It was Valentine’s Day, and Sakura Dining at Ayala Malls Central Bloc was exactly what you’d expect: packed, chaotic, and radiating a very specific shade of Japanese-inspired pink. I went with a friend for a long-overdue catch-up, navigating through the festive crowds of Cebu IT Park. Despite a 35-minute wait that stretched our patience, the eventual transition into the calm, cherry-blossom-scented interior felt like a hard-won victory. There’s a particular kind of magic in the intensity of a holiday crowd that makes the comfort of a cushioned booth feel like a private sanctuary.
The Fluff Factor
The menu at Sakura is a broad Japanese-fusion mix, but let’s be honest: I was there for the sweets. Specifically, the legendary fluffy pancakes that have become a digital landmark for local foodies. I ordered the Chocolate Banana Pancake (₱440), and it was easily the highlight of the afternoon.
The texture was a revelation—uniquely soft, smooth, and possessing a delicate, cloud-like consistency that is rare to execute with this much precision. Every bite felt intentional, a perfect marriage of warm, airy batter and the rich, cooling contrast of the chocolate and banana. It’s the kind of dish that justifies the hype, standing out not just for its visual appeal but for a technical mastery of texture.
We attempted to balance the sugar with a savory turn, opting for the Creamy Pesto (₱400). This was where the experience became more nuanced. Visually, it was stunning—vibrant greens against the clean white of the plate—but the aromatic profile was polarizing. The scent was incredibly strong, almost overpowering when it first hit the table. Curiously, the taste was far more reserved; mild, balanced, and perfectly adequate, but the initial olfactory intensity made it a difficult act to follow after the ethereal sweetness of the pancakes.
"Surrounded by cherry blossoms and the soft hum of Valentine's chatter, the 30-minute wait for food began to feel less like a delay and more like a necessary intermission in the heart of the city's hustle."
Aesthetic Architecture
Sakura Dining isn't just a restaurant; it’s a meticulously designed photo dream. The space, which comfortably seats about 25-30 people, feels intimate yet can quickly reach a state of high-energy chaos during peak hours. Every corner is curated for the lens—from the iconic heart bench that anchors the room to the cascading cherry blossom accents that define the perimeter.
The outdoor area is particularly noteworthy, acting as a sentimental extension of the brand. It features a large heart backdrop and a "message heart tree" where guests leave handwritten notes—a perfect, interactive touch that felt especially poignant on a February 14 visit. While the service flow could benefit from some peak-hour refinement—we found ourselves pressing the table call button multiple times just to settle the bill—the overall experience is one of genuine charm.
It feels like a labor of love, possibly a Japanese family-owned enterprise, and that personal investment radiates through the decor and the menu's focus. For those seeking a date night destination or a catch-up spot for friends who value aesthetic as much as appetite, Sakura is an essential stop. Just bring your patience for the wait, and keep your camera ready.
Location & Contact
2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Central Bloc (above Metro Supermarket), Cebu IT Park. Open Daily 10am-9pm.
IG: @sakura.ayalait • FB: Sakura Dining Ayala Central Bloc
The Verdict
7/10. An aesthetic triumph with world-class pancakes. Service under pressure is the only friction point in an otherwise blooming experience.