Tokyo Café: A Western Japanese Fave

Even as a youngster, I've already discovered my fondness for Japanese food. Whether it be traditional or Japanese-Western, I'll go head over heels especially if the dishes are good. So there's really no wonder behind my love for Tokyo Café, a Yoshoku restaurant serving Japanese-Western food items, beverages and more. As the it’s a West meets East kind of restaurant, it's menu consists of fusioned salads, soups, hamburgs, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, parfaits, crepes, coffee, smoothies and tea.

I’ve already dined at Tokyo Café several times. And with all my trips, I can definitely say that their hamburg is one of their aces. I still haven’t tried all of their hamburg offerings, but I'm sure most, if not all of them are of really good quality. The meat of their hamburgs is very tender, juicy and succulent. One can eat it as it is and still be contented. But of course, the sauces can add an extra “oomph” to it.

So far, I have only got to try their Hamburg Steak (P178) which is served with a special gravy, my favorite Demi Hamburg (P185) which is served with demi glace sauce and fried egg, and the Garlic Cream Hamburg (P195) which is a very interesting item served with a creamy garlic sauce.

The pasta offerings at Tokyo Café are also quite good, though not exemplary. I've tried almost every item on their pasta menu, the Hamburg Pasta (P255), Bolognese (P215), Carbonara (P215), Garlic and Shrimp Pasta (P245), Japanese Carbonara (P215), as well as their Bacon Tomato Cream Pasta (P218). And among these pasta dishes, I think the Garlic and Shrimp, and Bacon Tomato Cream ones are my favorite.

After a few visits, I also got to try their pizzas which are quite good, especially if you're into thin crusts. The salads and soups are also good despite being on the pricier side. However, I can't say the same with the appetizers as I didn't find them satisfactory, especially their Chicken and Cheese Roll (P238).

Finally, to top off a good meal, Tokyo Café also offers a selection of sweet treats such as parfaits and crepes. As of the moment, I've only sampled their crepes and have found a favorite in Peach Mango Caramel Crepe (P95). And while I think they're quite good, I don't think they're anything special. Good thing, they're priced reasonably.

As for their beverage selection, I can only speak for the items I've tired which are mostly teas -- Iced Peach Tea (P68), Iced Lemon Tea (P68), Iced Royal Milk Tea (P68) and Iced Green Tea (P68). All these drinks personally satisfy me. However, most of my friends find them too herbal for their taste. So for the drinks, I think it'll just be a matter of personal preference.

THE VERDICT

I've already mentioned that Tokyo Café is one of my favorite restaurants. With food of good quality, a nice resto ambiance both in their SM Mall of Asia and SM The Block branches, and friendly and courteous service, it somehow offsets the higher pricing. And although I found some of their dishes quite mediocre, they got a hamburg selection which will keep me coming back again and again.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Tokyo Cafe, SM Mall of Asia
G/Lvl. South Wing, Main Mall Bldg.
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 556-0517

Tokyo Cafe, SM North - The Block
2/Lvl. SM North
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 441-0346