Japanese Casual Restaurant Watami

Watami is a pleasant surprise. It's huge, dim, and exudes modern Japanese feel in all of its branches. We love coming to Watami so much, that sometimes I get embarrassed when the staff try to offer me their Bistro card (worth Php2500) and I kept declining over and over.

Endless booths, tables and chairs give guests privacy and space to enjoy their meals. In their MoA branch, there's always a huge chance you could score a seat even during the holidays or crowded hours - because of their large capacity.

The neon red lights and border accent lights set the mood throughout Watami.

Wooden tables and comfy dining chairs in beige

An open kitchen and bar at the far end of the restaurant

Each table gets plain white plates, chopsticks, and condiments

Update: The newly opened Watami Mall of Asia branch. It's vast and roomy, with reflective ceiling, yet solemn and still elegant, even with the harsh sun beams.

Watami MoA has lovely seats that offer privacy per table.

Complimentary house tea

Jar of water

Passionfruit Mango Tea: Php145

Cold Soba with Tempura: Php375

Beef Pepper Rice: Php245

Maccha Anmitsu: Php175

Maccha Parfait: Php195

Chocolate Fondant Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream: Php200

Potato Rice Cake: Php195

Watami Salad (half): Php245

Deep Fried Tofu: Php195

Self-grilled Short Ribs: Php375

Chicken Breast Skewer: Php145

Miso Soup: Php60
Oolong Tea: Php145

Clams Cooked in Stone Pot with Japanese-Style Sauce: Php285

Kiwi Tea: Php145

Maccha Tiramisu: Php155

Watami Salad (half): Php255

Assorted Tempura: Php375

Beef Chuck Eye: Php295

French Fries: Php145

Remarks:

We love their maccha ice cream. It was mouth-wetting smooth.
The Cold Soba + Tempura were both perfect with the sauce. Serving is for sharing.
Servers were friendly and even with the vast area, there were several of them around and one will always be near your table.
I will come back for the desserts alone.
My ultimate fave is Watami's self-grilled short ribs!! Super succulent and flavorful. Sadly, it's been discontinued :(
I went for the Maccha Tiramisu because I've been looking for anything similar with the matcha tiramisu chocolate I got from Tokyo. In a way, this dessert is halfway there, but the chocolate has almond so it has better crunch.
I would recommend the Watami Salad, it's faultless!
The clams in stone pot was tasty too.