If you’re on the hunt for a classy dinner spot in Pasig City —whether it’s to impress a date, seal the deal with a client, or enjoy a memorable night out with the barkada (and you don’t mind splurging a little)—Minami Saki By Astoria might already be on your list. Known among Manila’s Japanese food lovers for its refined atmosphere and upscale take on Japanese cuisine, this Ortigas gem combines time-honored flavors with modern creativity.

But with a premium price tag and a menu that mixes tradition with innovation, the real question is: does it live up to the buzz?

In this review, I’ll take you through every detail—ambiance, food, service, and pricing—plus my must-try dish recommendations, insider tips, and an honest verdict from my own dining experience.

Ambiance at Minami Saki By Astoria

The moment you step inside Minami Saki, you’re met with a polished yet calming atmosphere. The interior feels like a meeting point between modern Japanese minimalism and warm hospitality. Think clean wooden accents, tasteful partitions, and gentle lighting that flatters both the room and your food photography.

The tables are well-spaced—something I wish more restaurants would invest in—so even during peak dining hours, conversations stay private. For solo diners, the sushi bar seating is a highlight. You can watch the chefs expertly slice sashimi or torch aburi sushi right before your eyes, turning dinner into both a meal and a mini performance.

However, the ambiance isn’t overly formal. While Minami Saki could easily pass for a fine-dining venue, it’s still casual enough that you could drop by in smart-casual attire after work.

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Food at Minami Saki By Astoria

Let’s be real—Minami Saki has the potential to deliver unforgettable meals, but not every plate earns a standing ovation. When the kitchen sticks to its strengths—fresh seafood, precise execution, and balanced flavors—it absolutely shines. But when it strays into overly experimental territory or fusses too much with a classic, the results can feel… well, less than stellar.

On my visits, these dishes stood out as true winners:

• Usuyaki Steak with Mushroom – Thinly sliced beef, tender and flavorful, paired with earthy mushrooms for a savory, comforting bite.
• Soft Shell Karaage – Perfectly crisp batter encasing juicy soft-shell crab, with a tangy dipping sauce that cuts through the richness.
• Salmon Sashimi – Generous, buttery cuts that practically melt in your mouth. Freshness? Unquestionable. Temperature? Spot on.
• Tempura Maki – A harmony of textures: crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful inside.
• Aburi Sushi-Sake – Smoky, creamy, and balanced—everything aburi sushi should be.

However, a few items didn’t impress:

• A seasonal soba noodle dish was forgettable—flavors lacked depth.
• One sushi roll came drowned in a mayonnaise-heavy sauce, overwhelming the fish.
• A beef entree leaned toward chewy rather than tender, especially disappointing given the price point.
• So while Minami Saki can deliver fantastic bites, it’s important to order wisely.

I also sampled several other items during my visit. While they were competently prepared and presented, they didn’t leave a strong impression compared to the standout dishes:

Aburi Sushi (3 kinds) – This trio features tuna, salmon, and lapu-lapu lightly seared and finished with aburi sauce. The gentle charring brings a hint of smokiness, while the sauce adds richness without overpowering the natural flavor of the fish. It’s a thoughtful presentation that blends freshness with subtle depth.

Ninniku Yakimeshi – A classic garlic fried rice with a noticeable aroma and a firm, slightly chewy texture. The garlic flavor is pronounced but not overwhelming, making it a versatile side that complements both seafood and meat dishes.

Gindara Teriyaki – Grilled cod with a glossy teriyaki glaze. The fish is tender and flaky, and the sauce provides a sweet-savory contrast. The balance between sauce and fish is handled well, making it a dependable choice for fans of teriyaki.

U.S. Scallops with Tamago Sauce – Pan-seared scallops paired with a creamy egg-based sauce. The scallops are plump and slightly sweet, while the sauce adds a velvety texture and mild richness. This dish leans toward indulgence without being overly heavy.

Unagi – Lightly charred eel topped with aburi sauce, offering a combination of smoky aroma, gentle sweetness, and umami depth. The preparation highlights the eel’s natural oils and soft texture.

Unaju – A traditional presentation of grilled eel over steamed rice, served with miso soup, pickles, and fresh fruit. The grilled eel offers a savory-sweet profile, while the accompaniments provide balance and variety in texture.

Cha Soba – Cold green tea buckwheat noodles served with dipping sauce and condiments. The noodles carry a mild earthy bitterness from the green tea, brightened by the dipping sauce and toppings. Refreshing and light, especially in warm weather.

Kaki Papaya Yaki – A baked oyster presented inside a halved papaya, finished with a miso-based sauce. The dish blends the briny sweetness of the oyster with the tropical fruit’s mellow notes, while the miso adds umami depth.

U.S. Sirloin – Angus sirloin grilled to the preferred doneness. The beef has a firm texture with a bold, meaty flavor. A straightforward, protein-focused dish that works well for those craving red meat.

Coffee Jelly – Coffee-flavored gelatin served with vanilla ice cream. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts with the sweetness and creaminess of the ice cream, creating a balanced and simple dessert.

Japanese Mochi – Soft, chewy rice cakes in assorted flavors. Each piece offers a different profile—some nutty, some fruity—making it a playful dessert choice that’s as much about texture as taste.

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Service at Minami Saki By Astoria

The staff at Minami Saki are professional without being stiff. You’re greeted warmly upon arrival, and menus are presented promptly. The servers know the menu well enough to guide you toward dishes that suit your taste preferences—especially helpful if you’re unsure about trying something like uni or sashimi for the first time.

Food arrives in a reasonable timeframe, though during peak dinner service, there can be minor delays. On one occasion, our sushi platter took nearly 20 minutes, but the staff checked in often, kept drinks topped up, and even brought complimentary miso soup as a peace offering.

Overall, the service is attentive without hovering, a balance not every restaurant gets right.

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Price at Minami Saki By Astoria

There’s no sugar-coating this: Minami Saki is not cheap. Expect to pay PHP 2,500.00 –PHP 3,000.00 per head for a proper meal with starters, mains, and dessert—not including drinks.

Is it worth it? That depends.

If you stick with the hits—like the Usuyaki Steak with Mushroom, Soft Shell Karaage, and Aburi Sushi-Sake —then yes, you’re getting quality that matches the price. But if you land on one of the more inconsistent items, the premium price tag may sting a little.

Minami Saki markets itself as a fine-dining experience, so while you’re paying a premium, you’re also paying for ambiance, service, and presentation.

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Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Reserve Ahead – Especially for dinner. The place fills up fast, particularly on weekends and holidays.
• Dine on a Weekday Lunch – Prices are slightly more reasonable, and it’s less crowded.
• Ask for the Chef’s Specials – Some off-menu items (like the Truffle Chutoro Nigiri) are only available upon request.
• Parking Validation – They offer limited parking slots with validation. Otherwise, plan for a paid lot nearby.
• Don’t Skip Dessert – Their Japanese Mochi is an unsung hero.

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Location, Accessibility, and Parking

Minami Saki By Astoria is located on the ground floor of Astoria Plaza, 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

• Accessibility – Easily reachable from Shaw Boulevard, Julia Vargas, and nearby business hubs.
• Parking – Limited at the building itself, but they offer validation. Overflow parking is available at nearby paid lots.
• Public Transport – MRT Shaw Boulevard is about a 10–15 minute walk. GrabCar or taxi is the most convenient option.

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Final Verdict: A Solid 3.5 out of 5 Stars

The ambiance and service elevate the experience, and the best dishes truly shine. However, the inconsistency in the menu and the high price point prevent it from hitting top-tier status. Still, for sushi lovers and those seeking a refined Japanese meal in Ortigas, Minami Saki is a worthy destination—especially if you stick to the signature dishes.

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Final Rating Breakdown

Category	Rating
Ambiance	4/5
Food	3/5
Service	4/5
Price	3/5
Overall	3.5/5

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Summary

Minami Saki By Astoria delivers a Japanese dining experience that blends elegance with comfort. The restaurant’s strongest assets are its calming ambiance, attentive service, and expertly crafted signature dishes like the Salmon Sashimi and Aburi Sushi-Sake.

• Ambiance? Cozy and calming.
• Service? Impeccable.
• Food? Often brilliant, occasionally underwhelming.
• Price? Steep, but not unreasonable given the experience.

For couples on a date night, colleagues entertaining clients, or foodies chasing high-end sushi in Metro Manila, Minami Saki is a solid choice worth trying at least once—and maybe even returning to for that next Wagyu fix.

Whether you’re seeking comfort in a bowl of ramen or a luxurious plate of aburi sushi, Minami Saki By Astoria delivers a slice of Japan in the heart of Ortigas.

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Rating

MINAMI SAKI BY ASTORIA
CUISINE: Japanese, Asian
ADDRESS: 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City, Metro Manila
HOURS: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
CONTACT NO.: +63908-872-7964
FB PAGE: Minami Saki By Astoria
MODE OF PAYMENT: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), GCash
LANGUAGE: Filipino, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Lunch, Dinner)
BUDGET: 500 – 1,000 PHP (per person)
OTHERS: Takeout, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Table Service

DISCLOSURE: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.