Tsukiji has long been a gold standard for Japanese cuisine in Manila, and was among the first to introduce Ohmi Wagyu to the city—the prestigious beef from Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto, known as the official beef of the Japanese Imperial Household. We finally got to experience Wagyu Yakiniku the Tsukiji way through a special 10-course Ohmi Wagyu Beef experience with Manila’s food media, and wow, what a treat it was—here’s what makes the Tsukiji difference.
about tsukiji
Since 1989, Tsukiji has been bringing authentic Japanese cuisine and some of Japan’s finest ingredients to Metro Manila.
Named after Tokyo’s legendary Tsukiji Fish Market, the restaurant was among the first in Manila to directly source and import fresh Japanese seafood for its sushi and sashimi, along with premium Ohmi Wagyu Beef for sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
Today, Tsukiji continues the tradition, receiving fresh ingredients from Tokyo’s New Toyosu Fish Market at least three times a week. The result is a Japanese dining experience centered on freshness, quality, and ingredients that are difficult to find elsewhere.
The restaurant is divided into two distinct dining rooms. The traditional Japanese dining room features private tatami rooms and a sushi bar, where Master Sushi Chef Takashi Harima prepares sushi and sashimi using freshly flown-in seafood.
For meat lovers, the Yakiniku dining room features dedicated grilling tables where guests can cook their own Ohmi Wagyu Beef. Known for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Ohmi Wagyu is one of Japan’s most prestigious beef varieties.
Tsukiji Executive Chef J. Gamboa presenting the Ohmi Wagyu beef
Among the specialties are Sushi and Sashimi Boats, Hamachi Sashimi, Gindara, Unagi, Ohmi Wagyu Shabu-Shabu, Ohmi Wagyu Steak, and Ohmi Wagyu Yakiniku, plus Japanese delicacies and bento boxes for takeaway.
For more than three decades, Tsukiji’s appeal has remained simple: authentic Japanese food, premium ingredients, and seafood flown in fresh from Tokyo multiple times a week.
TSUKIJI MAKATI
📍 3rd Floor, Milky Way Building, 900 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
⏰ Monday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
📞 (02) 8843-4285 / 8812-2913
📲 +63 995 617 9209
📨 jgamboa@tsukiji-restaurant.com
📸 @tsukiji_makati
♾️ Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant Makati
🌐 https://www.tsukiji-restaurant.com/
beginning
The Tsukiji Sushi and Sashimi Boat
Bluefin Tuna, Sea Urchin, Yellowtail, Amberjack, Scallop, Salmon, Sweet Prawns
Fresh from New Toyosu Seafood Market, Tokyo prepared by Sushi Chef Takashi Harima
This is easily one of the best sushi boats we’ve had, with every piece tasting sweet, fresh, and taste of the sea—thanks to seafood flown in directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.
Our favorites? The tuna otoro was incredibly rich and buttery, Rache loved the uni, while the salmon sushi and sashimi were fresh, clean, and satisfying.
The Dassai 50 Junmai Daiginjo was a perfect match, with its floral, fruity notes, subtle sweetness, and clean, silky finish complementing the fresh seafood beautifully.
Master Butcher Takeshi Suzuki showcased the exceptional quality of Ohmi Wagyu at the Tsukiji press lunch, preparing a beautifully tender and flavorful wagyu beef tataki.
The rare Ohmi Wagyu is served with a vibrant Japanese egg yolk, adding a rich, creamy finish while allowing the true flavor of the wagyu to shine.
(tip: Only enjoy wagyu tataki at reputable restaurants that use high-quality, properly handled beef, and pair it with sake for a delicious complement.)
Start with the Kaiso Seaweed Salad with Sesame Dressing to whet your appetite and get ready for the Wagyu feast.
A5 Omhi Wagyu Beef Yakiniku
Super Special Ohmi Beef Karubi – Ribeye
The rib-eye was our favorite, delivering the best balance of flavor and tenderness—just look at that beautiful Wagyu marbling.
The wagyu is cooked tableside to a perfect medium-rare, kissed by the flame for just a few seconds so you can enjoy its full flavor.
Super Special Ohmi Beef Rosu – Sirloin Served with our Special Sauces
The sirloin is meatier with beautiful A5 marbling, best enjoyed without sauce to savor the Wagyu’s rich flavor.
Wagyu is best enjoyed yakiniku-style, freshly grilled over the flame for a smoky char that brings out its rich umami.
Super Special Ohmi Tan – Tongue
Served with Lemon Sauce
The marinated wagyu tongue has a satisfying chew, while the inner cut is noticeably more tender and delicate.
Assorted Vegetables, Pickled Vegetables
Kimuchi (Napa Cabbage), Kakuteki (Daikon)
The wagyu courses come with kimchi and kakuteki to balance the richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
ending
Bibimbap
Hot Stone Bowl Rice
Did you know that Tsukiji also serves Korean favorites like Bibimbap, a delicious complement to its Wagyu specialties?
Chijimi
Korean-style Seafood and Leek Pancake
I like the Japanese-style Pajeon, packed with seafood and leek, for a nice alternative to the wagyu courses.
Chapchae
Stir-fried Korean Sweet Potato Noodles with Beef, Egg, and Vegetables
I like the chap chae as the main carb—just make sure to save some Wagyu to enjoy with these savory glass noodles.
Karubi Soup
U.S. Beef Short Rib Soup
This was the best ending! A hot beef soup with tender short rib was the perfect way to cap the Wagyu feast.
The homemade green tea ice cream was the perfect sweet ending to the meal.
final thoughts
After 37 years, Tsukiji remains relevant, delicious, and warmly welcoming, with a genuine Filipino hospitality that makes you feel right at home. We admire their commitment to quality ingredients and Japanese authenticity, while the yakiniku dining room overlooking San Lorenzo Village adds a warm, community feel to the experience. The friendly and attentive service keeps the meal light and pleasant. Having served Ohmi Wagyu since before the current Japanese Wagyu yakiniku craze, Tsukiji continues to thrive despite the growing number of authentic Japanese restaurants from Japan now entering Manila.
TSUKIJI MAKATI
📍 3rd Floor, Milky Way Building, 900 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
⏰ Monday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
📞 (02) 8843-4285 / 8812-2913
📲 +63 995 617 9209
📨 jgamboa@tsukiji-restaurant.com
📸 @tsukiji_makati
♾️ Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant Makati
🌐 https://www.tsukiji-restaurant.com/
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to Chef J. Gamboa for inviting us to the Tsukiji feast!
p.s. check out their Japanese sari-sari store for all your Japanese cravings and pantry finds.
