Sakagura, meaning sake brewery, is a quaint izakaya and sake bar by the Nikkei Group located on the second floor of One Bonifacio High Street Mall (behind Nikkei). The ingredients are air-flown from Japan to ensure quality, and the 50+ premium sakes are curated with the sake breweries in Japan. Manila is getting addicted to sake because it is a healthier alcoholic beverage with blood metabolism benefits, an umami taste that pairs well with food, and a promise of no hangover.
Here are some recommendations for an awesome time at Sakagura Manila:
ABOUT SAKAGURA
Sakagura, a Japanese restaurant in One Bonifacio Mall, offers a captivating journey into the world of sake and Japanese cuisine.
With a collection of premium sakes curated from esteemed Japanese breweries, Sakagura showcases the deep-rooted heritage and artistry behind this revered beverage.
Experience a culinary odyssey at Sakagura, savoring meticulously crafted dishes featuring flown-in fresh ingredients from Japan. Paying tribute to the artistry of Japanese culinary techniques, Sakagura celebrates the time-honored practices of sushi and robatayaki. Delight in A5 Wagyu from Japan and the exquisite craftsmanship of hand rolls, elevating the dining experience in Manila to unparalleled heights.
SAKAGURA MANILA by the Nikkei Group
📍2F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Bonifacio Global City
∞ Sakagura @sakaguramanila
📩 sakagurabgc@gmail.com
🌍 https://www.nikkei.com.ph/sakagura
RAW
Sagakura’s Kitchen is run by Japanese Chef Yonemoto Kazumasa and Nikkei’s Chef Richie Buenaventura. For the best seats in the house, sit at the bar counter to watch the chefs expertly prepare your dishes.
Sakagura Handrolls Fish (₱950-3 kinds). Assorted Hand Rolls Chef’s Choice
Hand rolls, a type of uncut rolled sushi with raw seafood and Japanese rice wrapped in seaweed, are trending. They’re like slender burritos, but you can also have them sliced like sushi for better sharing.
Hamachi Tartare (₱680). Yellowtail, Cilantro, Onion, Chili, Ponzu Pearls, Guacamole, Egg,
Banana Chips
The hamachi is tasty on its own, but you can mix in the egg yolk for creaminess and the popping ponzu balls to contrast the flavors. A bit of guacamole adds an avocado flavor, and you can serve it on banana chips or have it as is.
Oyster Seafood Gallagher (₱280/ pc)
This was so good with a bit of ikura and citrusy flavors, especially when paired with sake.
SAKES
I was skeptical about sake as a fad, but Sakagura convinced our palates otherwise. We’re normally used to warm sake, but the premium ones can be enjoyed cold, sometimes even better than wine for food pairing because they add umami notes.
You can try their house sake tasting flights to learn more about sake and find your preference.
Hakkaisan Shiboritate Genshu “Echigo de Soro” Namasake (₱620/glass ₱1,225 300ml Tokkuri)
I like this kind of sake. It is a refreshing dry sake with a high alcohol content, fruity and delicate flavors. It is a good starting sake to pair with appetizers and raw dishes.
Masamune “Malola” Junmai Ginjo (₱920/glass, 1,825 300ml Tokkuri)
Our favorite sake to drink throughout the meal because it is well-balanced, not too dry, and not too sweet.
Hiraizumi Yamaha Junmai (₱720/glass ₱1,400 300ml Tokkuri)
This is a crisp, light, and dry sake to enjoy with robatayaki dishes.
DONBURI
Uni Ikura Bowl (₱1,580). Sea Urchin from Hokkaido, Ikura, Nikkei Sauce
At Sakagura, you can be assured of the freshness and quality of the ingredients, especially when you order an uni dish with a raw egg yolk. Mix them together and experience the creamy taste of the sea. Sarap nito!
Sashimi Moriawase (₱1,150). Variety of Sashimi Cuts served in a bowl with warm sushi rice
A simple healthy rice topping dish with fatty cuts of tuna and salmon, perfect with sake and good conversations.
Takara Sour (₱350). Takara King Whisky, Egg, Lemon, Angostura Bitters
This whisky Sour was good – not too sweet and a nice sour twist.
Sparkling Sake Cocktail (₱680). Tried & True Vodka, Takara Mio Sparkling, Luxardo Limoncello, Lime, Fresh Mint
This sparkling sake cocktail has a refreshing citrusy flavor with a kick, making it a great aperitif.
ROBATAYAKI
Miso Bone Marrow (₱750).Miso Glazed Bone Marrow, Uni Butter Onigiri
The grilled bone marrow is served with uni butter grilled triangular rice. The grill is hot and not for show. The marrow tastes like butter with a smoked flavor. Yum!
Gindara (₱820). Japanese Black Cod, Honey Miso
The gindara was tasty, flavored with honey miso and grilled for added char.
Wagyu Foie Gras (₱980). Foie Gras wrapped in Japanese Wagyu
From a distance, it looks ordinary, but inside the foie gras is wrapped in thinly sliced Japanese wagyu, providing an umami burst in this bite-sized steak.
Hotate (₱420).Japanese Scallops, Uni Butter
Grilled giant scallops with uni butter and a dash of lime.
DESSERT
MIO Raspberry Float (₱620). Takara Mio Sparkling, Vanilla Ice Cream, Raspberry, Mint
This was the most interesting dessert: a sparkling float that cleanse your palate and satisfies your sweet and creamy craving.
Hokkaido Mille Crepe Dessert Matcha (₱380)
House Made Ice Cream Dessert Red Bean (₱120)
The matcha mille crepe and red bean ice cream were decent.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, this is a great place to hang out with your Gen X and foodie friends looking for healthier but yummy options and a safe place to learn about your preference for premium sake. The food is a step above Nikkei, with air-flown ingredients from Japan. It has a similar vibe to Mecha Uma, but it’s more focused on high-quality raw dishes, robatayaki, and premium sake. Budget about ₱2,000 per head for your sushi, robatayaki, and sake fix.
SAKAGURA MANILA by the Nikkei Group
📍2F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Bonifacio Global City
∞ Sakagura @sakaguramanila
📩 sakagurabgc@gmail.com
🌍 https://www.nikkei.com.ph/sakagura
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Thanks to Nikkei Team for the experience. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Thanks to Nikkei Team for the experience. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Also try their Japanese Craft Beer.
Hitachino Nest Pale Ale (330ml) (₱375)