Kikufuji Izakaya

Izakaya is the equivalent of a restaurant, bar, or pub in Japan. This is a very busy Izakaya restaurant in Little Tokyo, Makati, and for good reason. For years, this place has consistently drawn diners who are willing to wait to get a table. Their secret: good food and value.

The restaurant isn't small by any standard. They have at least 30 tables and a long U-shaped bar (that can maybe sit 30 pax) area in two rooms. There is an open kitchen within the U-shaped bar where a good number of chefs are fervently going about their business.

The food is a mix of traditional and modern Japanese. Plating can be straightforward and can be fanciful too. The highlight, however, is the quality of ingredients and balanced flavors. I had the special California maki with spicy tuna (raw) and mango (signature dish), udon, kani, and miso soup.

The plates can photograph well enough, as many food bloggers visit for some food photography.

Of course, it wouldn't be an Izakaya without the extensive selection of Japanese wines, beer, whiskey, and sake.