KAZU CAFE is the latest Japanese-inspired café concept by Ryan Cruz located in Ayala Triangle Gardens, a spin-off of the renowned Kazunori 3-in-1 Mazda Showroom concept by the Nippon Hasha Group, known for their famed Japanese ramen at Yushoken and Mendokoro. The café offers a reimagined take on the iconic flavors of Kazunori, set in a vibrant, energetic ambiance featuring playful shapes and colors, perfect for a lively café experience.
ABOUT KAZU CAFE
We love the vibrant ambiance designed by Liza Morales, featuring a signature color palette of Tsuki Red, Wakaba Yellow, and Indigo Blue. The playful K A Z U letters, shaped as if molded from clay, create a striking pattern when repeated, giving the space a distinctive character. It feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson-inspired café, elevating the experience beyond the typical Instagrammable aesthetic with its imaginative and whimsical design.
This long table for 10 is perfect for a weekend brunch get-together with friends. The cloud-like lighting creates an outdoor ambiance indoors, complemented by soft mood lighting and drapes that offer a sense of privacy.
FAVORITES
Bonito & Salmon Breakfast Platter
An all-day bento breakfast featuring grilled salmon belly, topped with bonito flakes, served over steaming hot white Japanese rice, accompanied by soup, salad, and a delightful touch of umami from salmon roe. Your mom, my mom, and all the Titas of Manila would love this.
Tamago Sando
Tamago, Creamy Karashi Dressing, Brioche
290
The brioche sando, filled with fluffy eggs, is hearty enough to share and pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of tomato soup.
10 Kinds Temari
It’s perfect for hanging out with friends, sharing temaki filled with eel, salmon, egg, and other fish or meat toppings. Served with soup and soy sauce, there’s no need for extra wasabi—everything is perfectly balanced.
DRINKS
Yuzu Americano
The Yuzu Americano was well-balanced, not too overpowering and not too sweet.
Matcha Latte
You’ll love this if you enjoy the authentic taste of matcha with milk, without any added sugar.
SALAD
Daikon Salad
Daikon, Bonito Flakes, Radish Sprouts
220
Most people who tried the Daikon salad have raved about it, especially with the sesame sauce.
Cha Soba Salad
Sous Vide Chicken Breast, Prosciutto,
Fresh Mixed Vegetables
250
For something unique, it’s like a cold pasta salad enriched with the creaminess of raw egg.
DONBURI
Tori Katsu Oyakodon
Chicken Thigh Katsu, White Dondashi, Yuzu Kosho
450
The donburi is served with a raw egg, adding a creamy richness to the rice, alongside generous chunks of chicken thigh.
Tonkatsu Atsugiri
Breaded Pork, Egg, Dondashi
380
The pork is slightly pink with a crisp, golden breading on the outside and served in large, shareable chunks.
PASTA
Nikomigyu Niku Bolognese
Beef Steak, Peperoni Miso Sauce, Fettuccini
450
The fettuccine pasta is tender house-made, served with a rich, flavorful beef steak sauce.
KIDS
Napolitan Ebi Set
Okosama Curry
I love this playful set, featuring balled rice, a burger patty topped with ebi, alongside kamote chips and fresh mango slices on the side.
The bowl is served with their signature pork soup with vegetables.
DESSERT
Kazu Cale Tiramisu
Japanese Matcha, White Chocolate, Cream Cheese
320
I love this version of tiramisu—you have to dig deep to reach the rich cream cheese- satisfying.
Musk Melon Kakigori
Japanese Melon, Johakuto, Momo Juice
650
I love the presentation of this dessert—both refreshing and healthy. It’s perfect for sharing, with milky crushed ice and melon balls beautifully served in the melon shell to end the meal on a light note.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, this is my favorite café in Ayala Triangle Gardens. We love the re-imagined Japanese flavors, the playful ambiance that feels like a mix of Wes Anderson and Japanese aesthetics, and especially the delicious Japanese brunch offerings. We highly recommend the Bonito & Salmon breakfast, the Tamago Sando, and the 10 Kinds Temari. Their Japanese coffee and matcha are OK, and I appreciate how the drinks are intentionally not too sweet, catering to the Tito and Tita palate. The donburis and salads are perfect for sharing, making it a great excuse to extend your time hanging out with friends. The Japanese desserts are also satisfying, leaving you feeling energized, not bloated, with a happy, contented feeling that makes you want to come back.
Note: Since they are still in soft opening, the service can be a bit disorganized. To avoid missing out on best-sellers, I recommend ordering everything at once, including dessert, so you don’t risk items being out of stock.
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: I wrote this article 100% by a human with my biases, opinions, and insights. We attended the media preview of Kazu Cafe which will open by September 28, Saturday.
P.S. We love their attention to details including their customized plates and coasters.
