall experience is undeniably excellent. The prices are slightly elevated, but finding top-notch Japanese cuisine is rarely easy, making Sakagura a worthwhile...

Sakagura in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a hidden gem that transports diners straight to the heart of Tokyo’s izakaya culture. Upon entering, you’re enveloped in an ambiance reminiscent of Tokyo’s iconic alleyways, offering an intimate and authentic Japanese dining experience. 

The menu is a testament to culinary excellence, featuring meticulously prepared dishes that highlight the freshness and quality of their ingredients. Diners can indulge in a variety of offerings, from nigiri rolls and blue crab hand rolls to otoro sushi rolls, hotate, and oysters. Each dish is crafted with precision, ensuring a memorable gastronomic journey.

One of Sakagura’s standout features is its extensive sake selection, boasting over 50 premium sakes sourced from various regions of Japan. Guests have the unique opportunity to explore these offerings through sake flights, allowing for a personalized tasting experience that caters to both novices and connoisseurs alike. 

For those seeking a serene dining environment, arriving before the usual rush can provide a more private experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere. The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enhance the dining experience, offering insights into sake pairings and menu recommendations.

In summary, Sakagura offers an exceptional blend of authentic cuisine, an impressive sake collection, and a cozy ambiance, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience in BGC.

Leah, daisy, sir Bob, and chef Yone made the entire experience complete. Thank you for...