Liyab in BGC: A Filipino-Forward Tasting Menu Shaped by Fire and Intention
Liyab is a Filipino tasting menu restaurant located on the roof deck of the W Highstreet Building in Bonifacio Global City. Created by Chef Charles Montañez, the restaurant offers an intimate dining experience centered on fire-based cooking, Filipino ingredients, and modern techniques.
IMAGE from Liyab
Walking into Liyab begins with a narrow golden hallway framed by curved lattice ceilings and warm metallic tones, leading guests toward a white phoenix centerpiece that symbolizes renewal and transformation before entering the restaurant’s intimate dining space.
IMAGE from Liyab
The name “Liyab”, which means “flame” in Tagalog, reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of clarity, renewal, and quiet intensity. With fewer than 30 seats, the restaurant focuses on precision and restraint through techniques such as grilling, smoking, roasting, and stewing over live fire, all prepared within view of the dining room.
IMAGE from Liyab
Liyab highlights rare and endangered local ingredients while incorporating curing, fermenting, aging, and preservation techniques behind the scenes. Ingredients and scraps are transformed into products such as miso, buro, vinegar, and tepache as part of the kitchen’s sustainability-driven approach.
The restaurant exclusively offers a tasting menu priced at Php 7,000 per person.
Among the featured dishes is the Sea Urchin & Wagyu which featuress Sagay City sea urchin with local F1 wagyu and tinigib.
Sea Urchin & Wagyu/IMAGE from Liyab
Sharing Course/IMAGE from Liyab
For dessert, the Sampaloc Nata de Piña with Christmas ham combines tangy sampaloc, sweet nata de piña, and savory Christmas ham into a dessert that balances acidity, sweetness, and smoky richness in a distinctly Filipino flavor profile.
Sampaloc Nata de Piña/IMAGE from Liyab
Led by Owner and Chef Charles Montañez, the restaurant offers a tasting menu built on clarity, precision, and the Filipino flavors he holds close—an experience that invites guests to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover the depth of local cuisine.
He is also the Executive Chef of Mamacita BGC and Mamacita Molito Alabang. Before Liyab, he served as Head Chef of Kilo Kitchen Singapore and Camp Kilo Charcoal Club Singapore, and later became Executive Chef of Alegria Manila. Across these concepts, his signature style has remained rooted in open-fire cooking.
Owner and Chef Charles Montañez/IMAGE from Liyab
Reservations at Liyab are strictly required through Instagram or their website. Dinner seatings are currently available at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Liyab is also preparing to launch ONTA on the fourth week of June 2026, an outdoor roof deck Filipino barbecue concept centered around communal dining and Filipino hospitality. Derived from the phrase “Kaon ta!” meaning “Let’s eat,” ONTA reflects an invitation to gather around a shared table through food, conversation, and generosity.
BBQ/IMAGE from Liyab
More than a restaurant, Liyab is a space where Filipino cuisine is honored with intention, where each dish tells a story shaped by memory and craft.
