Every foodie in the southern part of the capital knows Kazunori, the famed fine dining restaurant of Nippon Hasha Inc. – the group that brought beloved restaurants such Mendokoro Ramenba, Ramen Yushoken, and Marudori, and celebrated fine dining establishment Kazunori Japanese Restaurant.
Now, NHI unveiled its latest venture – Kazu Café – at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, describing it as a fresh and playful take on Japanese-inspired dining with a casual yet elevated experience.
“Cafés are more ambiguous. The beauty of it is we can take a bit from one cuisine and a bit from another, and make the final menu your own. It is not a cerebral experience – you don’t need to be thinking about techniques or approaches. It is about having fun – which is at the core of the concept of hospitality,” said Ryan Cruz, CEO of Nippon Hasha Inc.
“Kazunori may very well be that senior woman in a kimono, who would mindfully draw her sleeves before serving you food. Kazu Café, on the other hand, is like a young Yayoi Kusama, with bold colors and a touch of Western culture,” Cruz added.
Kazu Café combines familiar comfort foods—like pasta, sandwiches, and omurice—with the high-level culinary techniques that have made Nippon Hasha’s restaurants so revered.
“At Kazu Café, we are bringing a global twist to our offerings while maintaining the precision and discipline of Japanese cuisine that the Kazunori brand has been known for all these years.”
Diners can look forward to new and exciting creations by Chef Kuramochi Kazunori exclusively available at Kazu Café, like the Hitachi Wagyu Burger (premium burger made in A5 Hitachi Wagyu beef with bonito and aioli in a soft potato bun), Yaki Tonkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork with cabbage salad, tomato karashi or mustard, and tonkatsu sauce), Kazu Oyakodon (chicken thigh with sous vide duck breast simmered together in a savory dondashi sauce), Hanetsuki Gyoza (Hanetsuki-style crispy pork and seafood dumpling, a.k.a. gyoza with wings), and the refreshing Melon Musk Kakigori (classic Japanese shaved ice dessert with Japanese melon, Johakuto or white cane sugar, and Momo or peach juice).
Kazu Café’s interiors, designed by celebrated architect Liza Crespo of Ecotecture Design Studio, mirrors the café’s playful yet refined ethos.
Featuring elements like custom-made sculptural lights and denim-upholstered seating—an homage to Japan’s renowned denim industry—the space blends tradition and modernity.
The café’s brand identity, crafted by Singapore-based ACRE Design, reflects this balance of creativity and sophistication.
“Kazu Café is bold and artistic, yet approachable,” said TY Zheng, co-founder and Creative Director of ACRE Design. “We wanted to create a brand that’s instantly recognizable and carries a unique personality, much like a well-traveled individual who appreciates artistry and hospitality.”
Set amidst the lush greenery of Ayala Triangle Gardens, the 68-seater Kazu Café is poised to be the perfect spot for everything from breakfast after a morning jog to business lunches or casual celebrations.
“Our goal is to create an environment and experience where the only things our guests need to focus on are the food and the company,” said Cruz. “We’ve designed every aspect of Kazu Café to bring pleasure and positive energy to everyone who visits.”
(Kazu Café is located at Unit 05-06, Ground Level, Restaurants at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City. Open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Open for reservations and walk-in guests. For reservations, please contact +63 917 502 0320. Follow Kazu Café (@kazucafeph) on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.)
