Daily Tribune‘It depends on your preference because we cater to all flavor profiles. For example, if you’re looking for a gin-based, sweet and balanced cocktail, I’d love to recommend the Sakura. It’s actually our number one signature cocktail. We also have signature highballs. We have different varieties — sweet, fruity and sour.’
JAPANESE-Peruvian dishes.
Photo by Deni Bernardo for DAILY TRIBUNE
JAPONESA is arguably the only Japanese-Peruvian concept in the nightlife hub.
Photo by Deni Bernardo for DAILY TRIBUNE
Photo by Deni Bernardo for DAILY TRIBUNE
Due to high demand, Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Japonesa in Poblacion, Makati is extending its hit “Unlimited Sushi Sundays” until 8 February.
“Limited seats. Unlimited sushi. DM (direct message) us to reserve now,” the restaurant announced in Instagram.
Owned by James Thomas, Japonesa is arguably the only Japanese-Peruvian concept in the nightlife hub, captain server Juan Vargas told DAILY TRIBUNE in an exclusive interview.
Opened in 19 April 2022 or three years ago, Japonesa took over the two floors previously occupied by two other restaurants that closed during the pandemic.
Japonesa’s full-blooded Japanese chef born and raised in Peru — known as only “Chef Luis”— filled the menu with Japanese food infused with Peruvian twists.
“If you’re a first timer and you don’t have any allergies or dietary restrictions, I’d love to recommend the La Japonesa, one of our signature maki. It’s crispy rice topped with our signature tuna. It’s creamy and mildly spicy,” Vargas said.
“Also, for appetizers, we have Cervice Tacos, Bomba Comarones, Beef Tequeños and also, we have the Peruvian-style roast chicken and Domo Saltado for the mains.”
Although it is a favorite hangout for Gen Zs and Millennials due to its “Reverse happy hour” for Friday and Saturday, wherein it offers buy one, take one gin and tonic for P450 from 10 p.m. onwards, the 90-capacity resto-bar also welcomes families and private reservations for its top and ground floors.
For those into cocktails: “It depends on your preference because we cater to all flavor profiles. For example, if you’re looking for a gin-based, sweet and balanced cocktail, I’d love to recommend the Sakura. It’s actually our number one signature cocktail. We also have signature highballs. We have different varieties — sweet, fruity and sour,” Vargas said.
The rustic interiors, made vivid by painted Peruvian and Japanese images on the ceilings and floors, come alive thanks to all-day house music. The restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight; and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., including holidays.
