A Candid Review of Ginza: Modern Japanese Dining BGC

Curiosity and a love for Japanese cuisine drew me to Ginza: Modern Japanese Dining. Set in the bustling heart of BGC, it’s a place that commands attention with its promise of a unique modern Japanese dining experience.

But does it live up to the hype? This is not about chasing trends or the latest hot spot. It’s about uncovering the truth behind the facade of luxury dining. Let’s dive in to see if Ginza truly offers value for your money or if it’s merely another overpriced meal in the city’s posh corridors.

Expectations vs. Reality

Exploring the True Value of Ginza: Modern Japanese Dining

My expectations were high when I re-entered the restaurant. With a reputation for finesse and prices to match, I anticipated a culinary journey that would justify every penny. This review peels back the layers of Ginza’s offerings to uncover whether it stands as a pillar of culinary excellence or merely a false hype that people fall for.

First Impressions: A Glimpse Into Ginza’s World

The Ambiance

After walking into the restaurant a second time, I’ve noticed a few improvements. The staff are now all in uniform, and they’re much more welcoming than before. There are no longer mosquitoes under the tables, and it doesn’t reek of fish in the dining area either.

The Menu and the Price Range

Ginza BGC offers a variety of Japanese dishes. They’ve got Sashimi, Sushi, Tempura, Katsu, and a variety of rice bowls that would range from Php 350 up to a whopping Php 950.

Yes, folks. Ginza isn’t a middle-priced restaurant. They’ve got one of the priciest menus among the Japanese restaurants in BGC, and I fail to see the justification behind these prices.

The Taste Test: Where Pricing Meets Disappointment

Generosity in portion size is often a welcome surprise in upscale dining establishments, yet at Ginza, it became quickly evident that quantity had taken precedence over quality. The initial excitement of seeing the beautifully plated dishes was tempered by the realization that the flavors did not live up to the visual promise.

This mismatch between taste and presentation, especially given the price range, sparked a reflection on what truly constitutes value in a dining experience. Is it the satisfaction of the palate or the satisfaction of the eye? At Ginza, it seemed the scale was tipped towards the latter, leaving a gastronomic gap where the essence of Japanese cuisine should have been.

Dish-by-Dish Breakdown: A Culinary Critique at Ginza

Spicy Salmon Maki

The Spicy Salmon Maki presented itself as a promising start, boasting a visually appealing arrangement that hinted at a fusion of textures and flavors. The first bite revealed a complex blend of crunchy, savory, and creamy, with a fiery kick that invigorated the senses. However, this initial delight was soon overshadowed by an overpowering saltiness, detracting from the maki’s potential.

More critically, the essence of the salmon, which should have been the star, was lost amidst the cacophony of competing tastes. For a dish that carries the weight of the salmon’s reputation, this maki was a missed opportunity to showcase the delicate balance of flavors inherent to Japanese cuisine.

If I would be asked to rate this out of 5, it’s going to be 3/5.

Butadon

In contrast, the Butadon (Grilled Pork Belly) was a lot better. Each element of the dish, from the crunchy texture to the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, harmonized to create a symphony on the palate. The portion size was generous, offering a satisfying meal that could easily satiate even the most famished diner.

What truly elevated this dish was its subtle spicy undertone, a thoughtful addition that added depth without overwhelming. Visually, the Butadon was akin to a bouquet of meat heaven, a testament to the artistry and thoughtfulness behind its creation. This dish stood out as a beacon of culinary excellence in an otherwise turbulent sea of flavors at Ginza.

The Butadon was a good dish in itself, but after eating too much of it, you’d get sick of the flavor. I would give this a 3.5/5.

Tendon

The Tendon, an ensemble of tempura-battered delights like Shiitake and Shimeji mushrooms, large prawns, sweet potato, eggplant, squid, okra, and Asohos, was a dish of contrasts. The batter’s crunchiness was addictive, inviting bite after bite, yet the joy was tempered by the realization that the tempura sauce’s absence on the side was a misstep.

Offering the sauce on the side could have allowed for a personalized dipping experience, highlighting the individual ingredients’ flavors. While the portion was more than ample for two, the dish’s novelty wore off, leaving a lingering sense of missed potential for culinary distinction.

Ginza’s Tendon is quite delicious, however the taste does not justify a price of 790 pesos. Buying it would certainly be good enough to serve 2-3 people, but the same could be bought at another Japanese restaurant for half that price.

I’m giving this a 3.5/5.

Coconut and Watermelon Shakes: A Disappointing Refreshment

Turning to refreshments, both the Coconut Shake and Watermelon Shake were underwhelming. Priced at 160 pesos each, the expectation was for a beverage that offered a burst of natural flavor, a refreshing counterpoint to the meal’s rich tastes. Instead, what was presented felt generic and uninspired, lacking in both flavor intensity and serving size.

This kind of shake could easily be found elsewhere for a fraction of the price, delivering a more satisfying experience for the taste buds. It was clearly disappointing, as these shakes were a missed opportunity to cleanse the palate and elevate the dining experience at Ginza.

Do yourselves a favor, don’t order these. I would score them a rating of 1.5/5.

The Final Verdict

Ginza offers a serene ambiance and attentive service, albeit a bit frantic at times, even when the dining room isn’t full. While the food portions are generous, the pricing is steep and the quality of the food is sub-optimal at best. Given these observations, Ginza retains their overall rating of 3/5.

In Your Opinion, Should Diners Still try Ginza?

Honestly? Some of their dishes are worth a try. But with the price point and overall quality, there’s no real reason to frequent their restaurant. The quality of the sushi and sashimi has improved, but not by a lot. The Tempura has even suffered in terms of their taste.

However, what I can recommend is to try their Robata dishes. They’re relatively affordable, and will definitely not leave your tastebuds disappointed.

TL;DR: Ginza has a great setting and food but falls short on value, earning a 3/5. Good for a one-time experience, but the price may not justify a return visit.