CEBUANOS and tourists who are fond of Japanese food can now have a different dining experience as Ori Ozikaya offers a traditional Japanese taste at trendy options.
The restaurant, which opened on Thursday, March 5, 2020, offers comfort Japanese food that are presented with a modern twist and are fast, fresh and price-friendly.
Located at Nivel Hills, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, Ori Izakaya opens daily from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner.
It offers signature rolls, sashimi, soup and several other dishes that can fulfill your cravings for authentic Japanese food.
The name “ori” means cage, the reason the family decided to design the exteriors of the restaurant to look like a glass cage.
“Izakaya,” on the other hand, came from their initial idea to open up a hut-style kiosk with small dishes and sake.
Keeping family tradition
Ori Izakaya marketing head Christelle Lou Dychangco said Japanese food is a staple during Sunday meals for her family.
“We grew up liking more westernized rolls and bento boxes. So we wanted to create a restaurant where we keep traditional tastes and also have a quick and trendy options,” said Christelle.
Renato Dychangco, chairman of the Dychangco Group, said he asked her daughter Christelle to come up with new (dining) ideas since today’s generation has different approaches when it comes to food and dining experience.
While they draw a modern beauty of presenting the dish, Christelle said, they have kept the traditional taste of the Japanese food.
Surrounded by nature overlooking Cebu City, Ori Izakaya can accommodate around 25 persons in a private room setting while its outdoor capacity can accommodate 55 to 60 persons.
Holly Dawn Dychangco said they wanted to create a good ambience for people who want to dine at their new restaurant.
“We’ve noticed the trend nowadays. People like to sit outdoor,” said Holly Dawn, adding that they have also set up a bar outside to cater to guests who come at night.
Japan arrivals
The restaurant had a soft opening opened on Feb. 14. The family is optimistics it will be well-received by both local and foreign diners.
The number of Japan tourists in Cebu, grew 14.05 percent to 509,322 in 2019.
In the whole of Central Visayas, arrivals from Japan grew 18.09 percent to 548,627. (MAE FHEL GOM-OS - USJR INTERN)