When my aunt asked me for suggestions of names for their upcoming restaurant, that was way back in the very early 90s (or was it the very late 80s?). Tsuru is Davao’s longest-running Japanese restaurant (but not the first, which was in the old Hotel Maguindanao back in the 70s). The name that my aunt and uncle eventually decided on is very apt, because “Tsuru” is Japan’s national bird.
Tsuru’s sushi chef was trained by a Japanese national, and the owners are ever keen on maintaining the quality of their food. My Japanese friends tell me, though, that Tsuru’s taste is somewhat “localized” already — but they say that of all Japanese cuisine outside Japan. That might be a question of available fresh ingredients, not of quality. One thing that my friends agree on, however, is that Tsuru’s tenpura is superb. As well as the sukiyaki. I’d add the unagi to that list.
One of my all-time sushi favorites at Tsuru is what they call the spicy tuna maki. I believe they concocted this on their own. It’s sushi rice topped with finely diced tuna and sprinkled with some herbs and loosely wrapped in nori. Don’t miss out on this treat when you find yourself there next time!
A rare indulgence for me at Tsuru is their gindara. (No, I don’t get to eat there for free — I just get a 10% discount.) The silver cod fish, served as a steak and dipped in an exquisite sauce, is simply heavenly. The flavors are subtle and the cod literally melts in your mouth!
Tsuru might be a tad expensive for most of us — average check for a memorable date might well be in the range of… never mind! But the gastronomic experience is certainly worth every visit. The place is also suitable for high-powered lunches, and perfect for celebratory dinners.
The ambience at Tsuru is, of course, decidedly Oriental, but with a dash of the modern. The perfunctory Japanese décor is accented with semi-avant-garde finishings. The overall effect is that of sophistication coupled with elegant comfort.
Naturally, you can expect prompt and courteous service from the staff. (If you don’t get proper service, do let me know and we’ll have it remedied right away.)
Tsuru is located beside Casa Leticia, on J. Camus St. It’s in the same building as Hanoi, which serves Vietnamese cuisine. For reservations, please call 221-0901.
Irasshaimase!
For Japanese food, Tsuru is my favorite restaurant in Davao. It’s excellent. Hanoi, in my opinion, is even better than Tsuru! It is probably in my top 5 favorites of Davao restaurants.
Well, maybe you should join the Ang Dabawenyo food photo contest then! You could get a gift certificate worth P1,000 that you can use for Hanoi and/or Tsuru. :)
I have too much memories in this restaurant hahaha and when you talk of Japanese resto in davao , Tsuru always come first in my mind.
I’ve read an article on the Internet http://www.japancorner.com/the-nation.asp and I also double confirmed with my Japanese boss on Tsuru as the national bird of Japan. The article and as my boss said, kiji is Japan’s National Bird. Just confirming lang po if this was ever changed recently. I am quite confused kasi. Thanks a lot. cheers!
@reyian — I see!! Thanks for this. I always thought it was the crane (tsuru)… As that article said, the tsuru is often featured in art and literature, hence my mistake. The crane was also the main subject of Japan Airlines’ former logo — I guess this is why I assumed the tsuru was their national bird.
Hahaha. Was searching for Tsuru’s tel. number and found this page. BTW, it’s 2210901 :)
Oops! Thanks for that Drew. The number I had there was Casa Leticia’s. :)
may i know its location, ano landmark, san malapit to?
Tsuru has two branches now. The main restaurant is on J. Camus St., right beside Casa Leticia and across the street from People’s Park. It’s in the same building as Hanoi Vietnamese Cuisine. The other one is in Damosa Gateway.
hi everyone. Tsuru Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar has opened it’s third branch at the ground floor of Abreeza Mall, Davao. See you there