Last June, I visited a Japanese restaurant whose name is inspired by the location of Tagaytay. Known for its cooler climate and high altitude, Aozora — which means “blue sky” in Japanese — is a fitting name for a restaurant in Tagaytay.
Previously located in Domicillo Hotel, Aozora can now be found on SVD Road. The restaurant plans to expand exclusively within the Tagaytay area to maintain its brand identity and become a go-to dining destination in the city for years to come.
The bloggers and I were able to try some of their dishes, which are prepared authentically by their Japanese chef, Seiji Kamura. The ingredients are also fresh from Japan, as their supplier frequently travels there to source quality products. With all that information in mind, I couldn’t wait to share the food served to us! Please continue reading.
The Dragon Maki was presented on a round chopping board-style plate, adding charm to the dish. Since the nori is inside and the rice is outside, this type of maki is delicate yet surprisingly crunchy! I loved how flavorful it was.
The Aozora Ramen, with a twist of the Filipino classic bulalo — a specialty Tagaytay is known for — had a unique taste. Interestingly, the broth didn’t seem to be beef-based, yet the beef slices were incredibly tender and flavorful.
Next, we were served Chicken Teriyaki, which had a pleasant smoky flavor, and Seafood Teppanyaki, which carried a subtle hint of oyster sauce.
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Seafood Teppanyaki
- Tempura
Of course, Tempura is a must, and pairing it with Yasai Itame made for a perfect combination!
They also offer breakfast options like Omurice, served with miso soup and Sumiyaki coffee. The restaurant is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
From the outside, the restaurant already exudes a Japanese ambiance with its brown wooden elements and black accents. The pricing is competitive with other Japanese restaurants I’ve visited in the city. The serving portions are generous — good for two — and the taste is undeniably authentic. The service was also efficient and commendable.
Ambiance: 5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Serving: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Taste: 4/5
Aozora Cafe & Bistro Address: 9028 SVD Road Brgy San Jose Tagaytay City
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but not swayed to write positive reviews. All thoughts and opinion are my own.