SM City JMall: What to Expect at Cebu’s Newest SM Mall

• Izakaya Terrace

The mall has an al fresco dining food strip called the Izakaya Terrace, inspired by casual streetside drinking restaurants in Japan where customers drink alcohol while munching on budget-friendly meals.

It’s located in the outdoor area of the second level, offering a picturesque view of the city and a relaxing atmosphere.

Customers can look forward to trying out a selection of authentic Japanese meals and cocktails. The interiors are fashioned with lanterns and Japanese decorations, recreating the feel of Japanese streetside eateries.

The mall is currently finalizing the Izakaya Terrace as of writing, so expect tons of visitors when it finally opens.

• Sushi Station by Nonki

Near the Izakaya Terrace is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that is owned by Nonki. Sushi Station is one of Cebu’s only kaitenzushis, where customers can experience a different kind of “all-you-can-eat” buffet.

The restaurant uses innovative technology to provide a convenient and seamless food delivery system. Orders will be taken through digital tablets installed on the tables, while the food will be sent out to customers through robotic trains moving along a conveyor belt.

They have a vast selection of Japanese food staples, courtesy of the parent company that is known for their quality dishes. One reviewer on TripAdvisor notes that their sushi and sashimi are some of the best in Cebu.

Kaitenzushi restaurants are popular for their gimmick. However, you may expect a long queue of customers who enjoy dining in this type of restaurant.

• Gashapon Bandai

At SM JMall you will find Cebu’s first Gashapon pop-up store, which will definitely interest collectors and gamers alike. You can play with various arcade machines from the popular Japanese toy brand Bandai.

You have probably heard about them because of their high-quality figurines and gunpla (Gundam Plastic) models. Gashapon is Bandai’s capsule toy line, known for selling miniature collectibles and accessories.

The toys include vinyl figurines, keychains, and trading cards inspired by Japanese culture, especially anime shows like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

A token for the machines costs Php 65. The arcade machines are definitely one of the store’s most appealing attributes.

• Pop Mart

Looking to hop on the “anik-anik” trend? Pop Mart is the store for you!

This fast growing company is known for selling adorable plush toys.

Some of the most popular items they sell are The Monsters, with the Labubu being a crowd favorite.

These adorable little plushies are known for their pointed ears and saw-like teeth. Many of them are sold at extremely high prices.

Collecting them is a form of investment, especially if you’re thinking of reselling them in the future.

The “anik-anik” trend is not a new concept. It is meant for collectors to show off their interesting and valuable knickknacks. A Medium article shares that this trend taps into the Filipino sense of nostalgia and maximalist culture. (2024)

• Kalidades Flower Cafe

Another first-in-Cebu concept is the Kalidades Flower Cafe. It is a coffee shop operating under the well-known establishment Kalidades House of Flowers. They are one of the most prominent florists in the city.

At this cafe, the company infuses the colorful aesthetic of flowers.

Many of their drinks are topped with edible flower petals, giving them a colorful and eye-catching design. The petals complement the coffee’s rich aroma with their unique scents.

Flower arrangements hang from the ceiling and are plastered on the walls, contributing to the cafe’s vibrant ambiance. You may be tempted to bring some home, as they also allow you to create your own makeshift bouquets.

Its parent company, Kalidades, is known around the city for creating exquisite floral setups for different occasions.