Regina Troy Barrios

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Sugi Makati

<h2 id="isPasted"><strong>In a nutshell</strong></h2><p>
Sugi’s glow-up turns a familiar Makati favorite into a sleek, modern escape, where cozy charm meets crave-worthy Japanese classics and a fresh, stylish vibe. Expect handcrafted sushi, elevated comfort dishes, and a dining experience that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.</p><div><br/></div><h2><strong>Need to know</strong></h2><ul data-end="910" data-start="430" style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><li data-end="483" data-start="430"><p><strong>Location:</strong> G/F Garden Towers, Palm Promenade, Makati</p></li><li data-end="541" data-start="484"><p><strong>Cuisine:</strong> Japanese, contemporary takes on classics</p></li><li data-end="597" data-start="542"><p><strong>Price point:</strong> ₱1,200 to ₱2,500 per person </p></li><li data-end="680" data-start="598"><p><strong>Best for:</strong> Intimate dinners, date nights, special occasions, foodie friends</p></li><li data-end="760" data-start="681"><p><strong>Must-try dishes:</strong> Sake Chazuke, Toriju, handcrafted sushi at the counter</p></li><li data-end="910" data-start="761"><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> Book the private room for a cozy, low-table experience; sit at the sushi counter for chef-crafted theatrics and fresh pours of sake.</p></li></ul><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17567111898133.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The Intimate elegance of a private dining room at Sugi | Photo: Sugi</span></span></span></div><p>If you grew up in Manila, chances are someone in your family has fond memories of Sugi, the Japanese restaurant that’s been around since 1982. My parents and their friends talk about it like an old friend: Sunday lunches, post-shopping dinners at Greenbelt, and the kind of waitstaff who know your family’s go-to order by heart.</p><p>Now, over 40 years later, Sugi has officially entered its next chapter, and I got to experience it with fresh eyes (and a younger stomach).</p><div><br/></div><h3><strong>A modern space for the next generation</strong></h3><p>Sugi had to relocate last year because of the Greenbelt renovations, but instead of just moving, they gave themselves a full glow-up. On September 13, 2024, the restaurant reopened at the G/F of Garden Towers, right across from Glorietta.</p><p>Walking in, I immediately felt the difference. The new space is bright, airy, and warm with natural wood tones—minimalist but inviting. Architect Lara Fernandez Barrios perfectly blended Japanese simplicity with that “clean, fresh, Instagram-friendly” vibe that definitely clicks with younger diners like me. Yet, look closely and you’ll see pieces of the old Sugi, like vases and vintage Japanese maps, quietly honoring its legacy.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17567112048922.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Fresh, modern dining in a space of soaring ceilings and sunlight | Photo: Sugi</span></span></span></div><p>When I asked about this balance of old and new, they told me: “Sugi has always been a family establishment. We’ve had generations of regulars dining with us—from grandparents to grandkids! For our new space, we wanted it to feel like home, just fresher and more modern, while keeping those Japanese elements that connect to wood and nature”</p><p>And that’s exactly how it feels.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17567112519944.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Get a front-row seat at the bar and watch the chef craft your sushi | Photo: Sugi</span></span></span></div><h3><br/></h3><h3><strong>Comforting classics with little surprises</strong></h3><p>While the interiors got a facelift, the menu is still very much Sugi — traditional, comforting, and consistent.</p><p>I started with my instant favorite: <strong>Salmon Aburi Maki</strong>, an ebi fry roll topped with torched salmon, haikara flakes, and tobikko. It’s creamy, smoky, and crunchy all at once—basically everything I want in a sushi bite. Then came the <strong>Wafu Steak</strong>, tenderloin served with mushrooms and tofu in a savory teppanyaki sauce. It’s simple but indulgent, the kind of dish that makes you slow down and enjoy.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17567113593145.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Handcrafted sushi at the counter, as beautiful as it is delicious | Photo: Sugi</span></span></span></div><p>Feeling adventurous, I tried the <strong>Kushi Age Moriawase</strong>: Assorted fried skewers like bacon-wrapped asparagus, shrimp with leeks, and mozzarella-stuffed quail eggs. Each bite was a fun little surprise, and it’s exactly the kind of sharable dish you want with friends over a bottle of sake.</p><p>Speaking of sake, there came a moment I did not expect at all: they brought out a bottle of <strong>MIO CLEAR Sparkling Sake</strong>, and I was SO excited. I didn’t even know they served it here! I LOVE MIO—it’s fruity, sweet, and refreshingly light, the perfect lunch companion. I even keep a bottle at home for weekend lunches because it’s so easy to enjoy and pairs perfectly with Japanese food — or honestly, even just on its own. That first sip instantly leveled up my whole meal.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17567114664947.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Savor Sake Chazuke: soothing salmon, nori, and rice in green tea | Photo: Sugi</span></span></span></div><p>To end the lunch, I went for <strong>Black Sesame Ice Cream</strong>, and wow… creamy, nutty, slightly earthy, and not too sweet. What a way to wrap things up! I left in such a good mood that it carried through the whole day.</p><p>And if you’re the type who always wants to try something new, Sugi’s seasonal menu is worth checking out. Chef Kenichi Kasahara crafts limited-edition dishes every four months, like the Buta Bara Amakari Yaki (kimchi-marinated pork cutlet) and Kajiki Steak (blue marlin teppanyaki). It’s their way of keeping the menu playful without losing their authentic roots.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17567114799968.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Toriju comfort: grilled chicken teriyaki with pickled daikon and miso soup | Photo: Sugi</span></span></span></div><h3><strong>The Sugi experience in 2025</strong></h3><p>The best way I can describe it? Sugi feels like visiting a beloved family friend… One who just renovated their house and now has amazing lighting for selfies.</p><p>The staff is warm and attentive, with some servers having worked here for decades. They really make you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit. We dined in one of Sugi’s private rooms, which felt cozy and intimate—a great option if you’re with family or celebrating something. But if you prefer a livelier vibe, the open dining area with the sushi bar as the focal point lets you watch the chefs in action while taking in the modern, sunlit interiors.</p><div><br/></div><p>In a dining scene full of trendy spots that come and go, Sugi is a rare classic with staying power; Now refreshed for a new generation without losing the heart that’s made it a Makati institution for over 40 years.</p><div><em>Craving authentic Japanese with a side of nostalgia? Find </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sugimnl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Sugi</em></a><em> at G/F Garden Towers, across from Glorietta, and follow @sugimnl for seasonal menu drops and chef’s specials.</em></div>

<p>Sugi, a beloved Makati spot, has been completely reimagined with sleek interiors, an updated menu, and a fresh, stylish vibe that elevates the classic dining experience</p>

Sugi, a beloved Makati spot, has been completely reimagined with sleek interiors, an updated menu, and a fresh, stylish vibe that elevates the classic dining experience

Inside Sugi’s Glow-Up: This Beloved Makati Spot Just Got A Serious Upgrade

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Inside Sugi’s Glow-Up: This Beloved Makati Spot Just Got A Serious Upgrade

CJ Reyes

Published Aug 31, 2025 03:55 PM PHT

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Updated Sep 01, 2025 03:50 PM PHT

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