Ortigas's first dedicated omakase counter — Hanami sits within the Shangri-La Plaza's dining level and represents a distinctly different philosophy from BGC's established counters. Chef Yamamoto Akira, trained for seven years at three-Michelin-starred Sushi Sawada in Ginza before relocating to Manila, has built a counter that treats Philippine waters as seriously as Japanese ones.
The counter's signature is its Palawan tambakol program — yellowfin tuna sourced from a dedicated ikejime fishing family in Palawan and air-freighted to Ortigas within hours of catch. Prepared in the Edomae tradition, the akami and chutoro cuts of local tambakol offer a mineral, equatorial profile that no Toyosu tuna can replicate.
While BGC counters lean exclusively on Japanese imports, Hanami's menu is a 70/30 blend — premium Toyosu and Hokkaido sourcing for the foundational pieces, with Chef Yamamoto's Philippine sourcing network providing the counter's most distinctive and memorable moments. The Shangri-La Plaza's hotel infrastructure ensures a hospitality standard that matches the culinary ambition.
This counter holds a Chef's Counter designation — awarded to Manila's omakase and counter-format restaurants where the head chef's personal sourcing, technique, and philosophy define every aspect of the experience.
Reservation Rules
- Pre-payment of 100% required to confirm reservation. 10 counter seats only.
- Counter begins at 19:00. All guests must be seated 10 minutes prior.
- Smart casual dress code — hotel standard. No shorts, sandals, or sleeveless tops.
- Photography is permitted between courses; flash photography prohibited.
- No substitutions to the omakase progression. Inform kitchen of severe allergies at time of booking.
- Cancellation within 72 hours: 100% charge applies.
Courses
* Philippine tambakol availability subject to Palawan catch schedule — typically May through September.
* Hokkaido uni at peak July–September. Counter communicates availability at time of confirmation.
* A5 Wagyu supplement available at PHP 2,500 / 60g.
* All prices VAT inclusive. 10% service charge applies separately.
Restaurant Information
Reservation Details
* Pre-payment of ¥1,980 or more required.
Next available
2–5 weeks typical — July/August fills fastest
Acceptance deadline
60 days in advance
Last available date
No specific last date