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Ayà - From the team behind Hapag Manila comes this chic mezzanine bar lounge with stunning views and a menu that redefines Filipino classics into elevated bar chow. Don’t miss the sculptural kropek made with gamet seaweed from Ilocos, beef and tendon pares on toast (yum), and adobo liver mousse with sweet-sour red onion marmalade. The signature cocktails are crafted by world famous mixologist Arcadius, including guyabano bellini, guava spritz and longan mojito. A jewel box space that perfectly showcases the best of the Philippines. Perfect for merienda, early dinner, or drinks late into the night. Watch out for Hapag, which will open in its new location (just one floor down) on April 15. Address: Balmori Suites, Rockwell, Makati. IG: @aya.manila.Ayá by Hapag Manila
Brasserie on 3’s Legendary Chefs Series - Savor the Chang Mai delicacies of Thai chef Akkawin “Pun” Pitrachart of the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, who is the guest chef at Brasserie on 3 from April 12 to 30. Sawasdee ka! Address: Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay. IG: @conradmanila.Conrad Manila
Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez - Multi-awarded Chef Chele Gonzalez (of Gallery by Chele fame, among others), brings us evocative flavors of his hometown on the northern coast of Spain. Cantabria is a romantic region famous for its artisanal produce and some of the best seafood from its cold Atlantic waters. Its traditional cuisine serves as the inspiration for Chele’s contemporary, chef-driven menu of innovative tapas, and classic dishes crafted with luxurious simplicity. Must tries: anchovies on baguette toast, the Rodaballo a la Parilla (grilled white turbot), and Solomillo Iberico Sando (deep-fried pork tenderloin sandwich with tonkatsu sauce and caviar). Address: 32nd Floor, The Westin Manila, Ortigas. IG: @cantabria.manila.Cantabria
Chef Alain Bistrot and Brasserie - This under-the-radar French bistro is helmed by Alain Rayé, the Michelin-starred chef from France who delighted our palates at La Regalade and, later, Dr. Wine Poblacion. For this, his third restaurant in the country, he draws from his roots to serve the kind of French comfort food that you would expect from a Paris bistro: lamb chops, escargots en cassollette, rabbit rillette. Everything is familiar and absolutely superbe (chef’s kiss). Address; Active Fun Building, BGC. |IG: @chefalainraye.Chef Alain Bristot Brasserie
Helm’s Star Wars menu - Helm marks its first year anniversary at Ayala Triangle location with a new Star Wars themed menu. We can tell Chef Josh Boutwood had a lot of fun creating this tasting menu, with such dishes as The Battle between Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul, or Chewbacca Eating a Porg. Part of the fun is in trying to ‘get’ the reference. This is culinary theater at its very finest, and you don’t even need to be a die-hard Star Wars fan to enjoy it. Available only until May 4, so book your table now. Address: The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati. IG: @helmmnl.Helm
Inatô - From the team behind award-winning Toyo Eatery comes this tiny restaurant with an innovative concept. Inatô is inspired by Chef JP Cruz’s travels around the country, a celebration of the essence of classic Filipino cuisine served in new and innovative ways. From his love of streetside ihaw to the comforting pakbet of his childhood, this is a very personal and delicious journey through the rich diversity of Filipino flavors. Featuring an a la carte menu that changes seasonally, counter seating, and a private dining space. Karrivin Plaza, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati. IG: @inato.ph.Inatô
Kasa Palma - Nestled in the heart of Poblacion, Chef Aaron Isip’s new restaurant (an evolution of his first restaurant, Balai Palma) is a lush landscaped space that delivers all the magic of the beachside island getaway. The food is rooted in French techniques with Filipino, Latin and Southeast Asian flavor influences. There’s a new a la carte menu for diners who don’t want to commit to a degustation. They serve some of the most delightful and unique seafood dishes in the country. With private rooms on the second floor, perfect for intimate gatherings. Address: Palma Street, Poblacion, Makati. IG: @kasapalma.Kasa Palma
Lasa Supper Club’s new Tasting Series IV - Beloved for their delicious story telling through the medium of heirloom recipes and masterful culinary technique, Lasa presents a new eight-course tasting menu entitled ‘Nomadic Curiosity.’ Available from April 19 to 21 only, with two seatings. Expect an evening of flavor and adventure. There are only eleven heads per seating so we suggest booking your table now. IG: @lasasupperclub.Lasa Supper Club
M Dining + Bar pop up at The Balmori Suites - Fans of M Dining + Bar, if you’ve been bereft since it closed temporarily last February, here’s your chance to taste its well-loved favorites, with exciting new surprises, at its pop up at The Balmori Suites from April 13 to May 14. The pop up menu is open for lunch, with two seatings for dinner. Expect exciting new dishes, too, like Beef Cheeks Sando with wine jus and French fries. See you there? Address: The Balmori Suites, Rockwell Center, Makati. IG: @m_dining.bar.M Dining + Bar
Some Thai - Jorge Mendez is the brilliant chef behind Mōdan, where his omakase-style Japanese private dining is a journey through his life experiences. He continues this narrative at Some Thai, his new modern Thai restaurant, where every single dish is deeply personal and also unabashedly inauthentic. This is Thai food the Jorge Mendez way, and wow, it’s all so good. Must-tries: Crab Curry, Tom Yum, Hamachi in Namjin Sauce, and 48-Hour Beef Short Rib Curry. 195 Tomas Morato, Quezon City. IG: @somethaiph.Some Thai
Steak & Frice - Inspired by its owner’s memory of sneaking into Peter Luger’s in New York with a container of rice (how very Pinoy!), this is an unconventional, campy, witty redefinition of a steakhouse! The concept might be quirky but the food is stellar and on point, and the setting is stylish with its dark wood, velvet-lined walls designed by Hong Kong designer Sean Dix. We adore the blend of comfortable elegance and quirky humor that shines through. Must-tries; the Steak & Frice of course! The Cheese Pimiento Puffs, Onion Flower, Parmesan Soup, and Creme Brulée Cheesecake. Oh, and did we mention the cocktails? Have a negroni sbagliato, you’ll love it. Central Square, BGC. IG: @steakandfrice.Steak & Frice
Tandem’s new menu: Human Emotions - An imaginative ten-course Filipino degustation menu that explores the synergy between food and emotion, sustenance and sentiment. In the words of one very happy diner: super sarap. Address: 151 Legazpi Street, Greenbelt Hamilton, Makati. IG: @tandem.mnl.Tandem
