Are you ready to raise your cup and say “kanpai”?
Make room for the slice of Japan that just opened at Banilad Town Centre. Kushi Izakaya invites you to savor authentic grilled (yaki) and fried (katsu) skewers (kushi), perfectly paired with beer, sake, highballs, or cocktails. And if that doesn’t sound inviting, I don’t know what is.
The Izakaya ambiance straight from Yokohama
The term “izakaya” literally translates to 3 kanji characters meaning “Stay-Drink-Place.” It’s a laid-back venue where people relax, eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company without worrying about time.
Inspired by their many evenings soaking in the vibrant izakaya culture during trips to Japan, the creators of Kushi envisioned bringing this relaxed vibe, paired with great food and drinks, to the Philippines.
This is now brought to life by their head chef, who has been operating his own izakaya in Yokohama City, Japan for 10 years. Offering a thoughtfully curated menu, Kushi introduces Cebu to a one-of-a-kind izakaya dining experience.
‘Stick’ to the basics
The “kushi” in the name Kushi Izakaya means ‘sticks’ or ‘skewers’, so it’s no surprise their specialty shines on a stick!
Whether you’re team kushiyaki (grilled skewers) or kushikatsu (fried skewers), there’s plenty to love. Grilled options come shio-style (salt-based) or tare-style (soy sauce-based)—don’t miss the tsukune tare, beef tare, or pork belly mochi.
Meanwhile, the fried skewers pair beautifully with their rich katsu sauce. Fan favorites? Try the eggplant, banana saba, and sweet potato—they’re crispy, savory perfection! And if you’re indecisive, the best-selling tsukune, beef tare, and chicken thighs never disappoint.
Not sure skewers are your thing? No worries—Kushi Izakaya has you covered with classic Japanese comfort foods like katsudon, katsu curry, and crispy chicken karaage.
For a hearty, crowd-pleasing option, the team highly recommends their gyutojidon, a rice bowl that’s sure to win you over. Wrap up your meal on a sweet note with their indulgent desserts, including coffee jelly, matcha jelly, or the decadent matcha cheesecake.
You can’t izakaya and not drink
Living up to its izakaya roots, Kushi Izakaya knows that skewers and drinks go hand-in-hand.
If you’re keeping it classic, grab a refreshing beer or a smooth sake. But if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try one of their signature cocktails or go for a highball! This popular Japanese mix of whisky and soda is sweet, bubbly, and perfect for sipping through long conversations with friends.
No matter what you’re drinking, the laid-back, flavorful vibe at Kushi Izakaya will keep you coming back for more.
Craving a visit? Head to Banilad Town Centre, Cebu, and don’t miss out on their ongoing promos—follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
Kushi Izakaya is open:
Sun – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Photography Kyrra Kho
