Three Well-Loved Restaurants in Little Tokyo
It’s a no-brainer for those who live near San Lorenzo Village: if you want to feast on delicious Japanese food at affordable rates, Little Tokyo is the way to go.
Located along Chino Roces cor. Fernando Street in San Lorenzo Village, Little Tokyo is an entire compound housing more than 10 restaurants each serving authentic Japanese food. Little Tokyo is run by a group of Japanese men and women who now permanently reside in the Philippines. The chefs in each of these restaurants are skilled, backed by years of experience.
At Little Tokyo, diners can enjoy all the sushi, ramen, tempura, and takoyaki they can stomach. It’s frequented by expats, locals, and regulars; each night is packed. And while each of the restaurants more-or-less serve the same items, each one has a dish or two it’ss distinctly known for.
Here are 3 restaurants in Little Tokyo that can’t be missed!
- Nodasho
Most famous for its sushi, sashimi, and maki, Nodasho is one of the most well-known restaurants in Little Tokyo. They have unique appetizers that aren’t typically seen in Japanese restaurants around, such as the Kanpachi, or a Japanese yellow tail, and Octopus Sashimi. The specialty of the house is this Tekka Maki, or spicy tuna maki, which has a flavorful crunch in every bite. The cuts of fish in all the maki are thick, but delicately sliced, and creamy.
- Seryna
What makes dining at Seryna even more memorable is the fact that it’s unlike others in Little Tokyo that look and feel like hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Seryna offers quality food – their lunch bento boxes are a deal you can’t pass on – and the meal can be enjoyed in a relaxing and comfortable ambiance. Their Matsu or sushi platter consists of 8 different kids. It’s a great starter for those who can’t decide on what sushi to have, but what keeps diners coming back to Seryna are the cubed steaks that melt in the mouth and are packed with flavor.
- Izakaya Kikufuji
No other restaurant in Little Tokyo fills up faster than Izakaya Kikufuji. It’s not easy to find a seat as it’s always overflowing with customers – regulars and first-timers who are eager to restaurant’s open kitchen concept is a delight for those who want to watch as skilled chefs prepared their orders. The ingredients are shipped from Japan daily, and it’s as authentic as it gets – especially their raw seafood and prime beef. The Spicy Tuna Sashimi is a definite go-to appetizer. It’s a good dish to share with friends especially because one order gets you a mountain of sashimi, but one bite gets you hooked, and after that, it’s difficult to even consider sharing.
The other highlight of Izakaya Kikufuji is their Wagyu Sticks. The tender beef cubes melt in your mouth as you devour them, and though it may look simple, the flavor is unforgettable.
No matter what restaurant in Little Tokyo you choose to go to, however, you can rest assured that you’ll be having authentic Japanese fare.
