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    Nihonbashi Tei

    3.8 (36 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese

    Nihonbashi Tei Photos

    NIHONBASHI TEI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Nihonbashi Tei

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    KC A.

    Japanese cuisine is definitely one of my favorites, and Nihonbashi Tei has really good dishes. For this visit, my friends and I tried the aspara bacon, nigirisushi, and chirashi special. The aspara bacon is basically asparagus wrapped in bacon. Almost anything with bacon is good, so yes, I'd want to order this again. The Nigirisushi has different kinds of sushi - fish, egg, uni, shrimp - on a wooden board/slate, and they all taste good except for the fact that each sushi already had wasabi in them. I dislike wasabi, and if I do want some, I'd rather dip my sushi into a separate wasabi dish. The chirashi special is easily my favorite among the three because of its serving size and the wasabi was separate from the sushi despite being in the same bowl. The rice was divine, the uni was creamylicious, the salmon roe was bursting with flavor! Ugh so good! Overall, Nihonbashi Tei has good food, but wish they had better service -- it always took a while before a server noticed us.

    UNI DON! Look at all the Uni :)
    Joey R.

    I honestly was considering whether to review my favorite Japanese restaurant or not. But, here it is! For me, Nihonbashi Tei is THE place for affordable Japanese food. Just to manage you expectations, the interior of the restaurant is not sophisticated. The place looks old and tired; it's noisy and there will always be a smell of cigarettes in the air. BUT, the quality of their seafood combined with the price is just too good. Plus, portions are HUGE; bigger servings than the upscale Japanese restaurants in the area...at half the price. How can you say NO to that, right? Every time I step into this restaurant, most of the diners are Japanese businessmen. I have always taken that as a true sign of a "thumbs up" for their food. Apart from their sushi and sashimi, you MUST TRY: Spicy Tuna Sashimi, Gyoza, Matcha Soba, Chirashi Don, Omurice and their Grilled Meat (ask the waitress what is her recommendation). My favorite of all time is their Uni Don. It's a bowl of sushi rice topped with a BIG serving of Uni (Sea Urchin). The Uni they serve is ALWAYS fresh, sweet and creamy. A bowl is just Php350 (7.47USD). Simply amazing value! :D Everything on the menu is reasonably-priced. I genuinely enjoy how unpretentious the restaurant is and the hospitality by Nihonbashi Tei's staff. It's my go-to place when I need my comfort food: a nice Japanese meal with Onigiri and Iced Coffee (order this!). Itadakimasu!

    Sunagimo, negima, enoki bacon yakitori
    Timmy P.

    Three stars for Nihon Bashitei? Blasphemy! Aside from the super delicious food (the Takoyaki is currently the best I've ever had locally, and their Spicy Toro Salad is unique in appearance and tastes soooo good), the service sucks. The food is fantastic and I will definitely be back. However, I believe the admin should train their staff better. My friends and I dined there last night, and we ended up spending close to 20 minutes settling a bill that should have been taken care of in much less time than that. Ugh. That being said, yakitori is always tricky to eat because it adds up and surprises you when you get the bill. Haha. No regrets, though. I'm definitely coming back.

    Nigirisushi lunch set menu with iced coffee and miso soup
    Angela M.

    I often pass by Pasay road (Arnaiz Ave.) and I observe this resto to have a lot of cars especially during lunch and dinner on weekends. I would always be reminded by my mom to try Nihonbashitei because she knows I love Japanese food. It was my first time to try it out during lunch and I was amazed at their menu options. They have a wide range of dishes (from appetizers to full meals and sets; traditional ramen to modern curry and omurice) and I do not know which one to get! Good thing I was with fellow Yelpers who made some suggestions and I tried their sushi. I was really overwhelmed with the size/amount of food they served, but the seafood is fresh! I'm glad that they served iced coffee (yay!) and miso soup with the lunch set. Their sushi already has wasabi included, so I did not have to add anymore in the soy sauce. The rice they served with the Chirashi sushi also tasted good so I was able to eat a lot. Nihonbashitei truly is a classic Japanese resto that even those who live far would drop by Makati just to have a wonderful meal. I will definitely go back with my family or friends to try out their other menu options!

    Way too much wasabi. The selection also was lacking compared to the last time I ate at a different branch.   :|
    Michael Anton E.

    Was supposed to meet someone over lunch last Friday. It got rainchecked, but I figured I was going to go eat lunch anyway. Having had a supremely satisfying experience the last time I ate at Nihonbashitei's other branch in Arnaiz (near Dusit Thani Hotel), I proceeded to order their Chirashi Zushi expecting the same level of quality and satisfaction. Bad move. The Chirashi Zushi didn't have as broad a selection of sushi and pickled radishes in it as the one I had in the other branch. More distressingly, it also had far too much wasabi in it. I had to take the excess wasabi out, and I wound up using too much soy sauce to dilute the wasabi I left in the dipping saucer. As disappointed as I am with the dish, however, service was still quite good. I was served an appetizer that had chicken meat in it, on a Friday (I'm a Catholic, and it's Lent). When I raised the matter to the waitress, she had it changed to a vegetarian appetizer with no extra charge! All things considered, I'd still go back to Nihonbashitei. Given my experience, however, I'll make sure to go to the other branch instead.

    Nihonbashi classic!
    Cezar R.

    When in San Lorenzo, it's always a battle between Nihonbashi and Kikufuji for my Japanese craving. If I'm in the mood to splurge, give me 4 sticks of Gyu Kushi and a bowl of Chirashi from Kikufuji. But right now, I just want to have a good Japanese sushi lunch that's very practical. That's why I headed to Nihonbashi Tei for their Nigiri Sushi Lunch Set. PHP 350 for this beautiful tray of colorful raw fish. For the price, it comes with a side of Miso soup and a tall glass of iced coffee. As a tip, try to sit at the bar to see your food being prepared and appreciate the work done by the chefs. Props to Teresa P for the picture

    Shake Onigiri
    Caroline C.

    I'm a big fan of Japanese cuisine and something that I look for in every menu of every Japanese restaurant I dine in are onigiris. One of the best onigiris I've eaten in Manila is from right here. My favorite so far is the one filled with shake aka salmon. It's simple yet filling and light on the wallet.

    Nihon Bashitei's takoyaki balls
    Abi P.

    You know how they say that if you see Japanese people eating at a Japanese restaurant, you know that it is authentic? (Or at least close to it?) I see Japanese nationals eating at Nihon Bashitei all the time, so I think that can vouch for its authenticity. Apparently, everyone else has the same sentiments as I do about their Spicy Toro Maki. It hits the spot anytime I have a craving for tuna. And I love that it has tempura debris sprinkled on top. Such a nice touch. Also, I keep coming back for their Age Takoyaki balls. These, I dream about in the middle of the day. It's also a wonderful thing that they are open until around 1 AM, so there is time to go after a movie or a show. However, the service is often slow; the servers often seem flustered, but they've not mixed up an order yet, which is more than I can say for most restaurants. Regardless, I really go for the food.

    Natasha Maxine C.

    I think Nihonbashi tei's Spicy Toro Maki has to be one of the most photographed dishes in Manila. It is because of my social media feed being bombarded with different angles of their famous rolls that convinced me to go ahead and see it live. I tell you, the beautiful rolls are not only photogenic but I can say without a doubt that Nihon's version of the spicy tuna has to be one of the best spicy rolls I've ever had. And it is because of these glorious rolls that I have become a regular in Nihon. The moment you enter Nihonbashi tei, you know you're going to be served authentic Japanese - the menu is in Japanese, the smoking rooms where you have to eat barefooted, and the unmistakable scent of Japanese cooking. Nihon has easily become one of my favorites (I had it four times in one week once) for any of my staple Japanese dishes and it doesn't hurt the wallet either.

    Migs M.

    Nihonbashi Tei for me is right smack in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to Japanese restaurants. It's not a quick lunch kinda place like Yamazaki, but it's also not intimidating the way Seryna sometimes is. It's also located apart from the Little Tokyo compound, and comes with more parking slots, so that's a plus, too. It's a no-nonsense, smoker-friendly (I quit years ago but I still have friends who smoke) place that serves great food at reasonable prices. Personally, I go there for their unagi. There's something about eel's soft, bangus belly-reminiscent but kinda grainy texture that I really love. Thing is, unagi's really expensive, but for the size and price that you get it for at Nihonbashi Tei, it's worth ordering. For a quick in-and-out meal, sit outside. But if you're willing to risk inhaling some smoke, sit inside, where you have to remove your shoes and get into traditional Japanese sunken tables. It's an experience in itself.

    Spicy tuna maki realness
    Pia O.

    Writing is this is such a hassle because I'm already craving what I'm about to write!! If you haven't tried Nihonbashitei's Spicy Toro Sashimi I swear you're missing out on half your life! Let's just say I try to have it at least once a month, it's that good! Imagine, a plate of chunky chopped toro, hand massaged with a spicy mayo sauce then generously topped with tempura flakes. If that hasn't made you hungry, I don't know what will! If sashimi isn't your thing, they also have it available in a maki form which is just as good. For non-tuna eaters, try it in salmon (I prefer the tuna tho). The best thing about this place is that it's open 'til late, so it's great for after drinking! Except I did argue with the waiter once because it says on the door they're open til 2 and while my friends and I arrived at 140, they didn't want to sit us because the last order was 130, so be there earlier! Besides that little incident, I have no complaints about Nihonbashitei! Brb, getting my fix now!

    Chirashi
    Kevin J.

    Fondly called "Nihon" by its customers, this place serves the best spicy ootoro maki AND spicy tuna salad this side of town. Words are hard to describe how good these dishes are so I suggest you try this place out. For added bang for your buck, I highly recommend you visit this place during lunch (as advised by my friend too). The prices are a bit cheaper and the meals are served with a glass of iced coffee. The chirashi lunch meal is pretty standard as far as chirashi goes nowadays but you can taste the quality and value. Parking is a bit tough so I suggest you go either early or later for lunch or dinner. The place might not be the cleanest Japanese restaurant in Makati but this just adds to the authenticity of the place.

    Akihiro F.

    It's very popular Japanese restaurant, and not much Japanese residents use here. Food quality is lower than the average but prices are also lower than that of Japanese restaurant. It would be good for quick lunch or for drinking with friends but not so good for business purpose to invite your guests.

    asari sake mushi

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    7 years ago

    excellent sushi, food always fresh and the sake is very good. The spicy toro maki, and the clams are a must!

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    Review Highlights - Nihonbashi Tei

    Apparently, everyone else has the same sentiments as I do about their Spicy Toro Maki.

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    Tanabe Japanese Restaurant - Front

    Tanabe Japanese Restaurant

    4.6(8 reviews)
    3.8 kmManila City
    ₱₱₱

    First time here. The food was amazing -- really tasty and vegan/vegetarian friendly. The best…read moreJapanese restaurant I've ever been to -- food was fresh, servings were big enough to share, and prices were fair. Staff were very friendly, attentive, and helpful, and the food came out quickly. Loved the unique and refreshing drinks too. Great job!

    I have been here multiple times before since this is one of my brother's go-to Japanese restaurant…read more I can definitely understand why with the quality food, good service and good price. This time the visit was with my parents, my brother, my husband and me. We were served with delicious complimentary tofu with a great-tasting sauce. My brother ordered the aji tataki for us to start off and it's been a while since I've had this. Beautifully done and very tasty! My brother got the chirashi bowl. My husband and I shared the Gindara kaku bento - grilled cod fish, salad, salmon and tuna sashimi, tempura, miso soup with clams and mango ice cream. For dessert, fruits was the other option. My brother also ordered several chawanmushi for us to share. My parents shared the Nigiri kaku bento. There was so much food. The one down side was the fish in my parents' bento box was a bit tough, unlike the gindara that we had. I would probably recommend the Gindara kaku bento between the 2 bento boxes. We also had this soup that came in a small teapot. I had missed jotting down the name but you drink the soup from a miniature teacup. Glad we didn't order more food because there was already lots of food! Highly recommend!

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    Tanabe Japanese Restaurant - Menu

    Menu

    Tanabe Japanese Restaurant - Special soup

    Special soup

    Tanabe Japanese Restaurant - Dining area

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    Dining area

    Izakaya Nihonbashitei - Ginnan, grilled gingko biloba seeds

    Izakaya Nihonbashitei

    4.8(4 reviews)
    3.1 kmManila City

    Hearing Nihonbashitei is always a delight to my ears. Shrimp tempura, Spicy Toro Maki and Grilled…read moreEel! Oh how I salivate with just the thought of it. No wonder this is also the favorite restaurant of our dear President. Says a lot about his taste in food! While I usually frequent their Pasay Road branch (where President Aquino usually dines), I find this branch a lot bigger and perhaps a lot cleaner. The food is practically the same so I find myself eating more frequently here. However, I was quite shocked to find out about the jacked up prices of my favorite eel set meal. While I do understand how difficult and expensive it must be to get a hold of and cook eel, one bite of this dish and the price is always worth it. There is perhaps no other restaurant that offers eels as yummy as this. Thanks to President Aquino for the reco!

    The thing that strikes me the most about Nihonbashitei is how extensive the menu is. I don't kid…read morebecause every time I eat there, (and I eat there a lot,) there always seems like something new for me to try. The first time I read about natto, I was equal parts intrigued and disgusted by it. Given that, the one thing I was totally sure of was I had to try it. Until I came across Nihonbashitei, this bummed me out because I couldn't find a place in the metro that served it. If you're an adventurous eater looking for new Japanese dishes to try, you're going to love this place. Even if you aren't that fond of much outside the staples like sushi, yakitori, and katsu, you're still going to enjoy yourself because everything on the menu is a treat. Cheers!

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    Izakaya Nihonbashitei - Takoyaki

    Takoyaki

    Izakaya Nihonbashitei - One of the cheapest places you cant get a decent Nigiri!

    One of the cheapest places you cant get a decent Nigiri!

    Izakaya Nihonbashitei - Special Gyoza

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    Special Gyoza

    New Kamameshi House

    New Kamameshi House

    4.3(4 reviews)
    2.1 kmManila City

    My parents have been taking us to Kamameshi (in all its current and former branches) since we were…read morelittle. Even they had been coming around since they were young, so that counts for something. And it is pretty easy to see the reason behind its longevity: their food is incredibly authentic. Always, the rice. That steaming hot, sticky, kamameshi, delivered to your table in that pot, with its ground chicken crown. Toss it around, and serve yourself some of that soft stuff. And if you thought the experience was over, think again: you still have the bits of rice that stuck to the metal pot, and got crispy ("tutong" in Filipino) to scrape off. Aahhh, burnt carbohydrates. So good. Everything goes best with tempura, chicken terriyaki, and if you're into it, liver terriyaki.

    I was ecstatic to finally eat at Kamameshi House because my parents never fail to mention it when…read moreit comes to authentic Japanese food in Manila. My dad told me that he's been eating there since the 80's when he was still a student at DLSU and that the quality of their food and service never faltered through the years. I came with my family so I got to try some of their sushi as well as their amazing Katsudon (the egg was creamy and the pork extra tender), the piping hot and delicious Sukiyaki, the juicy Chicken Teriyaki and the crispy Ebi Tempura. All of the dishes were exceptional but what made our meal perfect was their famous Kamameshi (literally translate to "kettle rice"), which is their specialty. We ordered the Gomoku Kamameshi, which was a mixed rice and the Kani Kamameshi and both were extra flavorful and filling.

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    New Kamameshi House
    New Kamameshi House
    New Kamameshi House

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    Nobu Manila

    Nobu Manila

    4.0(31 reviews)
    3.9 kmParanaque City
    ₱₱₱₱

    I had high hopes for Nobu Manila's Valentine's Omakase, but the experience fell short of its…read more"high-end" reputation. For a PhP 6,500/head dinner, I expected seamless service and premium quality, neither of which were fully realized. The Ambience: We arrived at 4:30 PM for the 5:00 PM seating, only to find no staff at the front desk and no lounge area for early arrivals. The place was literally closed and opened on the dot, 5pm! The lack of a dress code (there was a diner in shorts) and the non-festive music made it feel like a casual Tuesday rather than a special occasion. While the varnished wood tables look nice, they lack the refinement of fine dining; condensation from drinks pooled easily on the surface. The Service: Despite the restaurant being only half-full, the wine service was sluggish there were multiple times when I had to think if the staff was expecting me to stand up and grab the bottle of wine and pour it to the glass myself, there was even a time when the staff attempted to clear my plate while my wife was still eating--a basic fine-dining faux pas. The Food: This was the biggest letdown. The crackers tasted stale, the lobster bisque lacked body, and the squid sushi was bland. Most disappointing were the mains: the fish skin was rubbery, and the Wagyu was overpowered by an overly tangy sauce. Even the desserts felt repetitive in flavor. It's hard to recommend this Omakase when the execution doesn't match the price point.

    Went here for drinks and quiet bite. The restaurant is inside the hotel with the same name…read more Everything is good, nothing special. Compared to others in NYC, LA, OC, Greece, etc, this one was not my top pick for some reason. The vibe and service was so so, and so does the foods. Cocktails are also just so so...I noticed that in Asian, besides HK & Japan, Sing & Thailand, not so much of good mixers. Overall it was just okey place.

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    Nobu Manila
    Nobu Manila
    Nobu Manila

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    Ichiro

    Ichiro

    5.0(2 reviews)
    3.0 kmManila City
    ₱₱

    What I love about eating out in places near universities and schools is that you are sure to find…read morerestaurants that are dirt cheap. Well, I say dirt cheap now since I am already earning money on my own, with my fancy managerial title and all that. These restaurants cater mostly to students, and that usually means that the food is served in huge servings for a fraction of the cost - it's all about cost-effectiveness, as far as students are concerned, so most businesses around schools tend to drive down prices as much as they possibly can. An example of such restaurants is Ichiro, which is found in One Archer's Place, just a couple meters from DLSU's Agno Gate. I would say Ichiro would be Yabu's cheaper yet equally satisfying cousin. Though their menu is not as upscale and varied as Yabu's, Ichiro's katsu can rival the big brand's just the same. If you enjoy Yabu's interactive prelude to your meal in the form of crushing sesame seeds the mortar and the grooved pestle, you will also find it here. The katsu is thick and well-breaded with golden and crispy breadcrumbs, and the sauce base is also thick, syrupy and well-seasoned. This restaurant gives you a bang for your buck. The place is a bit hidden since it is in that awkward spot in the mezzanine, but you'll find it on your way to the washrooms, which are located far back into the building.

    If Ganjou exists as a cheap version of Omakase, then Ichiro exists as a cheap version of Yabu. And…read morejust like Yabu, Ichiro has excellent Katsu. Really, it's hard to get Katsu that's really damn good. Most Katsu I get from a lot of places is either really bland, kind of soggy, or just plain undercooked. Ichiro's Katsu looks and feels like a premium, well-cooked Katsu from the get go. Upon looking at the menu, you're going to notice that Ichiro has a very comprehensive set of Katsu variations, from their regular Chicken and Pork Katsu to the hit, Cheese Roll Katsu, which is basically, well, Katsu with cheese inside. Regardless, no matter which version you order, you're going to get a satisfying meal. All have a side of delicious Miso Soup, a healthy serving of rice, and their sauce, which is sweet and also a little bit sour topped with sesame seeds. (That you get to crush yourself!) Their Katsu has a lovely golden brown exterior. It's crunchy on the first bite - and the taste keeps you going all the way until the last bite. Ichiro's definitely an awesome Japanese restaurant, at a price that's perfect for students. It makes sense that plenty of diners come here every night.

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    Ichiro
    Ichiro

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    Nihonbashi Tei - japanese - Updated May 2026

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