Okada Manila’s signature Japanese restaurant returns to add more fun and panache in authentic Japanese cuisine
Welcoming guests inside Enbu are more than 2000 red lanterns reminding one of (if you’ve been to Japan) street lanterns during festivals. And at the main dining area, diners can watch the chef with his team grill your favorite seafood with the smoky aroma you love.
At the helm of the restaurant is the very young-looking Chef Sugiyama who envisions the new Enbu to be a more youthful version of itself. “Since the food is cooked in front of the customers, I want to show more activity, more theatricality. It’s also going to be more casual, relaxed, and fun, as compared to other fine dining restaurants in the property.” This idea of giving diners a full sensory experience through the theatre of food stems from the chef’s deep appreciation of fresh ingredients and cooking.
When asked about what makes Enbu so special, Chef Yoshihiro Sugiyama is quick to point out that dining in the restaurant is a complete sensory experience. “It’s very theatrical,” he shares. From the choice, fresh ingredients brought in from Japan to the hip, yet sophisticated ambiance that draws from Japanese architecture to the flavourful grilled specialties robatayaki is known for—every meal at Enbu is meant to be a sure delight.
He started cooking at 22 and now at 44, it is very evident that he loves his culture so much. Sugiyama’s love for Japanese cuisine blossomed as he was growing up in the streets of Shizuoka. His family owned a restaurant and fish shop and Sugiyama learned to know the world surrounded by the aromas and tastes of various ingredients. It also helped that he often watched other people cook, piquing his interest in the culinary arts. He has since worked in the kitchens of notable restaurants in Kyoto until he finally found his way to Okada Manila as Enbu’s Chef De Cuisine.
Those who are ready for robatayaki will be thrilled to know they can once again enjoy their favorite charcoal-grilled seafood and vegetables. Robatayaki, a method of cooking which literally translates to “fireside-cooking,” is characterized by grilling food over hot charcoal at varying speeds. Diners can enjoy tuna, salmon, and whitefish that’s prepared in true robatayaki style. For those who are craving for more tastes and textures, Enbu also offers satisfying sushi, tender Wagyu steak, an assortment of crunchy tempura, the freshest sashimi, sweet-savory chicken teriyaki, and even Japanese Halo-Halo for dessert. There’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds.
In celebration of Enbu’s reopening and Japanese culture, traditional taiko drummers performed at the restaurant, setting up a vibe for a true feast. Sugiyama adds, “Aside from good food, it’s a beautiful restaurant with a great ambiance. We want it to be a place couples, families, and friends can enjoy.”
Authentic as authentic can be! I do love Japanese food but Enbu made me clamor for more! Everything is delicious here at Enbu. What’s more, you can enjoy the dancing lights to your heart’s content as it is located at The Fountain side giving you a grand view of the spectacle!
For reservations and inquiries, please call +63 (2)8555 5799 or email RestaurantReservation@okadamanila. Lunch 11 AM to 3PM; Dinner 6PM to 12MN
Hours open: 11am-3pm (lunch, Friday-Saturday)
6pm-12mn (dinner, wed-mon)
Close on Tuesdays.
