Recreating the Izakaya Vibe at Watami

...and it just can't get any better than that. Watami recreates the casual Japanese Izakaya gastropub experience with their newest branch in Uptown Mall, serving up traditional yakitori along with other Japanese staples and an equally wide selection of cocktails and premium beer.

I've always enjoyed Watami's extensive menu and their cool and casual vibe (for more on Watami, see my previous posts on my very first visit here some years back, and their Tasty Lunch Sets), and the new branch at Uptown Mall offers a unique spin on the Watami dining experience. 

Watami brings the iconic Japanese gastopub vibe, Izakaya style, to the metro with its newest branch at Uptown Mall. During the opening, the rhythmic beat of traditional Japanese Taiko drums (L) added a celebratory atmosphere, along with a welcoming committee garbed in Cosplay (R) to complete the festive feel.   

Like traditional Izakayas, you can order by the piece, in pairs, or sets, each freshly prepared in Watami's open kitchen layout. Nothing is prepared in advance, all items are prepared ala minute to ensure freshness so you can enjoy rich flavors at its peak. Start your izakaya experience at Watami with the Ebi Sushi (P 185)...

...the Salmon Sushi (P 185)...

...and the creamy Uni Sushi (P 145). Little bites to start your Izakaya experience, and it just gets better...

If it's fresh salmon you want, no worries. Watami's Assorted Salmon Sushi and Sashimi (P 465) should do the trick. And that's what makes the new Watami experience special, you can just order at your own pace, and keep the cold beer coming.

Mix it up with Watami's Assorted Sashimi (P 545), with salmon, tuna, fatty salmon, and mackerel for a variety of fresh flavors.

Another round of beer can build up your appetite, and Watami's Fatty Salmon Sashimi (P 295) does the job with its butter-like and creamy yet clean and fresh notes...

...or the refreshingly light Tuna Sashimi (P 225), comfortingly familiar, perfect with a cold beer.

Spice things up with the Spicy Salmon Tempura (P 195, L) with its play on bold flavors and texture for the next round. The extensive menu also includes a pair of refreshing salads, like the Watami Salad (P 145, lower right) and the Caesar Salad with Teriyaki Chicken (P 155, upper right) topped with hot spring egg.

In between, enjoy a tipple with Watami's Japanese-inspired cocktails, like the Shochu Apple (P 95), with the mildly tart and sweet notes of green apple spiked with Shochu, pairing well with the delicate flavors of the fresh sashimi and sushi.

Other cocktails include the colorful Samurai Rock (P 95, L), with its more pronounced flavors; or an ice cold Asahi Super Dry (P 150, R), perfect with Watami's signature skewers or yakitori selection. Pairing your drink with Watami's varied menu adds to the fun, so just go with the flow.

Then, go for Watami's signature skewers, like the Chicken Balls (P 75/pc), Bacon Quail Egg (P 75/pc), and Chicken Skin (P 40/pc) for starters. Order by the piece or create your own set, it's your call. Each skewer is delicately grilled, still juicy and bursting with flavors with each bite.

Follow it up with another ice-cold Asahi Super Dry and some Chicken Thigh (P 55/pc) and Roasted Beef & Spring Onion Roll (P 95/pc)...

...and the Chicken Wing (P 55/pc), Chicken Liver (P 55/pc), and Pork & Enoki (P 75/pc). The sweet teriyaki glaze adds layers of flavors to the skewers, and the combinations are endless.

And there's more. Add some tart and smoky notes to your skewers with the Cherry Tomato Bacon (P 75/pc), Bacon Asparagus (P 75/pc), and Chicken Heart (P 45/pc). There's just so much to try at Watami, so come in hungry.

One more order of Chicken Skin (P 40/pc)...

...and Baby Octopus (P 75/pc), another round of Asahi Super Dry, and all's good.

Watami also serves a selection of grilled seafood dishes, like the tasty Grilled Salmon Head (P 195)...

...and the flavorful Saba (P 245/P 275 with rice), a tender fillet of delicately grilled mackerel. Other grilled seafood dishes include the Sishamo (a saltwater smelt also called the willow leaf fish), Sanma (Pacific Saury), Iwashi (sardines), Aji (horse mackerel), Swordfish and Squid.  

If you're still hungry, go for Watami's hearty rice bowls, like the Tokyo-Style Beef Rice Bowl with Hot Spring Egg (P 255)...

...the light and refreshing Tuna Flakes Rice (P 195) drizzled with Japanese mayo...

...or the bold flavors of the Beef Pepper Rice (P 195), each one a complete meal in itself. Fresh sashimi and sushi, a variety of grilled skewers, salads, grilled seafood, and rice bowls, Watami's got it covered. And with a cold Asahi Super Dry by your side, you can create your own Izakaya-style feast at Watami...now open at Uptown Mall.

Watami is located at the Fourth Floor, Uptown Place Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City or call +63977-718-7634 for inquiries.

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