Turning Japanese at Isshin Japanese Restaurant

Other than Chinese cuisine, Japanese food pleases me just as much. So when a friend of mine called for a get-together in Isshin Japanese Restaurant in Makati, I don’t have any reason to decline.

Been hearing  raves about these restaurant from friends and some online reviews. Should be worthy to check it out. This is my first teppanyaki dining experience.

Isshin is located in Arnaiz Ave (Pasay Road) Makati City.

Menu – I tried Miso soup – traditional soy bean soup (php65), I love the miso soup. The best so far.
For my main meal, I ordered Tori Katsu (Fried marinated chicken) bento (Php265).

Tori katsu Bento

I was surprised with the generous serving of their bento meals (rice, mashed potato, sautéed bean sprout, soft tofu, and soup). It was a filling meal, and it’s sad I wasn’t able to finish everything in that big box.

Our friend was surprised none of us ordered teppanyaki and it doesn’t make any sense why we have reservation in teppanyaki section.

But since we already ordered our meals, we just added an ala carte serving of Mixed Teppanyaki (chicken, shrimp, fish) for sharing (good for 2 persons)

Teppanyaki is good, but I would probably ask the teppanyaki chef to lightly season the teppanyaki. It’s salty that it overpowered the taste of the meat.

Ambiance

We had a reservation at the teppanyaki section, where there are around 3 to 4 spacious tables (with teppan) separated by wooden dividers, ideal for large group of customers. Nothing much with the interiors, Not a posh place but it is relaxing place to hang out with friends or family while you’re watching your teppanyaki to be cooked. And I see a lot of Japanese nationals dining in. They say Isshin is a standard Japanese teppanyaki resto.

Price

I’ve been through some Japanese restaurants where I pay gourmet price for ordinary menu. With Isshin, I am happy with the price I pay for the generous serving and good food being served.. Of course except for drinks. Restaurant always charge ridiculous price for the regular sodas you can buy in groceries and convenience stores.

I paid a little less than Php400 (including the service charge). But if you’re up to just a simple yet filling meal, a budget of Php250-300 would not leave your tummy a little less satisfied.

Service – Serving time is fast, courteous staff. As for the teppanyaki chef, we didn’t pay much attention to him since we are so absorbed with our chitchats. His demonstrated cooking skills is nothing extraordinary.

They offered a dessert (ice cream) but since we are running late and quite full, we skipped that one good part L

Parking – Cramped parking space. This can be quite a challenge if you visit at around dinner time.

Business hours – They are open from 10AM. My friend said it closes at 3AM.

I would visit Isshin again if I happen to be within the area, or if friends are willing to drive for a lunch out.