September 05, 2025

LIST: 9 Contemporary Restaurants in Makati You Need to Try Now

Makati continues to assert itself as a culinary hotspot in Metro Manila, blending global influences with local flavors. From modern takes on traditional Filipino cuisine to international fusions and intimate private dining experiences, these nine contemporary restaurants offer unforgettable meals for both casual food lovers and gastronomic adventurers.

Toyo Eatery

Located in Karrivin Plaza, Toyo Eatery elevates Filipino ingredients and regional dishes with a modern twist. Recognized by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and awarded for sustainability and hospitality, it is helmed by Chef Jordy Navarra, formerly of Black Sheep.

IMAGE from Toyo Eatery

Guests can choose between an 8-course Tasting Menu (Php 6,500/person) or a hands-on Kamayan experience (Php 3,900/person), perfect for group dining.

Kamayan / IMAGE from Toyo Eatery

Also Read: Toyo Eatery in Makati: Presenting the Essence of Filipino Flavors in Unique Ways

Inato

Opened in 2024 in Karrivin Plaza, Inato is a sister restaurant of Toyo Eatery led by former sous-chef JP “Jepe” Cruz. Its name means “our way” in Visayan, reflecting its creative take on Filipino cooking methods like Ihaw (charcoal grilling) and Kinilaw (ceviche).

IMAGE from Inato

The 4-course Bahala Na Menu (Php 5,000) showcases seasonal grilled dishes and Kinilaw, while the intimate space features walls inspired by banana leaves and oyster shell flooring.

IMAGE from Inato

Also Read: Inatô in Makati: Discovering Filipino Flavors in a Bold, New Way

Hapag

Situated in Balmori Suites, Hapag—meaning “dining table” in Filipino—celebrates local ingredients in a refined, contemporary Filipino dining experience. Chefs Kevin Navoa and Thirdy Dolatre, with international training, craft delicate dishes that reflect their personal and cultural roots.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Diners can enjoy the Tasting Menu (Php 7,500/person) with optional wine (+Php 3,000) or non-alcoholic (+Php 2,200) pairings, or book the 10–12 person Private Room (Php 50,000 consumable).

Uni Arroz Caldo / IMAGE from Hapag

Inasal / IMAGE from Hapag

Also Read: Hapag in Makati: Elevating Filipino Cuisine with Elegance and Tradition

Helm by Josh Boutwood

At Ayala Triangle Gardens, British Chef Josh Boutwood offers an ever-evolving tasting menu that blends creativity with his personal culinary vision. Past themes have ranged from Star Wars-inspired dishes to reinterpretations of Filipino street food, such as lumpia, isaw, chicharon, and kwek-kwek.

IMAGE from Helm by Josh Boutwood

The refined interior, featuring Japanese kintsugi-inspired flooring, makes it ideal for special occasions, with the 9-course tasting menu priced at Php 6,500/person.

IMAGE from Helm by Josh Boutwood

Also Read: Helm by Josh Boutwood in Makati: A Theatrical Tasting Experience

M Dining + Bar M

M Dining relocated to Pasong Tamo Extension in 2016 and received a refreshed interior in 2024 for its 15th anniversary. Chef Tom Bascon fuses French, Italian, and Asian influences in his modern European dishes.

IMAGE from M Dining + Bar M’s Facebook page

Signature offerings include Mentaiko (Php 620–815), Tonnato (Php 1,200), Pork Loin (Php 2,300), and Scallops (Php 2,100), with private rooms accommodating 6–12 guests.

IMAGE from M Dining + Bar M’s Facebook page

Also Read: M Dining + Bar M in Makati: Modern European Dining with Asian Flair

Tandem

Located in Greenbelt Hamilton, Legazpi Village, Tandem is the collaboration of Chefs Alex Tan and Mikee Lopez. Their monthly 10-course menu uses over 80% locally sourced vegetables and features inventive dishes themed around bananas and cassava.

IMAGE from Tandem

Dishes like FROZEN (smoked mango) and FRIED (sambal fried rice with confit egg yolk and hanger steak) are served in the intimate 20-seat space at Php 5,600 per person.

Beef Short Rib / IMAGE from Tandem

Shrimp Toasties / IMAGE from Tandem

Also Read: Tandem in Makati: Where Culinary Science Meets Creative Flavors

Halong

Halong combines Mexican and Asian flavors under Chef Cara Davis, who trained internationally and spent seven years in Mexico. Named after the Ilonggo word meaning “to handle with care” or “to cherish,” the restaurant channels warmth and care in its dishes and service.

IMAGE from Halong

Seasonal menus highlight local produce, with favorites including Shrimp Aguachile (Php 750) and Lapu Lapu (Php 1,600), and brunch is offered on the second Sunday of each month.

Shrimp Aguachile / IMAGE from Halong

Lapu-Lapu / IMAGE from Halong

Also Read: Halong in Makati: Where Mexican Flair Meets Asian Soul

Kása Palma

Chef Aaron Isip’s Kása Palma in Poblacion, Makati focuses on local ingredients enhanced with French culinary techniques. Guests can experience the open-fire Jungle Kitchen at the back, watching dishes being prepared.

Jungle Kitchen / IMAGE from Kasa Palma’s Facebook page

Courses range from a 5-course menu (Php 3,500) to an 8-course menu (Php 8,500), with versatile spaces including a bar lounge, garden terrace, and private room named Sand Room.

IMAGE from Kasa Palma’s Facebook page

Also Read: Kása Palma in Makati: Poblacion’s Artisan House & Kitchen

Mireia Dining

A private dining gem tucked away in Pasong Tamo Extension, Mireia Dining is run by owner-chef Mark Dee and named after his daughter.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Guests are personally welcomed and seated by the garden-facing table, with a 6-course tasting menu (Php 3,900+) that changes seasonally, blending Philippine and Asian influences. Wine can be brought in free of corkage, and reservations are accepted for 2–8 guests, with full or partial table sharing depending on bookings.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer