Vara Dining in Makati: Contemporary Asian-Inspired Dining at Karrivin Plaza
Vara Dining located at Karrivin Plaza along Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati, is a restaurant serving contemporary Asian-inspired dishes in a setting that brings dining and interior design together.
The restaurant is set within the Oppein and Taylor Living Showroom, where the furniture on display is also available for purchase. Guests are asked not to consume food or drinks on the displayed furniture, while pets are not permitted inside the showroom.
IMAGE from Vara DiningVara Dining is the first long-term restaurant of Five Palate Hospitality, a collective formed by five friends: Jedrick Lim, who leads culinary; Juanjo Araneta, bar; Corinne Limsin, brand and experience; Venice Ngo, operations; and Vince Ngo, finance.
The group started with pop-ups in 2024, collaborating with restaurants, organizing events, and participating in community markets. This eventually led to its first permanent restaurant, with Vara opening in October 2025 inside the Oppein and Taylor Living Showroom.
IMAGE from Vara Dining
Leading Vara Dining’s kitchen is Chef Jedrick Lim, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu Manila and gained experience at Toyo Eatery and Inato. His cooking combines classical techniques with Filipino and broader Asian influences, using familiar flavors alongside different techniques and ingredients.
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is the Duck Tsukemen (Php 580), featuring buckwheat noodles with cured duck breast, spring onions, and egg yolk, served with a savory dipping broth. The broth takes 72 hours to prepare, starting with duck carcasses that are simmered before being infused with aromatics and fermented rice. The dish also uses duck breast smoked over santol wood sourced from Tarlac, along with pickled green chili and egg yolk.
Duck Tsukemen (Php 580)/IMAGE from Vara Dining
The Iberico & Mackerel (Php 1,050) pairs a smoky pork patty glazed with teriyaki sauce with crispy mackerel and green mango salad. The acidity of the green mango balances the richer flavors of the pork and fish.
Iberico & Mackerel (Php 1,050)/IMAGE from Vara Dining
Another option is the Shrimp Cake (Php 500), a fried shrimp cake coated in homemade shokupan breadcrumbs and topped with tartar sauce, XO sauce, and fresh dill. It is served with lemon for a citrusy finish.
Shrimp Cake (Php 500)/IMAGE from Vara Dining
For private dining, the Vara Dining Suite accommodates up to 25 guests. Rates are Php 12,000 from Wednesday to Thursday and Php 15,000 from Friday to Sunday, inclusive of a five-hour private reservation. A consumable minimum spend applies depending on the selected date, and a 50% deposit is required to confirm the reservation.
Reservations are highly recommended, although walk-ins are accepted depending on availability. Tables are reserved for two hours, casual attire is encouraged, and guests of all ages are welcome.
IMAGE from Vara Dining
With its contemporary Asian-influenced menu and showroom setting, Vara Dining in Makati combines Five Palate Hospitality’s approach to food with a space centered on dining and design.
