Stumbled upon this new restaurant after church service at Union Church just today. Beside Wildflour on Rada St. in Legazpi Village is a new Peruvian-Japanese concept restaurant Nikkei.
We got a seat by the bar because the restaurant was full. It can only accommodate maybe 5 groups of 4 (thereabouts) and the bar seats around 8. We ended up sitting by the bar. Just as well, we got a good view of the chef.
His name is Juan Barcos. He is Argentinian, not Peruvian. But highly recommends a trip to Peru. He is also a chef at La Cabrera at 6750 beside Shang Makati.
Due to the Peruvian theme, ceviche was in order. They have several kinds: the classic ceviche, smoked chili, yellow pepper, green ceviche, salmon thai and tuna. I tried the classic, which was ok. But was more impressed by this one: the yellow pepper. So tasty! It goes well with their sake, which I also loved (light, smooth, slightly sweet – perfect even for lunch!).
The rolls below were given to us complimentary. I have no idea who sent it over. I’m wishing it was some cute single guy LOL but I think it was from one of the partners. As they are just on their 8th day of operations since opening, the partners were themselves bussing out orders. Which was necessary because the servers are very obviously just now getting the hang of serving. I’d estimate for maybe another month, expect around a 15-minute wait for your orders to get to your table.
I think this was the Panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs) Sushi Roll: salmon, avocado, kampyo (shavings from a gourd) and truffled cream cheese. I loved the touch of creaminess and the fact that it did not feel oily in spite of the crusty cover.
I was also curious about and therefore tried the Causa Appetizers. Ordered the salmon, which comes with guacamole and salmon tartar; and the tako causa, which has octopus confit and guac as well. Be forewarned, though, that these are practically the size of an amuse bouche. They are puny! LOL. Although very tasty. That yellow tower is potato. 
Strongly suggest to order any of the sushi rolls while you wait as these are much bigger. Also thoroughly enjoyed the Ceviche Roll. This is a meal in itself and incredibly fresh, too. 
If you have time, by all means, have a main dish. Their pork is Kurobuta – oh so soft and full of fat. And the beef is Kobe. You can ask for a separate bowl of rice.
Also worth a mention is the salmon belly, cooked tempura-style. It is fatty but the batter is not oily at all. It is just a beautiful dish. We had to get another order – it was just so good.
For dessert, we did see the waiters bus out a Tres Leches that looked incredible but we did not try this. Because Wildflour is just next door and within that proximity, you just HAVE to order their chocolate cake!
The dishes are a bit on the pricey side. You might feel short-changed esp with the Kobe beef which is P795 for a few small slices. But I think it’s because the ingredients are first rate and the each dish (the ones that we tried anyway) was delicious.
I would come here for lunch if I had time but I think it’s a better place to unwind with friends after a long day at work! Ceviche and Japanese whisky – what better way to relax after a long day?
Nikkei
Rada St., Legazpi Village, Makati
No reservations
+63927 2730114 / 02 880 0231
Open for lunch and dinner daily (From 3-6 pm only dessert and drinks)
What to order: Yellow Pepper Ceviche, Panko sushi roll, Ceviche roll, Salmon Belly
Wheelchair accessible
Major credit cards accepted
Margaux Salcedo 