New lunch spot alert: Japan’s Ootoya to open its first branch in BGC on Feb. 28

Home-cooked meals are comforting—and often more balanced and nourishing, too. But between early meetings and tight deadlines, not everyone has the time to prepare a proper lunch for work.

Good news for those in Bonifacio Global City: Japan’s beloved teishoku chain, Ootoya, is officially opening its first Philippine branch on Feb. 28—so you won’t need to travel to Japan or spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy its home-style cooking.

Founded in 1958 in Tokyo as a small family-run eatery, Ootoya has grown into one of Japan’s most recognizable casual dining brands. It specializes in teishoku, or set meals, rooted in the philosophy of serving wholesome, home-style Japanese cooking. Today, the chain operates hundreds of branches across Japan and has expanded internationally to Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.

At Ootoya, diners can expect the kind of meal a typical office worker in Japan might enjoy during a lunch break or after a long day: a tray composed of freshly steamed rice, a main protein, miso soup, and small side dishes such as pickled vegetables. The appeal lies in its balance—each set is thoughtfully prepared to be satisfying yet well-rounded.

Among its signature dishes is the Chicken Kurozu, featuring crispy fried chicken and vegetables coated in a rich, tangy black vinegar sauce. Seafood lovers, meanwhile, can look forward to Ootoya’s charcoal-grilled fish, cooked using infrared grilling and specialized charcoal to achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.

Another crowd favorite is the Katsu Tamagotoji, a comforting dish of deep-fried pork cutlet simmered in a savory dashi-based sauce with onions, then bound together with softly set beaten eggs.

Ootoya’s first Philippine outpost features a modern Japanese interior designed for a relaxed, casual dining experience. Starting Feb. 28, diners can experience the brand’s signature home-style Japanese meals right in the heart of the city.

Ootoya is located at the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower, 8th Ave. corner 35th St., Taguig. For inquiries and updates, visit its official Facebook and Instagram pages.