Ichiriki Chaya - Cebu City

I had dinner last night with my Japanese bosses at this authentic Japanese restaurant. I was expecting it to be quite expensive, but I was pleasantly surprised when I checked the menu. They offer dishes ranging from 100php to 500php, with even some more affordable options. Despite having some pricier items, the restaurant also offers San Miguel Light for just 60php. Good food doesn't always have to break the bank, and this place proved it.

If you are searching for a great authentic Japanese restaurant, Iiriki Chaya is the place to visit. However, if you are trying to save money, I suggest sharing an order with your date or family member. Our favorite dish is the Kakatsudon curry with Japanese rice and Ebi tempura. I have not found any restaurants in Cebu that compare to them so far. Yes, it may be a bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it!

I believe this restaurant might have been better in the past, but it is not terrible now, just a bit outdated. The servers are friendly and smile, but they tend to chat with their coworkers. The atmosphere can feel a bit lacking, even with only 2 tables occupied. They also seem unfamiliar with the extensive and confusing menu, but they try their best. The food was fresh and the portions were generous. I had heard it was expensive, but we found it to be reasonably priced. Our group of 3 ordered enough food for 5 people and our bill came out to around p1400, including drinks.

Recently Iiriki chaya visited after more than half a decade. the hotel is located on A.S fortuna, a few hundred meters behind oakridge of banilad, and on the opposite side of the road. the original Ichiriki chaya is a very exclusive and expensive Geisha house in...Kyoto, which was impressed in the famous history of the 47 ronin, chushingura. our Mandaue version reminds of the Kyoto original, accented with beautiful dark wood, especially in the Japanese area above, and with an aura of faded elegance. we ordered chirashi zushi, sanshoku don and gyoza. everything was/was good. Although perhaps not up to its previous level of magnificentness, yet one of the best (if not the best) Japanese restaurants in cebu. also with an adjacent massage center and a small hotel in the connection.

Ichiriki Chaya, (building by the same name Trip Adviser, please note the spelling on the always busy A.S. Fortuna (road) is a hotel, spa centre and restaurant. Entry to the restaurant and spa is via a huge swinging door, which adds to the mystery...beyond. Ground floor restaurant offers tables and chairs, with Japanese-style wall adornments, while upstairs there are hole-in-the-floor tables and cushions for diners, mainly smokers. The atmosphere is quieter and more austere than a noisy izakaya. The wait staff are attentive and friendly and the Japanese owner herself went from table to table to welcome guests. The cuisine is not cheap, but presentation is appealing to the eyes. Favourite would have to have been the aburikatsuo (seared bonito on a bed of onion with ginger ponzu sauce) for taste, while the kaisen misoyaki (a small serve of seafood in a shell mounted on rocks with flames underneath) was a bit of a delight to see at the table. Ichiriki Chaya has the reputation in Cebu as being a more extravagant Japanese restaurant, but for taste and the relaxing atmosphere it is worth it, as the customers will attest, no doubt.