Luzon, Philippines Food Guide: 10 Filipino food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Makati

December 14, 2019 Carley Gatson

Reviews on Filipino food in Makati, Luzon, Philippines. The city of Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia. It is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world, and provides an eclectic mix of holiday rentals - from luxurious homes to small holiday villas and rental condos on the outskirts of the city. Makati is well known for its highly cosmopolitan culture, and many expatriates live and work in the city. It is also a major cultural and entertainment hub in Metro Manila.
Things to do in Makati

10. Mesa, Filipino Moderne

G/F Greenbelt 5 Legaspi Street Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon Philippines Filipino, Asian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +63 2 728 0886 http://mesa.ph
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 515 reviews

Reviewed By Erikco77

On my last day in Manila, the day before my flight to UK... my friend Cris who is also a numismatist, introduced me to this lovely Filipino Restaurant called MESA which literally translates into a table or a dining table. First impressions, the place is so cozy, fully airconditioned, the staff are super helpful and courteous, and the service is quick. Me and my friend tried most of what's on the menu and I ordered the food which I missed. We didn't realise we ordered so much until the waitress asked us if we are able to eat all of them, I bursted into laughter and showed her my huge belly, and it was around 3pm so we were actually hungry. I told the waitress with confidence that we will definitely finish everything. I didn't realise the servings were massive.Ok so let's break it down, gourmet spring rolls with veggies and smoked fish was a delight, served in a spoon of six, nice touch, dip in vinagrette sauce, and the flavours explode in your mouth, that's just the starter. This is their best seller, I was told.The grilled scallops was delicious, it was juicy and tender and the baked crumbs on the top added a bit of texture, and it tasted fresh. Thank God for cetirizine!!!Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and topped with fried garlic was a delight, truly a filipino taste.Their take on deep fried whole crispy tilapia fish on bone was ok. It was mediocre.And then we ordered 600g of whole squid which was deep fried in batter which I think it had oyster sauce, this one is a killer. It was huge and we were struggling to finish it, but it tasted fresh. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the oyster sauce complimented the whole dish.We also ate binagoongang baboy (pork with shrimp paste) with grilled aubergines, chillies, tomatoes and onions, you have to eat this with rice. It's a bit salty.And a huge platter of BBQ meat arrived, and by this time, we were really full. I told the waiter to have it in a doggy bag for later.But we finished our meal with a dessert, halo-halo (mix mix)... it is one of my favourite desserts especially on a very hot weather. Different stewed philippine fruits, jellies covered in shaved ice, topped with creme caramel and purple yam ice cream you dig in and mix them all together, and that's where the magic begins.I was let down by their coconut juice served in it's mesocarp form. It just didn't taste fresh, apparently they freeze them. So I ordered bottomless iced tea but it was super sweet. One sip of this and you are out of ketosis if you are on a keto diet. So I watered it down.Overall, the experience was amazing and I would definitely recommend the place. Eating here brought me back to my childhood. The best part, I only paid £50 for everything. What a delightful way of ending my visit in the Philippines.

9. Aruga Cafe by Mesclun

Waterfront Drive Rockwell Center, Makati, Luzon 1210 Philippines French, American, Indian, Filipino Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Brunch Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Takeout, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +63 917 710 3896 http://mesclun.ph/arugacafebymesclun/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 48 reviews

Aruga Cafe by Mesclun

Reviewed By veza2014

I celebrated my birthday recently at the Aruga Cafe by Mesclun. My wife had been searching for a place to hold the party. As luck would have it, we had stayed overnight at the Aruga Hotel to mark the previous Mother’s Day. She found the restaurant quaint and tastefully decorated. And Aruga Cafe it was!Our meeting with their marketing person was a pleasant one, with her making suggestions with the menu. Dawn, that’s her, was on the mark! Our guests loved the food.Although the restaurant is a bit small, we had enough space for some 60 guests. Using the toilet was a bit of a trick because it is unisex. However, they had staff to “manage the traffic”.For starters, the Cream of Squash was a smash hit (the waiter was quick enough to take my dish to my table).I’ll take their Linguine with Truffle Sauce over the offerings of other “Italian” restaurants. My daughter swooned over it, too.All of my SC (senior citizen) guests loved the “Belly ala Miche”.We chose “Slow Roast Chicken” and patted our backs for this choice. It was so good.We enjoyed the “Beef Pot Roast” as well. But my “5-stars” go to the “Guava Pork Stew”, adobo with a wonderful twist. What makes good food even better is the service that goes with it. The staff of Aruga Cafe was lively (they were quick to address the guests concerns and requests), and pleasant. The people manning the door and the reception desk of the hotel were ever-smiling. These people beat the staff in the other big hotel chains. Thank you, guys.If only the menu we had for my celebration was available on the menu daily, I might have found a new, better place to do lunch or dinner whenever I’m in Rockwell.

8. Fely J's Restaurant

2/F Greebelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center 2nd Level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon Philippines Filipino, Asian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Delivery, Takeout, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Parking Available +63 2 728 8858 http://ljcrestaurants.com.ph/fely-j/
Food
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4 based on 315 reviews

Fely J's Restaurant

Reviewed By Z969SQjohnc

Came here several time already. Good ambiance on the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5. Dishes mainly kapampangan and very flavorful. Had lengua, kare kare and ginataan vegetable. Pomelo salad and Secret dessert with ice creme, suman and mango. The food were very tasty but on the high side for Filipino dish. All in all well worth it. Highly recommended.

7. Lobby Lounge at Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Ayala Avenue Corner Makati Avenue, Makati, Luzon 1203 Philippines Filipino, International, Asian Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Table Service, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Live Music [email protected] (63 2) 8814 2580 http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/dining/bars-lounges/lobby-lounge/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 98 reviews

Lobby Lounge at Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Reviewed By Protrainer12000

Moana provided such a great experience. She answered all my questions about various menu items. I very my appreciated her technique of getting down to eye level with me every time she spoke to me, made it feel like a personal and appropriately friendly exchange with each interaction. The food was great but the service provided by Moana was outstanding. Dear Protrainer12000,It is with great pleasure we are reading your feedback about your experience with us at the Lobby Lounge and how our dear colleague Moana took a very good care of you.We hope to see you again very soon for more delightful experiences.Sincerely,

6. Manam

Ayala Center Greenbelt Dr 105 G/F Greenbelt 2, Makati, Luzon 1223 Philippines Filipino, Asian Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Outdoor Seating +63 2 625 0515 https://www.facebook.com/ManamPH/
Food
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4 based on 222 reviews

Manam

Reviewed By ehlainealfonsl

I feel at home whenever we visit at Manam Greenbelt. Warmest welcome, friendly staff, and great food ( sisig, gising gising, ube sago ) are truly satisfying. Thank you Miss Queenie and Miss Ems for making us comfortable. You guys truly rock. Maman Greenbelt is one of the, if not, the best restaurants in the Meto Manila. Kudos Manam GB5! YOU MADE US HAPPY AND FULL.

5. Toyo Eatery

2316 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, Luzon 1231 Philippines Filipino, Asian Dinner Reservations, Seating, Table Service +63 917 720 8630 http://www.facebook.com/toyoeatery
Food
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4 based on 75 reviews

Toyo Eatery

Reviewed By tony c

Dined now for the 4th time and first time since this restaurant had been included in the Asia's top 50 best restaurants. Gastronomic brilliance, excellent service and value for money. Must must try and make sure to book in advance. Got to meet chef Jordy himself too. Humble and very hands on guy !!!

4. Tim Ho Wan

Ground Floor ,Glorietta 3 Gloria, Makati, Luzon 1210 Philippines Filipino, Chinese Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service [email protected] +63 2 576 8489 http://www.timhowan.com
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 266 reviews

Tim Ho Wan

Reviewed By samfisher4963

One of the best Hong kong style restaurant in makati. You will never go wrong eating here. The food are so delicious that you will never get tired ordering again & again. The place is cute & clean with super attentive staff always ready to assist. Wide selection of chinese food to choose from with value for your money & quite affordable to the budget. The place can be easily accessible by any mode of transportation.

Where to Eat in Makati: The Best Restaurants and Bars

3. Circles Event Cafe

Makati Shangri-La Manila Polo Clb Corner Makati Ave., Makati, Luzon 1219 Philippines Filipino, Sushi, International, Asian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Reservations, Valet Parking, Accepts Cred [email protected] (63 2) 8813 8888 http://www.shangri-la.com/makati
Food
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4 based on 738 reviews

Circles Event Cafe

When it comes to engaging, casual dining, Circles Event Cafe captivates food lovers with its fascinating open-theatre kitchens. Each station features its own selection of specialties, ranging from cold appetisers to seafood, Western cuisine to Asian cuisi

Reviewed By Brian C

If you are in Makati check out the wonderful buffet at Circles restaurant in The Shangri La Hotel. Top quality dishes from around the globe. Fantastic staff and a Head Chef who interacts with the customers. Outstanding!!!

10 Things to Do in Makati That You Shouldn't Miss

2. Dining at Makati Shangri-La Manila

Ayala Avenue corner Makati Ave, Makati, Luzon 1203 Philippines Filipino, International, Asian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Liv [email protected] +63 2 814 2580 http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/dining/
Food
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4 based on 614 reviews

Dining at Makati Shangri-La Manila

Reviewed By aHistoryTeacher

Trip Advisor rates The Heat #1 in the area, and you won’t question why. Superb staff, and amazing variety of spectacular food for every palate and every nationality - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit The Heat at least once while you’re in the Makati area. You’ll be glad you did.

Where to eat Thai food in Makati: The Best Restaurants and Bars

1. Cosmic

5057 P. Burgos Cor. General Luna Brgy. Poblacion 2/f, Makati, Luzon 1210 Philippines Filipino, Asian, Fusion Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Delivery, Takeout, Table Service, Seating [email protected] +63 946 770 0000 http://www.cosmic.com.ph
Food
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5 based on 119 reviews

Cosmic

We are a full-fledged vegan cafe & bistro located in the heart of Makati, Poblacion. Our selections offer an array of favorite flavorful dishes such as Miso Soup and Ramen; Lasagna and Pesto salad; Sisig, Sinigang, and Beanuguan (vegan dinuguan); Enchelit

Reviewed By Aisa_1228

This is my first time to try a vegan restaurant. We ordered Karekare, bagnet, lasagna, sisig. I love the lasagna although I miss the sharp taste of cheese made from cow’s milk. The bagnet is also good, but after 3 slices of it I tasted the real component of it (agar?). This restaurant is a must try even for thos who are not vegan. The food looks and tastes almost the same as the original version (not vegan version). The staff were also accommodating. The place is small but cozy.

Most Popular Asian food in Makati, Luzon, Philippines

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