Pampanga’s dining and nightlife scene is about to get a dose of Japanese flavor as two of Manila’s hotspots, Yujo Izakaya and Ebi10, opened doors in Angeles City, unfolding a space where celebrations happen and where strangers become friends.
Photo: Yujo Izakaya and Ebi10
Located along the iconic Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Angeles City, Yujo Izakaya and Ebi10 aim to bring new energy to the area, offering locals, ex-pats, and tourists a unique blend of comfort food, signature drinks, and atypical soundscapes.
No Strangers at Yujo Izakaya
Named after the Japanese word for “friendship,” Yujo is a contemporary izakaya that aims to fuse authentic flavors from the land of the rising sun with a local Kapampangan touch. The brainchild of Raymond Cunan, a Pampanga entrepreneur, and Marco Viray, one of the names behind Makati’s buzzing nightlife scene, the elevated izakaya bar and restaurant is an offshoot of one of Manila’s after-hours staples, Kampai. Cunan and Viray sought to introduce a sister concept of the Poblacion bar outside Manila, and Angeles seemed to be the perfect spot.
“Our goal is to offer something fresh in Angeles, a city on the up and up, with surrounding developments creating a new metropolitan,” says Viray. “With Yujo, we’re not just copy-pasting the Kampai concept outside Manila, but mixing in the local flavor that can only be found in Pampanga to create something totally unique.”
Photo: Yujo Izakaya
Managing the different aspects of Yujo are the same familiar faces behind Kampai. With Lee Watson heading the bar program, guests will be spoiled for choice at Yujo’s fully stocked bar, featuring special selections of Japanese whiskey, sake, and more. Made for the casual drinker and the discerning connoisseur alike, Yujo offers their signature concoctions like the Suika Paloma, a refreshing Japanese-inspired version of the tequila-based cocktail, made with honey and watermelon. Other must-tries include the Daijin-Mai Sour, a whiskey-based drink with Japanese plum and topped with bonito flakes to make for a perfect mix of sweet and umami; and the Yuu-Hi, a whiskey highball with a sweet and tangy twist.
Complementing its beverage menu is Yujo’s bar chow, made in collaboration with Chef Kel Zaguirre, known for his work with the Locavore group and developing Kampai’s dining options. Guests can sample traditional Japanese dishes fused with a unique Kapampangan twist, such as the Batute-age, that is frog and chicken karaage served with spicy mayo, and the Yujo Gyoza, a spin on the traditional Japanese dumpling made with sisig and served with ponzu sauce.
Yujo’s patrons can also look forward to a carefully curated music and event lineup, with Jason Soong and Kiko Nepomuceno Antonio handpicking the DJs and themes for nights that can’t be beaten in Angeles.
It’s time to spark new friendships at Yujo Izakaya, the place to be in Pampanga for Japanese-Filipino fusion dishes and drinks, feel-good tunes, and unparalleled nightlife experiences.
Every Occasion is a Celebration at Ebi10 Angeles
Found on the ground floor of Yujo Izakaya is the Angeles branch of Ebi10, the fourth and newest location of the Japanese comfort food spot from Manila. Inspired by celebrations and abundance, Ebi10 welcomes Pampanga residents and tourists alike into the warm space, serving hearty and delightful Japanese home-style recipes. Whether in a small or large group, Ebi10 dishes are made for sharing with loved ones and celebrating the joy of eating well together, from the first crunch of tempura to the final swipe of the plate.
“We had an empty space at the ground floor of the izakaya, and I thought it would be perfect for one of my family’s other businesses, which is Ebi10,” shares Viray. “While Yujo provides a nightlife experience that fuses Japanese taste with a Kapampangan touch, Ebi10 completes the full dining experience for people of all ages.”
Photo: Ebi10
Signature menu items include its namesake dish, the tempura, which patrons can order by the piece and create their own basket of assorted kinds, beloved fusion sushi rolls like Senju Roll and Dragon Roll, and rice meals like the tangy-but-sweet Steak Rice and no fail Katsudon. The Angeles branch also offers a special teppanyaki menu of steaks, seafood, vegetables and fried rice, which diners can order and witness being prepared on the traditional Japanese metal plate. Choose from a variety of meats, like Australian Tenderloin, USD Prime Rib and Wagyu, and premium seafood, such as Gindara, Hokkaido Scallops and King Prawns. Complement your chosen dishes with teppanyaki sides, including Beef Chahan, Scallop Chahan, Moriawase and Yasai Itame. Whatever your order, Ebi10 guarantees generous servings made with fresh and premium ingredients.
At Ebi10, every meal is a celebration made more special with bountiful servings of homemade Japanese flavors.
