April 25, 2025

a mano in Makati: A Must-Visit Italian Restaurant for Handmade Fresh Pasta, Pizzas, and More

With Italian pasta and pizzas handcrafted and made with the freshest ingredients, a mano, which literally means “by hand,” creates a symphony of flavors that has earned them a spot on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2024! This milestone has proven their continued dedication to serving the best version of classic pizzas and authentic Italian dishes, making them a must-visit Italian restaurant in Metro Manila.

IMAGE from a mano

a mano in Power Plant Mall, Makati City is one of the Metro’s most popular Italian restaurants, offering authentic flavors made with fresh ingredients that makes their menu a covetable selection for their handmade fresh pasta, pizza, soups, appetizers, and fish and meat entrees.

IMAGE from a mano

Minestrone al Pesto (Php 290) is a Genoa-style vegetable soup perfect for warming up any meal. It’s packed with garden veggies and finished with a swirl of fresh pesto Genovese for an extra dose of vibrant flavor!

Minestrone al Pesto / IMAGE from a mano

For pizza lovers, Stracciatella Pizza (Php 865) has a thin, blistered crust with a tomato base topped with dollops of stracciatella di burrata and basil leaves. The crust is chewy, just like a proper Neapolitan pizza.

Stracciatella Pizza / IMAGE from a mano

Garganelli Bianco (Php 820) is made with handmade garganelli pasta tossed in creamy truffle butter sauce. Finished with sweet green peas and ribbons of Prosciutto di Parma, it’s savory, aromatic, and oh-so-satisfying!

Garganelli Bianco / IMAGE from a mano

Recently, they have curated a Pesto Genovese Menu utilizing original Recco-style pesto produced with the old-school Ligurian mortar and pestle technique to keep that creamy nutty texture and vibrant green color. What makes it more special? Genovese basil grown hydroponically from Hijo Fresh, sourced directly from greenhouse farms managed in Manila and Davao. That means, the freshest and cleanest when it comes to giving that very characteristic bright peppery kick to the pesto. Beautifully swirled into pasta, slathered on flatbread, or drizzled over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, it is delicious homage to Genoa, here in the Metro.

A fresh and colorful plate of mozzarella di bufala, plump tomatoes, and basil drizzled under pesto and extra virgin olive oil. This is what Caprese con Pesto (Php 850) is all about. Creamy, tangy, and aromatic—perfect starter to share!

Caprese con Pesto / IMAGE from a mano

Trofie al Pesto (Php 630 Solo / Php 1,100 Grande) is a hand-rolled trofie pasta coated with a copious amount of freshly made Pesto Genovese with basil from HijoFresh, Pecorino Romano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. So rich and aromatic!

Trofie al Pesto / IMAGE from a mano

Thin, crispy, and cheesy, a mano’s Focaccia di Recco con Pesto (Php 950) is a Ligurian-style flatbread filled with melted cheese and topped with a thick layer of the house-made pesto. It would be so good for a pesto lover to try.

Focaccia di Recco con Pesto / IMAGE from a mano

While they are known for their fresh and best-tasting Italian dishes, a mano is not just about the food. It’s also about their high-quality coffee.

For those who want a touch of sweetness in their everyday cup of joe, a mano serves delightful coffee drinks like Tiramisu Latte, made with espresso, whipped mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. They also offer S’mores Hot Cioccolato for chocolate lovers looking for an indulgent treat.

S’mores Hot Cioccolato / IMAGE from a mano’s Facebook page

Don’t forget to save some room for dessert, or maybe some cocktails to cap off your meal. Try a mano’s Burrata Gelato Soft Serve (Php 240/cup + Php 50 Waffle Bowl). Served in a crisp waffle bowl, this creamy, cheesy, dolce is topped with crunchy honeycomb bits and drizzled with honey. You may also add extra toppings such as Nutella, olive oil & Maldon sea salt, or balsamic & strawberries for Php 60.

Burrata Gelato Soft Serve / IMAGE from a mano