Admittedly, I'm not a fan of raw food and one of the well known of Japanese which is the sushi and sashimi is something I would just have a bite or not at all.  Even though, there still some of the Japanese Cuisine that I like and loved to eat as well.  A few weeks ago we were invited in one of the Japanese Restaurant somewhere in Malate and specifically along Adriatico Street.  Not very familiar with the place as I'm not very well versed in this side of the metro.  Anyway good that hubby is with us.

The place is called IZAKAYA KENTA.  Judging from the characters and name it is truly a Japanese Restaurant but what is surprising is that the restaurant is owned by Filipinos who happens to have loved the Japanese food and culture very well.  Their names are Dr. Sakura Medina and Mr. Erwin Medina, and they are siblings.  According to them, with their love for the Japanese food they were able to have this restaurant relived its glory days for they have been one of the fondest goers in this establishment before but when the owner declared bankruptcy, the opportunity hits them and took the to own it and register it under their names.


IZAKAYA KENTA can be translated as a place of drinking and unwinding for Japanese people.  They does this after their office work.  In the street of Adriatico there are plenty of Japanese restaurants with the IZAKAYA name but differs in the suffixes.  So, in order to not get confused always remember the KENTA on the end portion of the name.  I know you wont mistake that for something else already.



The place is big enough to accommodate customers.  Aside from the seats in the common area, there are also private rooms for family gatherings or friends and offices. The place is clean and cozy.  It maximizes the entire floor area of the establishment.

Since this is a restaurant, food is the reason we are here and right after these stanza you'll be reading details of my IZAKAYA KENTA experience.

Let's start with their drinks as this is what should be given first to customers before they get their orders.  Their version of Iced Tea, the Mugi Cha (cold tea) and the Ocha (hot tea).

Iced Tea

Ocha (Hot Tea)

Mugi Cha (Cold Tea)

First of the meal, the appetizers.  They served first the Supaghetti Sarada and the Potato Salad.  With crunchy vegetables.  Both are mixed with fresh and crunchy veggies.

Supaghetti Sarada

Potato Salad

The main course of the meal composed of  Santenmori and the Mixed Nigiro-jou in which I have mentioned earlier that I am not a big fan of these.  Aside from the two there were also the Tako Potato which is basically potato balls but what's intriguing with it is its flavor and the sauce used in it. An addicting flavor!

Santenmori

Tako Potato

Mixed Nigiri-jou

We also tried the Akimono Tori – Karaage, Gindara Teriyaki, Gyu Suteki, and Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pizza). It was really a tummy filling experience.

Agimono - Tori Karaage

Gyu Suteki

Gindara Teriyaki

Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pizza)

Then one of my favorite in a full or partial meal course was the dessert, a mouthful and tasty Purin (Leche Flan) and the Mochi (green tea), which is just enough to balance the flavor.

Purin

Mochi (Green Tea)

There were also a sake available for drinking but I'm not a fond drinker so it is just hubby who took the shot of drinking sake or rice wine. 


IZAKAYA KENTA for me is a great place to visit and experience authentic Japanese Cuisines.  Just make sure to have enough budget for you to enjoy this Japanese experience.

IZAKAYA KENTA
https://www.facebook.com/izakayakenta
Unit B G/F Malate Bayview Mansion
1781 Adriatico Street, Malate Manila
(02) 523 1874