Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Makati for February 2017

Blackbird, situated in the heart of Makati City, is a contemporary European and Asian restaurant headed by Chef Colin Mackay (of Sala Bistro and People’s Palace). It remains to be one of the most romantic dining destinations in Manila. It’s for special occasions and a reason to dress up. It’s not for occasions you’re looking to get filled up as portions are on the small side. We recommend the The Blackbird Burger, Beef Short ribs and their pastas. Our insider tip is order your desserts beforehand, they run out fast. Fun Fact: Its aviation theme is inspired by the Manila International Air Terminal which used to stand on the exact same spot in 1937.

The Wholesome Table is an organic restaurant that serves healthy comfort food and an early breakfast menu by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. All produce is organic and sourced locally where possible, the meat is pasture raised and ingredients are not processed or refined. It’s for the hip and health conscious. It’s not for people who want a quick meal under a tight budget. We recommend their Bistek Tagalog, Crispy Duck Adobo, powerbowls and smoothies. Our insider tip: It’s dog-friendly, so bring along your best buddy. P.S. The Wholesome Table BGC now serves breakfast as well.

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.

Wildflour Café + Bakery is a proudly local bakery that offers specialty breads and modern international dishes. It is the first purveyor of the cronuts in Manila. It’s for people who enjoy hearty brunches and coffee any hour of the day. It’s not for office employees only have an hour to spare. We recommend their cheese fundido, wild mushroom salad, squid ink garganelli and their bestselling kimchi steak fried rice. Don’t miss (still) one of Manila’s best chocolate cakes, Wildflour’s Salted Chocolate Cake. Our insider tip is get breads and pastries at 50% off after 7pm.

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!

Hai Chix & Steaks is a dining concept where East meets West. It is an Asian fusion restaurant specializing in steaks and Hainanese chicken. It’s for everyone craving some Asian and American specialties without having to visit 2 different restaurants. It’s not for vegetarians. We recommend their bestselling U.S. Angus Ribeye and the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Our insider tip: Have your steaks cooked medium.

Little Tokyo is a food hub of restaurants featuring unique Japanese specialties like yakitori, wagyu, okonomiyaki and more. Izakaya Kikufuji is one of them and it 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.

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.

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 Steak Rice, Lamb Rendang, Chorizo Sandwich and Torched Salmon Donburi . Our insider tip is Chef Nicco just opened a brave new Chinese/Malaysian/Indonesian concept restaurant in BGC called Hey Handsome.