At night, Poblacion in Makati is a sight of flashing lights and interesting hole-in-the-wall restaurants. But even in daylight, it is a gastronomic destination as the hip restaurant – Japonesa opens for lunchtime diners.
Japonesa is a Japanese-Peruvian-themed restaurant strategically located on the corner of Don Pedro and Jacobo streets in Poblacion, Makati. Its conceptualization was brought about by the meeting of Notorious Concepts CEO James Thomas and Luis Higa, a Japanese national who lived in Peru for nearly half of his life who is also the Head Chef of Japonesa. Japonesa is the third establishment to be opened by the Notorious Concepts.
Related Read: Japan Travel Diaries
Japan is one of my favorite countries that I want to visit again. It is exciting to have a taste of Japan (and Peru) through this new restaurant in Poblacion.



Japonesa offers a warm and intimate interior. Comfortable atmosphere and warm lights, with a touch of fun colors that reminds me of Rainbow Mountains (Peru). Every inch and corner of the restaurant deserves a space on your Instagram! (including the food and drinks!). There are comfortable seats and long tables for gatherings, and a fully-stocked bar for late-night drinks.



The dining area can seat 82 pax making it perfect for gatherings or meetings with friends and family. The main attraction and newest addition to the Japonesa interior is the 14-seater table custom-made for the restaurant’s main dining room. It was inspired by Japanese Kintsugi art which is the technique of repairing broken pottery with resin and gold. The solid wooden slab has gold resin spidered throughout the “cracked” surface which gives a luxuriously sleek character to the piece.
Curious about what to order at Japonesa? Here’s what we had:
A fusion of flavors and colors, Japonesa offers specialty food.


La Japonesa (crispy rice, spicy tuna, green chili) Php 650 |Bomba Camarones (crispy shrimp, spicy aoili) Php 500


Maguro Tartare (tuna, avocado, sweet potato chips) Php 500 | Pollo Mostaza (chicken thigh, creamy dijon) Php 550


Sakura (gin, strawberry, hibiscus) Php 400


Entero Shimeji (mushroom, squash puree, garlic chimchurri) Php 380


Maguro Gremolata (seared tuna belly, salsa, gremolata) Php 700


Watermelon Highball Sake (sake, watermelon) Php 380 | Pescado y Gambas al Ajillo (white fish, butter garlic sauce) Php 950
Some of the other items you can order include Lengua Katsu, Lomo Saltado, Tapas, Tiraditos, and Ceviches.
We had a lovely lunch at Japonesa. I wish they would start offering desserts on their menu, too.


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Japonesa is open from 11AM – 1:00AM on Sunday – Thursday, and 11:00AM – 3:00AM on
Fridays and Saturdays. Located at 5856 Jacobo St., Brgy Poblacion, Makati City.
All guests are encouraged to make a reservation before coming to the restaurant. Walk-ins are
welcome but will be subject to table availability. Reservations can be made by messaging our
official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/japonesapoblacion) or our Instagram page
(@japonesapoblacion