Fire up the group chat because Cebu has a new Japanese grill hotspot worth checking out! Teppanya officially opened its first Visayas branch at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces on June 17, giving food lovers another reason to say “lami” with its crowd-favorite unlimited wagyu, fresh seafood viands, and signature live teppanyaki cooking experience.
After ten years of serving premium Japanese cuisine in Metro Manila, the restaurant introduces Cebuanos to high-grade selections such as Takami Ranch Kobe Beef and Ito Ranch Matsusaka A5 Wagyu, two of the world’s most prized beef varieties.
During the grand opening and restaurant tour, Teppanya CEO Mark Pineda shared that the restaurant remains committed to showcasing some of Japan’s most prestigious wagyu labels, including Matsusaka, Kobe, and Miyazaki beef. Renowned for their exceptional marbling, tenderness, and strict quality standards, these premium varieties continue to be favorites among wagyu enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether it’s a family celebration, a catch-up with friends, a date night, or even a solo food adventure, guests can expect a welcoming and interactive dining experience at Teppanya. The restaurant features live teppanyaki stations, open-counter seating that offers a front-row view of chefs in action, and private rooms for more intimate gatherings. Its contemporary interiors balance comfort and elegance, creating a relaxed ambiance even during peak dining hours.
The most entertaining part is definitely the teppanyaki stations. With skilled chefs, sizzling grills, and occasional bursts of flame, every meal becomes a live culinary performance. For diners who enjoy a little entertainment alongside their food, Teppanya offers the best of both worlds: quality Japanese cuisine and a front-row seat to the action.
Bringing Yakiniku and Teppanyaki Under One Roof
What makes this branch extra special is that Cebu is the first to experience Teppanya’s yakiniku concept. Known as Kuroniku in Manila, the concept has been integrated into the restaurant, allowing Cebuanos to enjoy both signature teppanyaki and premium yakiniku offerings under one roof.
Whether guests prefer watching chefs work their magic or grilling premium cuts themselves, the focus remains on premium wagyu, including Kobe beef, served through an all-you-can-eat setup, with 60 minutes for ordering and up to 90 minutes to savor every dish. The generous dining window allows guests to explore different cuts and menu selections at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for both curious first-timers and seasoned wagyu lovers.
Beyond the meats, the menu includes maki rolls, rice dishes, soups, drinks, noodles, salads, desserts, and Japanese favorites such as tempura, wagyu croquettes, and chicken karaage. Many items are also available à la carte for those seeking lighter options.
To celebrate the opening, Teppanya is rolling out its year-long Wagyu Festival. Guests can enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the deluxe unlimited menu while paying the regular unlimited rate starting at ₱1,988+, unlocking savings of up to ₱700. The spread includes sushi, sashimi, tempura, Usuyaki beef rolls, donburi, ramen, desserts, and more.
Raising the Bar for Japanese Dining in Cebu
No visit to Teppanya is complete without trying the Ito Ranch Matsusaka A5 Wagyu. Rich, buttery, and exceptionally tender, each bite practically melts in your mouth. Equally impressive is the level of care that goes into its preparation. The meat is cooked according to the guest’s preferred doneness and finished with a dramatic flambé that adds a subtle smokiness to the flavor. The flames do not simply enhance the dish; they become part of the experience, making the meal even more memorable.
While the wagyu may be the star of the show, the nigiri, sushi, and sashimi platter deserves a spotlight of its own. Fresh, clean-tasting, and delicately prepared, each piece showcases the quality of the ingredients without any overpowering raw aftertaste. It highlights Teppanya’s commitment to quality ingredients and balanced flavors.
Seafood lovers will likewise find plenty to enjoy. The Teppan Seafood platter features Boston lobster, scallops, king prawns, large prawns, salmon, tuna, grouper fillet, and squid teppan. The freshness of the seafood complements the richer flavors of the grilled dishes, offering a satisfying alternative to the restaurant’s beef-focused selections.
Since 2015, Teppanya has built its reputation on delivering high-quality Japanese cuisine through premium ingredients, masterful culinary techniques, and memorable dining experiences. As a Filipino-owned restaurant brand, it continues to celebrate authentic Japanese flavors while adding the excitement of live teppanyaki cooking and warm hospitality.
For Cebuanos looking to celebrate a special occasion, indulge in a wagyu feast, or simply enjoy a meal with family and friends, Teppanya’s first Visayas branch is ready to serve up flavors worth coming back for!
For inquiries and reservations, contact Teppanya at 0945 283 4807 or visit the restaurant at Ayala Center Cebu, 2nd Floor of The Terraces. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Photography Dorothy Pradas
