Good food will always find its way to our bellies, even in the midst of a pandemic. Which explains why, in spite of all the challenges, we’re now seeing some of the best food spots cropping up in the metro. Whether virtual or brick-and-mortar restaurants, these establishments ensure that whatever it is you’re currently craving, there will be someone serving a really delicious version of it somewhere. All you need to do is look.

A new favorite is the recently opened Nikkei Robata in BGC. We’re calling it when we say this will be your next favorite post-work hang! The original Nikkei opened in 2015 in Rada Street, Makati, and became known for its fabulous Peruvian-Japanese cuisine. To this, Nikkei Robata adds the element of fire via the robatayaki, a centuries-old cooking style originally from Hokkaido, which imbues dishes with a deep and earthy flame-kissed flavor that’s completely irresistible. The dishes on Nikkei Robata’s menu pair harmoniously with their selection of craft cocktails, Japanese beers, and other specialty drinks. And, as an ode to longtime patrons, you can expect to find Nikkei’s popular signature dishes on the menu as well.

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This concept flip is a trademark move by the Nikkei Group, says public relations and communications manager Monica Modomo. No Nikkei restaurant is exactly like another. Each of the five branches offers a different iteration of the Nikkei experience, while still winking back to the past with a few classic touches.

If you find yourself looking for that perfect spot where happy hour slides effortlessly into dinner, then eases gently into dessert-and-drinks with a party vibe, then Nikkei Robata should be your go-to. This place is so sexy, it’s a thirst trap, just of the culinary kind.

Urban Japanese style - Nikkei Robata fits right in with the urban vibe of its BGC location. Design inspiration from the grill carries over to the restaurant’s overall look, with wrought iron elements that offset the clean Japanese aesthetic, and the specially-designed robatayaki at the heart of it. Wooden bar chairs and high tables give the al fresco space that relaxed casual vibe. Perfect for people watching over drinks. Nikkei Robata

Hamachi Kama - If you’re hankering for deep smoky flavor, the Hamachi Kama will hit the spot on so many levels. The fish collar is perfectly charred, glistening with tare sauce, and served with fresh tomato-cilantro salad to cut through all the richness, cleansing your palate for that next bite. Go for it!Elizabeth S. Timbol

Soft Shell Crab Rolls - There’s a reason the Soft Shell Crab Roll is a classic. The crabs are fried perfectly crisp, playing on different textures that make one satisfying bite. Cucumber and mango add sweetness and freshness, while the yuzu mayo aioli adds yet another layer of flavor.Nikkei Robata

Smoked Salmon Rolls - Fans of the salmon and cream cheese combo will love this. Nikkei Robata puts a twist by using smoked salmon finished with tobiko and katsuobushi. Every bite teases the palate with a different layer of salty flavor from each of its ingredients. Skip the soy sauce on this one and add a dab of wasabi instead. Nikkei Robata

Chipirones Fritos - This is the dish you’ll be craving with an icy craft cocktail (the Highball Sinner is the bomb!) It’s hot, crispy, and drizzled with an umami-laden miso mayo. If that wasn’t enough, the togarashi sprinkled over the top adds just the hint of a spicy kick. Elizabeth S. Timbol

Kurobuta Pork Belly Kushiyaki - One of the fun things about robatayaki-style dining is how it allows you to sample small plates all evening. A standout on the list is the Kurobuta Pork Belly Kushiyaki. Known for its flavor and texture, the chefs take it to the next level by marinating it in honey miso, hoisin and tare sauce then let the grill fire kiss it ever so gently. Go for the Kushiyaki platter if you’re up for variety, and feast on ika, ebi, tamago and quail eggs too. Wash it all down with ice cold beer.Nikkei Robata

Yakitori Platter - Yakitori offers up a selection of grilled chicken parts – wings and thigh fillets – with a side of quail eggs and tamago. This gives off a great chicken barbecue vibe, which everyone loves, but doused in smoky and sweet Japanese flavors. The dish is meant for sharing, but it’s so good you’ll each want your own.Elizabeth S. Timbol

Robata Steak - It doesn’t matter how full you are, we say make space for this dish! The steak is cooked to a perfect medium-rare, so tender that you don’t even need a knife. Follow each perfect bite of steak with pillowy-soft truffled mashed potatoes, and you’ll be in umami heaven. A glass of red wine (and they have quite a selection) would be perfectly in order.Elizabeth S. Timbol

Scallops with Uni Sauce - Lying on a bed of sushi rice, these succulent scallops have been barely seared to preserve their unctuous texture, then slathered with buttery uni sauce that takes the dish to another level. It’s so good we can’t resist using the rice to sop up all the sauce on the dish. Elizabeth S. Timbol

Nikkei Robata is located at the Ground Floor of The Uptown Ritz, 36th Street, Uptown, Bonifacio Global City. For reservations, call (0975) 087-0428 or (0945) 593-7143 or click here.

Lead photos: Nikkei Robata