Under Poblacion: A Night at ONO KAI

In Poblacion, where there’s always another bar, restaurant or late-night spot waiting around the corner, ONO KAI offers a different kind of night out. Located in the basement of Connector Hostel and standing alongside the neighborhood’s familiar nightlife spots, the izakaya and discoteka brings food, drinks and music together in one intimate space.

The name ONO KAI doesn’t actually have a meaning in Japanese. Instead, the founders gave it a meaning of their own: one gathering. It’s a simple idea, but one that shapes the experience of the space. Whether you’re dropping by for dinner, catching up with friends or staying for the music, ONO KAI is ultimately about bringing people together.

The concept comes from founders with experience in Manila’s dining and nightlife scene, including those who are part of The Palace Group and The Reserve Group, and behind Nipona and Café Nipona in Alabang. With ONO KAI, that experience takes on a more intimate, underground setting.

The first thing that draws you in is the atmosphere: it’s classy, relaxed, and bold, with a perfect mix of classic luxury and modern vibes. But while the ambiance pulls you in, the food gives you every reason to stay.

Must-Try Food

With Chef Charles Togezaki helping shape the menu, ONO KAI leans primarily into Japanese flavors while bringing in touches of Spanish influence. The dishes are made for sharing, which fits naturally with the idea of one gathering.

Dancing Flavors: Gyu Al Ponzu, Yakiton

We started with the Gyu Al Ponzu, which immediately brought a nice balance of richness and brightness to the table. The beef was tender and easy to bite into, with a savory, meaty flavor that was lifted by the clean, citrusy tang of the ponzu. The sauce kept the dish from feeling too heavy, giving every bite a refreshing finish.

The Yakiton followed with that unmistakable grilled, smoky character. The pork was juicy and tender, with a lightly charred exterior that added a deeper, almost caramelized flavor. Each skewer had that satisfying contrast between the slightly crisped edges and the softer meat inside. 

Sweet and Creamy: Miso Korokke, Maiz Frito

Then Miso Korokke, one of those dishes that looks simple but delivers once you bite into it. The outside had a delicate, golden crispness, giving way to a soft and creamy center with the savory depth of miso. There was something particularly comforting about its texture—the crunch when you first bite into it followed by the warm, almost melt-in-your-mouth filling. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser and the kind of plate.

The Maiz Frito brought a completely different attitude. Golden and crunchy, the fried corn had a naturally sweet flavor underneath its crisp exterior. It felt playful compared to the richer dishes, adding a lighter, snackable element.

For spirited sip: Tokyo Dry

To drink, we had the Tokyo Dry. Its refreshing character made it an easy companion to the food, particularly with the richer and more savory plates. It was the kind of cocktail that you could sip slowly while moving between dishes and conversations.

More than anything, the menu feels made for the kind of night ONO KAI is going for: order a few plates, put them in the middle of the table, and let everyone have a little bit of everything.

Make Wednesday a Thing

While Poblacion is often associated with weekend nights, ONO KAI is giving people a reason to go out in the middle of the week.

Wednesday is their night. The idea is to turn the middle of the workweek into an excuse to relax, catch up with friends, eat good food and listen to good music without waiting for Friday.

It’s the kind of night that doesn’t need much planning. You can come straight from work, settle into the space, order a few plates and drinks, and let the evening take its own pace. The intimate basement setting makes it feel removed from the busy streets above, while the music keeps the energy going.

Sometimes, the best nights aren’t the ones you plan for the weekend. They’re the ones you squeeze into an ordinary Wednesday and end up not wanting to leave. And that’s really the charm of ONO KAI. It doesn’t ask you to choose between dinner and nightlife. You get both.

Come for the izakaya. Stay for the discoteka.

ONO KAI
Izakaya + Discoteka
Underground Level, Connector Hostel, Poblacion, Makati
Monday to Friday, 5 PM onwards
Big nights: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
0919 591 2735