Aozora Japanese Cafe Tagaytay is located at Domicillo Design Hotel, KM 58, General E. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City.
When we spotted Aozora Japanese Cafe along the Aguinaldo highway and wanted to eat there, this restaurant was still closed. Fortunately, in a separate occasion my husband and I stayed at the Domicillo Boutique hotel and found this restaurant which is in the same compound already open to diners.
For some reason, my go-to Japanese restos in Tagaytay are no longer in operation. These are Teriyaki Boy and Sumo Sam. Thank heavens Aozora arrived to fill the void.
We dined here on a weekday so it was very peaceful and quiet. The location itself felt discreet and very different from the nearby bustling joints. You can choose to dine indoors or al fresco.
Aozora’s interiors is very Japanese minimalist and felt authentic. There’s also oriental tunes playing in the background. At the time of dining, it was only me and my husband who were around so I appreciate the consistency vs. other places that would mute or play other kinds of music when customers or bosses aren’t around.
They also provide strong wifi to diners, hooray! While waiting, we were served appetizers.
Here are all the food we ordered (lunch & dinner)
Spicy salmon maki – Aozora is generous with salmon, just look at the overflowing toppings of these makis. This is good to share, they are big rolls and I am happy after eating 4 pcs. Nice to have for a filling but not too heavy lunch.
Pork belly teriyaki – sinfully soft and melt-in-your mouth carnivorous treat. I like it’s served as is without any rice which means you can pair it with the maki or the ramen. This levels up the flavor of other Aozora dishes.
Aozora salad – anything with the name Aozora on the menu is delicious (it means it’s a signature dish). Just like this salad with fresh greens from their own farm and generous tobiko or fish eggs/roe. When you bite into the salad the tobiko pops inside your mouth and it’s heaven in a salad. I would suggest having the dressing on the side though but on a cheat day, who would mind all that creamy Japanese mayo?
Aozora ramen – this is their interpretation of Tagaytay Bulalo. My husband loved it and it’s a complete meal in a hot bowl with the ramen, veggies, egg, and beef altogether. I’ll order one for myself next time, maybe when it’s raining outside.
Dragon maki – order if you want to impress your date, but aside from being Instagrammable this maki tastes fresh like a gift from the sea and the crunchy texture is so enjoyable to eat.
Aozora iced tea – I don’t normally post drinks but this iced tea is fresh and deliciously made with lemon grass that Aozora grows on their own. Did you know lemon grass is one of the healthiest food that can alkalinize your body (especially if you are on a food trip, it’s good for your digestion).
One of my wishes is for this cafe to have a display of pastries or desserts. Afterall it is called a cafe, I didn’t notice their coffee or hot beverage menu as well.
I’d love to experience coffee time, Aozora style next.
