Some parents fund questionable flood control projects, others fund their kids’ omakase cravings. Either way, Manila knows how to spend. But unlike the kind of “overflow” you hear about in the news, these restaurants channel every peso into plates that actually deliver—lavish menus, meticulous craft, and indulgent bites that leave no room for regret.
Here are the five most expensive dining experiences you’ll find in the city right now.
1. Iai – Premium Omakase (₱13,500+ per person)
Tucked into an intimate space, Iai has quickly cemented its status as one of Manila’s most elite omakase houses. Its Premium Omakase, stretching 16 to 18 courses, is a showcase of precision and restraint. From velvety sashimi to grilled specialties, every bite follows a deliberate progression of flavor and texture. The extended nigiri set is a centerpiece, with seafood flown in directly from Japan’s Toyosu Market. For devotees of Japanese fine dining, the experience borders on spiritual.
2. Kazunori – 22-Course Omakase (≈ ₱10,450)
Kazunori has always been known as a crowd favorite for authentic Japanese, but their 22-course omakase elevates the experience to stratospheric levels. Chef Saito-san’s tasting menu combines classical techniques with modern refinements: delicate sashimi, expertly torched nigiri, small cooked plates, and inventive flavor pairings that reveal themselves slowly across the evening. At about ₱10,452 per head, the marathon feels both indulgent and disciplined—a masterclass in pacing.
3. East Ocean Palace – Cantonese Grandeur (Up to ₱12,000 per person)
East Ocean Palace is a different kind of extravagance. Instead of individual plates, it leans into the spectacle of Cantonese banquet dining. Private rooms, gilded chandeliers, and sprawling tables set the stage for multi-course feasts that can run up to ₱12,000 per person. Expect dishes like braised abalone, double-boiled soups with rare herbs, and crisp-skinned Peking duck carved tableside. Here, luxury is measured in abundance and ceremony, making it a favorite for milestone celebrations.
4. Smith & Wollensky – American Wagyu Splurge (₱25,000+ for a single steak)
When Manila imported Smith & Wollensky, it also imported a steakhouse legacy. Here, indulgence takes the form of American wagyu, with a single prime cut climbing well past ₱25,000 depending on the grade and marbling. Served alongside the brand’s signature creamed spinach, lobster mac and cheese, and paired with a Bordeaux from their cellar, this is luxury in its most classic, big-city form. It’s less about finesse and more about power dining—beef as status symbol.
5. Yamazato at Hotel Ikura – Refined Omakase (₱10,500 per person)
Set in one of Manila’s most luxurious hotel properties, Yamazato brings the gravitas of a Japanese fine dining institution. Their ₱10,500 omakase menu balances traditional kaiseki philosophy with modern flourishes. Seasonal sashimi arrives like jewels on porcelain; tempura is feather-light; broths carry the subtle smokiness of dashi perfected over hours. It’s elegant and understated—an experience that feels just as much about atmosphere as it does about food.
Final Bite
While some headlines make you wonder where the money really goes, these meals show you exactly what you’re paying for: craft, luxury, and flavors that linger long after the last bite. Manila’s most expensive restaurants may not fix floods, but they’ll flood your senses in the best way possible.
