Irrashaimase

CEBU, Philippines- "Irrashaimase" is a standard greeting at Japanese restaurants, a term that translates to "Welcome." Some Japanese restaurants shorten the term to "rasshai," or a combination of "Hai, rasshai."

While the average Cebuano may only be slightly familiar with Japanese cuisine, with many of them just knowing the more common sushi, sashimi and tempura, this does not belie the fact that the city has its share of impressive Japanese restaurants.

There's Izakaya Goku, which proudly stands out since it opened its first venue in Cebu more than five years ago and then its second branch last year. The restaurant has managed to accomplish a difficult-to-swing feat in merging the accoutrements of fine quality with reasonable price - cutting no slack in what it offers to diners, Japanese cuisine gourmands or otherwise.

From its Rice-and-Noodle Sets - from Katsudon to Miso Ramen sets, to a selection of set menus that include Tonjiru, Natto, Sashimi, Tempura, Teppanyaki, Onigiri and more, Izakaya Goku also highlights weekly menu specials, in the form of innovative dishes like Kangkong Teppanyaki, Ground Pork Spring Rolls with Moyashi, Kosho Soba (Pepper Noodles) etc.

Just recently, the restaurant has added a new menu highlight in its Chicken Barrel set (available in 6-piece and 12-piece options), which perfectly complements their signature Goku Tendon, Teba Gyoza and Gyusuji Oden.

Moreover, it has introduced a novel twist to the "eat all you can" concept - its own "eat as much as you can order" style where rice is served warm, airy and pillowy, and where Nigiri and Skimono are fresh and crisp as fresh and crisp can be.

For those on the lookout for fine Japanese meals in a venue that allows meaningful conversations with friends and family, Izakaya Goku is where to go. Its website is at www.izakayagoku.com.