Vara Dining in Makati: Contemporary Asian-Inspired Comfort Food Restaurant
Vara Dining is a design-forward restaurant that centers on the concept of refined comfort, where thoughtfully prepared dishes are served within a showroom setting.
Rather than functioning solely as a place to dine, Vara presents itself as a living showcase where food, spatial design, and atmosphere come together, creating an experience rooted in warmth, creativity, and genuine connection.
IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
The restaurant’s concept places equal importance on what is served on the table and what surrounds it. Vara’s interiors are composed with restraint, allowing clean lines, muted tones, and carefully curated details to set a relaxed yet polished mood. The space encourages diners to slow down, making it ideal for intimate dinners, small celebrations, and evenings meant to linger rather than rush.
IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
Vara’s menu centers on refined comfort food with contemporary Asian influences, offering dishes that feel familiar yet thoughtfully elevated.
To begin a culinary journey at Vara, the Salmon Crudo is a natural starting point. Made with fresh Norwegian salmon, it is brightened by the gentle heat of mango habanero, balanced with crisp radish, fragrant calamansi leaf oil, and finished with a touch of dill, an opening dish that sets the tone for the layers of flavor and careful execution that follow.
Salmon Crudo (Php 570) / IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
For the mains, one dish that stands out is the Duck Tsukemen, a comforting yet inventive plate built around a rich duck-based dipping sauce paired with cured duck breast and hearty buckwheat noodles.
Duck Tsukemen (Php 580) / IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
Accents of pickled green chili add a gentle kick, while crispy garlic and spring onions provide texture and aromatic depth, creating a well-balanced dish that feels both indulgent and thoughtfully composed.
Rounding out the menu is the Crying Tiger Steak Frites, a dish that delivers both generosity and bold flavor. Featuring a 700-gram Canadian prime ribeye, it is served alongside crisp fries and paired with nam jim jeaw—a Thai dipping sauce that adds brightness, heat, and depth.
Crying Tigert Steak Frites (Php 5,700) / IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
As the day transitions into evening, Vara Dining takes on a more intimate rhythm. Soft lighting and a composed atmosphere turn dinner into a sensory experience, where conversation flows easily and the setting becomes part of the occasion.
You may order cocktails, especially as they have the After Hours featuring chef’s specials, cocktails, and live music on select dates, turning a dinner reservation into an easy segue to a late-night hang.
IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
Beyond regular service, Vara Dining also welcomes private gatherings and special events, positioning itself as a venue where meaningful moments unfold with ease and intention. The space can comfortably accommodate groups of 10 to 30 guests and offers custom menus, curated drink pairings, and personalized service and setup.
IMAGE from Vara Dining’s Instagram account
Vara Dining is located at Karrivin Plaza along Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati City and welcomes diners from Wednesday to Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with reservations recommended.
