Kazunori Japanese Restaurant: Worth It or Just Convenient?…read more
Kazunori Japanese Restaurant, located along Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati, is a well-known spot offering a mix of Japanese dining experiences. It has three sections: a café, a main dining area, and a sushi bar. I've eaten here several times, and honestly, I keep coming back because it's convenient for me--but if I were to judge purely on food, I'd say there are better Japanese restaurants out there.
Ambiance: Just Okay
The restaurant's setup is interesting but not exactly appealing. The main dining area is right next to a car showroom, which isn't the most aesthetically pleasing view. The sushi bar is where they prepare the fresh sushi and sashimi, and you can watch the chefs at work. The café section has a more relaxed vibe. Overall, the place is decent, but nothing special in terms of ambiance.
Food: Hit or Miss
I tried several dishes during my visit, including:
* Salmon Maki - This was a letdown. The quality of the sushi could be much better. The rice was a bit off, and it didn't have that fresh, well-balanced taste you expect from good sushi. Definitely not the highlight of the meal.
* Gyoza - The gyoza was actually pretty good. It had a nice pan-fried crisp on the outside and juicy filling inside. Probably one of the better dishes I had.
* Uni Cream Spaghettini - This was interesting. The pasta was cooked well, and the sauce had a nice creamy texture, but the uni flavor was subtle, almost too subtle. It could've been richer and more distinct.
* Soba - I liked this, especially with the spicy sauce. The texture of the noodles was nice, but nothing that blew me away.
* Ikura Sushi - The salmon roe was too soft and soggy, which was disappointing. Ikura should have that fresh, bursting texture, but this felt like it had been sitting too long.
Service: Decent but Nothing Special
The service was okay. The staff was polite and efficient, but I wouldn't say it stood out as exceptional. They got the job done, but there wasn't that extra attentiveness or warmth you'd hope for in a high-end Japanese restaurant.
Final Verdict: Just Okay, But Not a Must-Try
Kazunori is an alright spot for Japanese food, but it's far from the best in Manila. Some dishes were enjoyable, but others fell flat, especially when you compare them to better Japanese restaurants in the city. If you're nearby and want a quick, convenient meal, it's fine. But if you're looking for an unforgettable Japanese dining experience, you're better off exploring other options.
Would I recommend it? Only if you're in the area and don't have high expectations. Otherwise, you can find much better Japanese food elsewhere.