Kazunori Japanese Restaurant / Kazu Cafe

“As a Japanese expatriate living in Manila, I am always happy to find restaurants that put real effort into Japanese cuisine, and overall, I had a very enjoyable experience at Kazunori. The atmosphere was comfortable, the presentation was attractive, and the service was warm and attentive. Several dishes were particularly impressive. The tomato salad topped with bonito flakes was fresh and flavorful, the croquettes were crispy and well-executed, and the steamed dishes had a comforting homemade quality that reminded me of Japan. That said, not every dish felt authentically Japanese. Some flavors seemed adjusted to suit local preferences, and a few items were seasoned differently from what most people in Japan would expect. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but guests looking for a completely traditional Japanese dining experience should keep that in mind. Despite that, the ingredients were fresh, the cooking was consistent, and it was clear that care had gone into the preparation of the food. Rather than trying to be a perfect reproduction of a restaurant in Japan, Kazunori offers its own interpretation of Japanese cuisine while maintaining a high standard of quality. As a Japanese resident in Manila, I would happily return and would recommend it to both locals and expatriates looking for a pleasant Japanese dining experience in the city. A solid choice overall, with several standout dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. 🇯🇵🍶✨”

“Kazunori in Makati feels like one of the more upscale Japanese restaurants in the area — refined but still warm and welcoming. We ordered the Chicken Teriyaki Gozen set and the Ebi Tempura, and both were excellent. The gozen set was beautifully presented and well-portioned. The chicken teriyaki was tender, juicy, and glazed perfectly — flavorful without being overly sweet. It felt balanced and thoughtfully prepared, just what you’d expect from a higher-end Japanese spot. The standout for me was the Ebi Tempura — the shrimp were HUGE and incredibly crispy! The batter was light and airy, not oily at all, and the shrimp inside was fresh and cooked just right. Every bite had that satisfying crunch. The ambiance really adds to the experience. The place is clean, polished, and has that elegant Japanese aesthetic that makes it feel a bit more premium compared to casual Japanese restos nearby. Service was friendly and attentive, which made the whole dining experience even smoother. If you’re looking for a slightly upscale Japanese restaurant in Makati with solid portions and quality dishes, Kazunori is definitely worth visiting. Will absolutely come back to try more from their menu.”

“Spicy salmon temaki was the type of spice that was more sweet and sour sauce with chili type, different from the usual ones in other Japanese restaurants. Wagyu truffle soba was filling. Chawanmushi is good. Enjoyed the black sesame ice cream a lot! Would come back to try their tempura dishes because I enjoyed the mushroom tempura on the soba dish a lot :)”

“Food was great and service was exceptional! Staff are very warm and have knowledge of the food. They give suggestions how and when food is best consumed. A bit pricey but servings are big. Only improvement I suggest is the restroom smell.”

“Kazunori—located on the ground floor of the Mazda Makati Building along Chino Roces Extension—delivers an elevated Japanese dining experience with three distinct concepts: a front café, a main dining room, and an omakase sushi bar led by Chef Saito Takeru. The seafood is flown in directly from Japan, resulting in exceptional freshness and balance in every dish. Signature offerings like the multi-course omakase (15–22 courses) showcase meticulous preparation and a stunning presentation. Our lunch was about ₱7,000 it was the 15‑course sushi menu, and I can describe it as "the freshest tasting sushi"—each bite bursting with flavor and remarkably satisfying. À la carte items equally impress: Uni & Ikura hand rolls, Wagyu truffle soba, katsu curry, and matcha tiramisu consistently top recommendation lists Tatler Asia+15PhilNews+15Tripadvisor+15. Redditors rave that "the pdepth of flavor from Kazunori’s curry is far superior" to others in the city. That said, service reviews are mixed. Some customers report inattentive waitstaff and slow response times, particularly during peak hours; others find it efficient but noted heavy-handed tempura batter or rushed dish delivery. Ambiance strikes a refined yet relaxed note—ideal for solo treats, dates, or celebrations. Make reservations early for omakase seating; walk-ins may only be possible at the café area. Pricing is steep by Makati standards, but for those seeking genuine omakase or elevated Japanese comfort food, Kazunori remains one of the city’s most memorable options. The best sushi dishes in town a must try....it's the best unagi I've ever eaten .....Highly recommended 👍👍👍”