The Culinary Heart of Manila: An Indulgent Guide to the Best Restaurants in Makati
Makati City is more than just the Philippines’ financial engine; it is the country's undisputed capital of gastronomy.
From internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments to trendy bistros putting an innovative spin on local classics, Makati offers a culinary landscape as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.
Here is your in-depth guide to the best restaurants in Makati, categorized by ambiance, cuisine, and recognition.
I. The Global Stage: Michelin-Recognized Excellence
The recent launch of the MICHELIN Guide Selection in the Philippines has cemented several Makati establishments as world-class culinary destinations. If you're looking for the absolute best, these are mandatory reservations.
1. Helm
The Two-Star Theatrical Dining Experience
Cuisine: Creative / Themed Tasting Menu
The Experience: Helmed by Chef Josh Boutwood, Helm is the most decorated restaurant in the city, achieving the highest MICHELIN rating in the Philippines. It operates as an intimate, counter-seating establishment offering multi-course, seasonally themed tasting menus. Expect meticulous technique, bold, layered flavors, and presentations that feel genuinely theatrical and personal.
Best For: Serious food enthusiasts, celebrating major milestones, and experiencing Philippine cuisine at its most precise and artistic.
2. Toyo Eatery
The Vanguard of New Filipino Cuisine
Cuisine: Contemporary Filipino
The Experience: Chef Jordy Navarra's Toyo Eatery (Tagalog for soy sauce) is celebrated globally for its inventive approach to traditional Filipino ingredients. Dishes like the iconic "Garden Vegetables" (18-vegetable lumpia) are complex and playful. The experience is precise, inventive, and deeply rooted in local sourcing and fermentation techniques.
Best For: Foodies and tourists seeking an innovative, world-class journey through authentic Philippine flavors.
3. Hapag
Refined Filipino Heritage
Cuisine: Modern Filipino
The Experience: Hapag focuses on bringing sophisticated, modern touches to traditional Filipino recipes while championing local produce. The ambiance is elegant yet warm, reflecting the traditional Filipino value of gathering around the hapag (dining table). It’s a bold reimagining of home flavors.
Best For: Balikbayans (returning locals), guests looking for a polished and inventive Filipino meal, and those who appreciate a strong "farm-to-table" ethos.
II. Fine Dining Institutions and International Grandeur
These classic establishments are perfect for romantic dates, power lunches, or timeless celebrations, all known for their consistent quality and stunning interiors.
4. Blackbird Makati
Art Deco Elegance in a Historic Setting
Cuisine: Contemporary European and Asian
The Experience: Located inside the beautifully restored Nielson Tower (Makati’s former airport control tower), Blackbird offers one of the most romantic and atmospheric dining rooms in the city. The interiors exude refined Art Deco glamour. The menu is global, offering everything from fresh oysters to exceptional pasta and steaks.
Best For: Romantic dates, anniversaries, and sophisticated business dinners where atmosphere is paramount.
5. Sala Restaurant
Quiet, Timeless European Luxury
Cuisine: Modern European with Mediterranean accents
The Experience: Sala, run by Chef Colin Mackay (also behind Blackbird), is a long-standing favorite for its consistently high quality, quiet elegance, and refined European menu. It’s an intimate space perfect for discreet conversation.
Best For: Private, understated fine dining, and appreciating masterfully prepared European classics.
6. Old Manila (The Peninsula Manila)
Classic Hotel Fine Dining
Cuisine: International Steakhouse & Classics
The Experience: The epitome of old-school Manila luxury. Old Manila offers a formal, highly professional dining experience known for its grand service and superb grill and seafood options, located inside the prestigious Peninsula Hotel.
Best For: Formal celebrations, traditionalists, and guests prioritizing flawless, five-star hotel service.
III. Must-Try Casual and Trendsetting Spots
Makati’s food scene is not limited to fine dining; its villages and side streets are bustling with innovative and high-quality casual spots.
7. People's Palace
Cuisine: Modern Thai
The Highlight: Consistently voted one of Manila's best Thai restaurants. The food is fresh, balanced, and prepared without MSG, served in a minimalist, airy, and stylish setting in Greenbelt.
8. Your Local
Cuisine: Modern Southeast Asian Fusion
The Highlight: Tucked away in Legazpi Village, this bistro is beloved for its bold, inventive dishes like the Miso Tuna Tartare and Braised Lamb Shoulder. It maintains a cozy, neighborhood vibe despite its culinary ambition.
9. Lampara
Cuisine: Neo-Filipino Bistro
The Highlight: Located in Poblacion, Lampara is a small, hip spot that delivers creative, elevated takes on Filipino favorites in a relaxed setting, pairing them with excellent cocktails. Great for a trendy, casual night out.
10. Crosta Pizzeria
Cuisine: Artisanal Pizza
The Highlight: A small venue in Salcedo Village that has gained massive recognition for its exceptional, naturally leavened sourdough pizzas and inventive toppings. A must-try for pizza purists.
Dining with a View
Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant: Located on the 32nd floor of the City Garden Hotel, it provides a spectacular, sweeping view of the Makati skyline—perfect for a less formal but memorable romantic evening or pre-dinner cocktails.
Mirèio (Raffles Makati): While not exclusively a view restaurant, the top-floor location offers a lovely vantage point over the Greenbelt park area and surrounding Makati.
Makati truly caters to every palate and occasion, making it a dream destination for any food lover.