Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Makati for January 2017

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.

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.

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.

Noche: Dine in the Dark is the first and only restaurant in the Philippines that will have its patrons dine in total darkness. There are no blindfolds involved, it’s dining in a pitch dark room served by visually-impaired staff. It’s for unique couples’ date night. It’s not for very young children who can’t feed themselves yet. We recommend you book the five-course menu. Our insider tip is: You can’t take photos of your food because there are no cellphones allowed inside the room. But do have fun guessing the dishes! P.S. Noche is only open Friday to Sunday.

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.

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!

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.