Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Makati for October 2016

Rambla is a Spanish Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Catalan food brought to us by the guys behind Las Flores. Spanish chef Pepe Lopez uses modern gastronomy techniques on familiar dishes and offers a great wine list. It’s for the grown ups who appreciate quality dishes. It’s not for big family occasions that are constrained by budget. We recommend the Tuna Tataki (in photo), Octopus Carpaccio, Trio de Chorizos, and the Iberico Pork. Don’t forget to order any or all of their signature paellas. Our insider tip is to ask Uri, Dani, and Sergi to recommend you a cocktail or wine pairing. P.S. Always ask for what’s new, because they regularly change their menu.

Apartment 1B is a casual and relaxed restaurant serving gourmet comfort food by Marivic Diaz-Lim. It is named after the unit where its flagship branch is located, at Apartment 1B of the One Lafayette Square building in Salcedo Village. It’s for casual business brunch meetings or special date nights. It’s not for people looking for Filipino breakfast. We recommend their Eggs Benedict, Grilled Porkchops, and Spaghetti Vongole. Don’t miss their White Toblerone Cheesecake and Frozen Pie. Our insider tip is breakfast menu is available only from 7:00am til 3:00pm only.

Mendokoro Ramenba is a 20-seater ramen joint from the people behind popular Ramen Yushoken from Alabang; it is also called being tagged as Yushoken 2.0. It’s for people who don’t mind queuing a bit for a spot at the table. It’s not for people who want rice bowls and other Japanese favorites. We recommend the Tantanmen, Shio Ramen, and Super Chasu Bowl. Our insider tip is if you’re in a big group, be ready to be seated separately if you want to get seats faster.

Le Petit Souffle is a French and Japanese-inspired cafe from the Tasteless Group (of Hole in the Wall, Scout’s Honor, Bad Bird, Wrong Ramen, etc). They serve modern dishes crafted with flavors and precision of Japanese and French cuisines. It’s for anyone with adventurous taste buds. It’s not for people who are on short meal breaks. We recommend you try their French Toast, Foie Mac n Cheese, Squid Ink Rice, then cap off with their soufflés and matcha dessert selections. Here’s an insider tip: Always watch out for Chef Miko’s new dishes and desserts. P.S. Tasteless Group just launched a new hot and cold combo dessert shop, called Freezerburn.

Nikkei is the first Peruvian-Japanese sushi bar in Manila headed by Argentinian Chef Christian Cejas. “Nikkei” is a term that describes Peruvian cuisine culturally inspired by the Japanese; it is the latest food trend in Europe. It’s for adventurous eaters who love to try new cuisines. It’s not for people looking for party-sized servings. We recommend the Salmon Belly Nigiri, Miso Kurobuta, Seared Tuna, Kobi Nigiri Sushi and Parmesan Scallops. Our insider tip is get their good-for-sharing Tres Leches dessert for free when you submit feedback to the restaurant using your Booky app!

Vikings Luxury Buffet opened its first branch in the Mall of Asia complex in 2011. Five years and nine branches later, it is now considered the Philippines’ largest luxury buffet chain. This homegrown brand has expanded all around Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao (full feature here). It’s for families and groups who are looking to celebrate special occasions affordably. It’s not for people who prefer the quiet and relaxed ambiance of a hotel buffet. Fun Fact: Every Vikings branch has a unique design theme, SM Jazz’s is European.

Trufa is a cozy and rustic Catalan-inspired build-your-own pasta bar that creatively combines the best of Barcelona and Manila. Owners Tricia Espino and Gerard Lorenta built the concept inspired from their travels, creating an outlet for their love for the humble pasta dish. It’s for anyone who enjoys DIY and picking out ingredients. You can choose from among selections of pasta, salsa and toppings. It’s not for impatient people. We recommend any of their pasta with truffle. Our insider tip is they’re closed on Sundays. Fun Fact: Trufa means truffle in Spanish. Read our full feature here.

Ooma is a modern Japanese restaurant by the Moment Group and young acclaimed chef Bruce Ricketts, the same partnership that brought us Mecha Uma. Ooma, a wordplay on Uma meaning ‘good’, promises bold Japanese flavors at affordable prices. It’s for people looking for quality sushi at affordable prices. It’s not for people looking for ramen. We recommend the Soft Shell Crab Taco-Maki, Hangar Steak and Uni Udon. Our insider tip is that at Ooma, you get to ‘brush’ (not dip) soy sauce on your sushi. P.S. Servers roam around with buckets giving out unlimited rice.

Little Tokyo is a hub of authentic Japanese specialties, whose focus on consistent quality of food has won the hearts of many loyal patrons. Izakaya Kikufuji serves fresh sashimi and affordable and tummy-filling bento sets. It’s for people who want to experience authentic Japanese style dining–kimonos, tatami mats, Japanese families and all. It’s not for those looking for a quick ramen bowl. Aside from their sashimi selections, we recommend their Wagyu sticks and spicy salmon sushi. Our off-menu tips: (1) They can order you Japanese fried rice from its neighbor restaurant. (2) Claim one coupon for every P500 spent, for a free glass of beer on your next visit. (3) Check out all 14 restaurants inside Little Tokyo here.

Recently listed as one of the world’s best restaurants, Your Local is a neighbourhood bistro serving modern Southeast Asian dishes. Opened by Chef Denny Antonino and Nicco Santos, the restaurant has a hipster meets industrial vibe and serves all day brunch together with their standard menu. It’s for yuppies in the area or intimate but casual date nights. It’s not for people looking for quick Asian takeouts. We recommend the Lamb Rendang and Torched Salmon Donburi and their value-for-money 24 Hour Sous Vide Corn Fed USDA Choice Beef Short Rib. Our insider tip is Chef Nicco just opened a brave new Chinese/Malaysian/Indonesian concept restaurant in BGC called Hey Handsome.