Poblacion is not an area I’m familiar with. I think I’d only been there a couple of times but I was always hearing about the great food spots there. I found myself at Japonesa Poblacion with a friend on a Sunday night ready to try the Japanese-Peruvian themed restaurant. Japonesa’s conceptualization was brought about by the meeting of Notorious Concepts CEO James Thomas and Luis Higa, a Japanese national who lived in Peru for nearly half of his life who is also the Head Chef of Japonesa.

Japonesa has been creating a stir within the local market as one of the must-try restaurants in the metro offering the restaurant’s signature roll called the La Japonesa, and other specialty dishes like the Lengua Katsu, Lomo Saltado, Tapas, Tiraditos, and Ceviches!

My favorite from what I tried was the Maguro Gremolata. The gremolata sauce consisting of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic and the seared tuna was an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

Both drinks that I tried, Watermelon Hai-Ball and Sakura were very delicious. A refreshing fruity drink and creamy sweet cocktail was not a bad way to the end the night! Alcohol could hardly be tasted and I could have probably drank 3 of those! 

Since accommodating daytime hours the day drinkers favorites are Watermelon Tub, the 7-spirit Hokage, the Instagrammable Sakura cocktail, and classic cocktails like the best-selling Amaretto Sour, Cosmopolitan, and Daiquiri to name a few.

Watermelon Haiball Sake w/ watermelon & lime Php380

Japonesa Poblacion has added new interior details to add to the overall ambiance one of these being the 14-seater table custom made for the restaurant’s main dining room. The aesthetic of this table was inspired by Japanese Kintsugi art which is the technique of repairing broken pottery with resin and gold. The solid wooden slab has gold resin spidered throughout the “cracked” surface which gives a luxuriously sleek look that one does not see everyday. Exuding opulence, this table was intentionally more extravagant because it is meant to be the main attraction for those who wish to host celebrations, parties, and even simple gatherings with family and friends.

Japonesa is open from 11AM – 1:00AM on Sunday – Thursday, and 11:00AM – 3:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Located at 5856 Jacobo St., Brgy Poblacion, Makati City.

All guests are encouraged to make a reservation before coming to the restaurant. Walk-ins are welcome but will be subject to table availability. Reservations can be made by messaging their official Facebook page or their Instagram page (@japonesapoblacion).