What to Order in Watami Japanese Restaurant, Makati

The Watami Restaurant in Glorietta near National Bookstore and Lugang

Going by a friend's recommendation

Through the recommendation of my foodie friend Robie Reyes, I convinced my family to check out the Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant, a new addition to the Bistro Group.

Where is Watami in Glorietta?

This particular branch of Watami is located in the ground floor of the newly renovated wing of Glorietta called "The New Glorietta Mall". The store is specifically located beside National Book Store, but can't be directly accessed inside the mall. You need to exit via NBS and turn right. 

Now that you know how to get there, let's briefly talk about the place itself!

The inviting and cozy place of Watami Restaurant

The Place 

Watami, although claimed to be a"casual" restaurant, is fancy and comfy at the same time. Yes, it features hints and elements of Japanese designs, so it contributes to the good ambiance. Plus, the room temperature was also just fine to enjoy what the house offers.

The Food 

Important Note: The photos in the menu will make you think that the serving is large; however, don't expect it to hold true when the orders are served to you. Otherwise, you will end up being disappointed with the serving.

Watami Salad (Whole) || P425 

Vibrance and diversity in bowl of Watami Salad
Have your heavenly starter with this awesome salad dish!

The Watami Salad is full of diverse flavors that will definitely create a spark in your mouth. (Don't worry there is definitely 0% of getting electrecuted here). To give you a better idea, this salad contains brocolli, corn, tomatoes, seaweeds and shrimps to name a few. Highlight of this dish revolved around the freshness, matched with crispiness and memorable taste of its dressing (Japanese Mayo Blend).

Premium Salmon Sashimi || P425

Fresh, tender and memorable salmon sashimi by Watami
Although the price may hold you back

The salmon sashimi was fine and fresh, but totally expensive! I know there's a premium for higher quality, but Watami is overdoing it, just like the Kamameshi House. Despite all these and for you, price is not an issue, then you will definitely enjoy this high-quality sashimi!

Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll || P285 

The forgettable and rather bland Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll of Watami

This Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll of Watami was poorly done (because it falls apart once you lift it up with chopsticks) and  completely forgettable. As a matter of fact, it was as if we didn't have any of the rolls. In short, it was almost a complete failure.

Cookie and Ice Cream Shake || P175

Watami's Cookie and Ice Cream Shake

This Cookie and Ice Cream Shake was bland and common making it qualify as one of those dishes you felt you were robbed. 

The Comeback

One of the managers-in-charge dropped by our table and asked how we found the food (plus points for service). I communicated my dismay on the shake, and she gave us a replacement. Now, the taste was finer, and did not make me feel I was robbed anymore. However still, this suggests that there may be inconsistencies that lead to instances when you will be served the bland one.

Buttered Clams in Stone Pot || P295

The disappointment in a stone pot - Watami's Buttered Clams!

First off, let me air out my dismay with this dish (due to Watami's serving misrepresentation via the menu). Next, it didn't seem like it was a soup because most of the supposedly soup evaporated already. As a result, the taste became too potent that was too distracting (i.e. intense buttery and seafood taste).

Okonomiyaki || P355

Watami's Japanese Okonomiyaki - sweet and savory delight!

This is a light vegetable dish that will definitely delight your taste buds with its sweet and savory team-up. The taste and texture is close to a takoyaki, but this one is tastier (less the squid).

Anyway, I was supposed to give out my recommendation on this, until I saw the price once more. However, again, if price is not an issue, you'll enjoy this one (but one of the best Okonomiyaki I tasted was in Sugi).

Pork Rice in Stone Pot || P295 

Signature Pork Rice in Stone Pot of Watami Restaurant
This is served in an amusing way that makes the dish more enjoyable!

This Pork Rice in Stone Pot of Watami is more distinct and exciting flavor than the Tokyo Beef Rice (Watami's version of a Gyudon) probably due to the stone pot cooking, and the re-creation of a better taste from the mixture of the raw egg with the rice dish! Filipinos will definitely love this because of its subtle sweetness.

Note: Psychological pricing worked on this one because it made me believe that this was affordable (relative to other dishes).

Assorted Tempura || P355

Watami's Assorted Tempura
Watami Japanese Restaurant, New Glorietta Mall

The tempura was somewhat bland according to my brother but it was fine for me, in fact I appreciated it. Based on my taste preference, I found the dimensions of the flavors balance. One thumb up for ths for the taste, but the other thumb down for the price (or more appropriately, value for money).

Beef Kimchi Rice || P295
My Friend Robie's Personal Favorite

Generous serving from Watami of Beef Kimchi Rice!

This Beef Kimchi was okay but may suit for specific group of foodies such as those who appreciate saltiness and strong veggie taste. Perhaps this will appeal more to Koreans? (Just a random guess)

Tokyo Beef Rice || P265 

Non-photogenic but tasty Tokyo Beef Rice of Watami Japanese Restaurant in Glorietta

The best Gyudon I tasted so far was that of Ajisen Ramen, and I use this as a benchmark. Although the benchmark wins by far, Watami's Tokyo Beef Rice was more than decent enough. (In my assessment, this had a similar taste with the Pork Rice, only the latter was better).

Beef Pepper Rice || P245

The Tantalizing Beef Pepper Rice of Watami Japanese Restaurant

Tired of going to Pepper Lunch? Why not try Watami's own version of Beef Pepper Rice! Although my younger brother said he still love Pepper Lunch more, my friend Robie said that he liked this one better. Since we don't have a consensus, I urge you to try it yourself, and tell us what you think! :)


Watami in a Nutshell and Rating Overview

Place:  ★★★★
Food: ★★★★
Service: ★★★★
Price:  ★★★

Budget:
At least P450 each person

Overall, we all enjoyed our first dining experience in Watami! Admittedly, there were dishes that either didn't fit our taste or didn't meet our expectation. Even so, Watami was successful in granting us a fantastic family dinner! It may take time before we actually visit the place, but we will definitely go back to Watami for its awesome stone pot dishes!

Extra note: It is preferable to dine here when you have a Bistro Card that can provide you 20% discount and 30% (every Monday). 

Watami Japanese Restaurant 
Location:
Ground Floor, The New Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Makati Citty

Service Charge: 10% before VAT