HIRO Japanese Yakiniku: A Must-try Japanese Restaurant in Metro Manila Serving Authentic A5 OMI Wagyu from Shiga, Japan
HIRO Japanese Yakiniku is a Japanese restaurant in Makati serving some seriously premium Wagyu! It’s the kind of place you could easily walk past if you didn’t know it was there. Their location in Makati may be low-key, but the Wagyu they serve is anything but ordinary, but before we proceed to our honest review on our Yakiniku Experience in Makati Branch, let me share interesting details about HIRO Japanese Yakiniku.
Beyond the Grill: How HIRO Brings a 400-Year Omi Wagyu Tradition to Manila
HIRO Japanese Yakiniku began with a simple dream: to create a place where people could enjoy good Japanese yakiniku, quality ingredients, and meaningful moments around the table.
The restaurant opened in Legazpi Village, Makati City, during the pandemic. There was no traditional grand opening or formal soft opening. HIRO simply opened its doors and began its journey during a challenging time for the restaurant industry.
From the beginning, one of HIRO’s owners was deeply hands-on with the restaurant’s operations. She personally helped manage the day-to-day activities, worked alongside the team, and stepped in wherever she was needed. Her dedication became an important part of HIRO’s early story.
Little by little, HIRO grew. What started in Legazpi Village eventually led to a new milestone, the opening of HIRO Premier at SM Aura, BGC, a larger location that allowed the brand to welcome more guests and continue its Japanese yakiniku experience in a new setting.
A 400-Year Omi Wagyu Tradition
Today, HIRO is known for serving Omi Wagyu from Shiga, Japan, one of Japan’s Three Great Wagyu, alongside Kobe and Matsusaka. With approximately 400 years of heritage, Omi Wagyu carries a long-standing tradition of Japanese craftsmanship. Its delicate marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor have made it one of Japan’s most respected wagyu varieties.
HIRO’s Omi Wagyu is exclusively sourced from Daikichi Black Wagyu Farm in Japan, making HIRO the only restaurant in the Philippines supplied with Omi Wagyu from the farm.
The relationship is personal. The HIRO team personally visits Daikichi Black Wagyu Farm in Japan, allowing them to connect directly with the source and better understand the people and dedication behind the beef they bring to Manila.
Certified, Traceable, and Exclusively A4 and A5
HIRO serves exclusively A4 and A5-grade Omi Wagyu.
Every monthly delivery from Daikichi Black Wagyu Farm comes with certification, while each slab carries its own unique identification code or serial number that can be checked through the designated Japanese verification system.
This traceability allows the authenticity and information associated with the specific wagyu to be verified, giving guests greater confidence in what is being served at their table.
For HIRO, it is not simply about calling something “premium wagyu.” It is about knowing its source, verifying its credentials, and maintaining the quality of the beef served to every guest.
More Than a Restaurant
As HIRO’s relationship with Daikichi Black Wagyu Farm continues to grow, the brand has also expanded beyond its own restaurants.
HIRO now offers its premium Japanese wagyu through wholesale, making its carefully sourced Omi Wagyu available to selected restaurants, businesses, and other partners in the Philippines. It is another way for HIRO to share the wagyu it has personally sourced and built a relationship around, bringing authentic Japanese beef to more tables beyond its own dining rooms.
A New Wagyu Chapter
Alongside its signature Omi Wagyu from Shiga, HIRO has also introduced Hokkaido Wagyu from Hokkaido, Japan, giving guests another opportunity to discover the distinct character of Japanese beef from a different region.
The addition reflects HIRO’s continuing passion for Japanese wagyu and its desire to introduce guests to the different regions, traditions, and craftsmanship behind Japan’s celebrated beef culture.
From Makati to BGC
From its beginnings in Legazpi Village, Makati, HIRO has grown into two destinations, including HIRO Premier at SM Aura, BGC.
What began as a restaurant that opened quietly during the pandemic has grown into a name known for Japanese Yakiniku and premium Japanese wagyu.
Yet the heart of HIRO remains simple: gather around the grill, share good food, enjoy good company, and create memorable moments.
From the 400-year Omi Wagyu tradition of Shiga to the newly introduced Hokkaido Wagyu, HIRO continues to bring the flavors and stories of Japan to Manila—one carefully selected cut at
a time.
Restaurant Review - Sharing our Hiro Japanese Yakiniku Experience
We went to their Makati Branch, Hiro Japanese Yakiniku which is currently located at basement of the OPL Building in Makati.
After trying it for ourselves, we finally understand why people make the trip to this discreet spot. One of the most interesting things we learned during our visit is the history behind Omi Wagyu. With a heritage spanning around 400 years, Omi Wagyu is traditionally recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Wagyu, alongside Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef "kaya ang sarap talaga dito!". That impressive history makes the experience at HIRO even more special, especially when you see the beautiful marbling of the beef before it even touches the grill. And once you taste it? That’s when things get even better.
Must-Try in their menu:
If it’s your first time at HIRO and you want the full Omi Wagyu experience, pick their Top 4 Signature Meats.
We recommend starting with the Goten Mori.
Goten Mori - 5 Premium Cuts of Omi Wagyu Php 6,490
Goten Mori platter features five premium cuts of Omi Wagyu, giving you the chance to experience different cuts in one order. The best part is that you don’t need to do much to enjoy beef of this quality. Give it a quick grill, take a bite, and you’ll immediately notice how incredibly tender it is. The meat practically melts in your mouth, with a rich, buttery flavor that makes every bite feel indulgent. For Wagyu lovers, this is definitely one of the highlights of the meal.
Hokkaido Wagyu Ribeye - 100g Php 1,590
Another must-try is their Hokkaido Wagyu Ribeye. This was another favorite at our table, especially if you enjoy the richness and tenderness of a beautifully marbled ribeye. It's juicy, flavorful, and satisfying! exactly the kind of dish you’d want when treating yourself to a premium Japanese barbecue experience.
Wagyu Tokujo Aburi - P890
You should also make room for the Wagyu Tokujo Aburi. The beef is sliced incredibly thin, so it only needs around 10 seconds on the grill. Once cooked, dip it into the fresh egg and sauce before taking a bite.
The combination works beautifully and the tender Wagyu paired with the creamy egg and savory sauce makes for an incredibly rich and satisfying bite.
This was easily another standout for us.
Premium Moriawase - Top Premium Kinds of assorted meats 420g P3,420
If you’re dining with family or friends, consider adding the Premium Moriawase to your order, it's a great option for sharing and gives everyone at the table more variety to enjoy. There’s also something about gathering around the grill, cooking each piece of meat, and enjoying it straight off the heat that makes the whole dining experience even better.
Other Must-Try Dishes
Tofu Salad, Sundubu Soap and Kimchi Namuru
The Verdict: Is HIRO Japanese Restaurant Worth Trying?
There’s no question that dining here is a premium experience.
But that’s also exactly what you’re coming for. From the authentic Omi Wagyu and gorgeous marbling to the interactive grilling experience, HIRO Japanese Restaurant feels like one of those places that serious Japanese food and Wagyu lovers will appreciate. We tried the Goten Mori, Hokkaido Wagyu Ribeye, Wagyu Tokujo Aburi, and Premium Moriawase, and other best sellers, by the end of the meal, we understood why people seek out this restaurant despite its discreet location. Sometimes, the best food spots are the ones you have to know about to find. And this is definitely one we’d come back to.
So, if you’re planning your next Japanese food trip in Metro Manila and want to experience premium Wagyu in Makati, HIRO Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant at OPL Building is one to add to your list.
To know more follow them on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hirojapaneseyakiniku/
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