GUIDE: Top Contemporary and Fine Dining Restaurants in the Metro
Metro Manila has become a vibrant playground for diners, where tradition and innovation meet in the form of contemporary and fine dining. In recent years, the city’s culinary landscape has flourished with restaurants that not only serve exquisite food but also offer experiences that celebrate artistry, culture, and creativity.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Over the past decade, Metro Manila has emerged as a dynamic culinary destination, where innovation, artistry, and global influence merge with local tradition. The city’s contemporary and fine dining scene thrives on creativity. Chefs experiment fearlessly with flavors, textures, and presentation, while maintaining a deep respect for its roots.
From Makati to Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City, diners can find restaurants that celebrate local produce, sustainable sourcing, and storytelling through food. The result is a cuisine that feels both familiar and new, an expression of how contemporary and fine dining continues to evolve with the times.
This September, Philippine Primer explores the world of contemporary and fine dining, taking readers on a flavorful journey through Manila’s evolving culinary scene.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
From stylish, sophisticated spots like Toyo Eatery and Inato, where guests savor high-quality dishes in relaxed settings, to high-end fine dining destinations like Yamazato and Old Manila, where exceptional cuisine and impeccable service take center stage, this feature invites everyone to experience the best of Manila, one gastronomic experience at a time.
At the forefront of contemporary dining is Toyo Eatery, a celebrated restaurant in Makati that reimagines Filipino cuisine with sophistication and soul. Garnering international recognition, Toyo Eatery has earned a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, along with accolades such as the Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award and the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award for its outstanding service. Chef Jordy Navarra’s approach transforms everyday Filipino flavors into culinary art, telling stories of the Philippines with every plate.
Kamayan / IMAGE from Toyo Eatery
Meanwhile, Inato, a rising name in the local dining scene, celebrates the richness of regional Filipino fare through a fresh, contemporary lens. With an emphasis on local produce and progressive plating, Inato bridges the gap between comfort and creativity, giving diners a renewed appreciation for Filipino food.
Chicken Skewers / IMAGE from Inato
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
On the fine dining side, few establishments embody elegance like Yamazato at Hotel Okura Manila. The hotel’s signature Japanese fine dining restaurant offers an authentic kaiseki experience, multi-course meals that highlight precision, balance, and seasonality. Each dish is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, served in a serene, minimalist setting.
IMAGE from Yamazato Manila’s Facebook page
IMAGE from Yamazato Manila’s Facebook page
Equally distinguished is Old Manila at The Peninsula Manila, where classic European refinement meets modern flair. With its grand interiors, curated wine selection, and elegantly plated dishes, Old Manila continues to define timeless sophistication in the city’s fine dining scene.
Beef Tenderloin “Rossini” / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
From redefined Filipino flavors to world-class culinary artistry, Metro Manila’s contemporary and fine dining restaurants prove that the city is no longer just a dining destination. It is a stage where global excellence meets passion.
Where to Eat in Contemporary and Fine Dining
Contemporary and Fine Dining
