Makati is a bustling city in Metro Manila known for its vibrant dining scene, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. Here are some top recommendations for where to eat in Makati:

Best restaurants in Makati

Makati has a rich dining scene, with a wide variety of options ranging from high-end restaurants to casual eateries. Here’s a guide based on different categories to help you decide where to eat in Makati

1.Circles Event Cafe @ Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Discover the Circles Event Café at Makati Shangri-La, a lively food hall that invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary culinary journey. With five interactive theater stations, this gastronomic haven presents an exquisite selection of dishes and beverages. From refreshing cold appetizers to the finest seafood, savory Western fare to exquisite Asian delicacies, and an enticing assortment of desserts, each station offers a unique array of specialties that promise to captivate your palate.

Location

Lobby Level, Makati Shangri-la, Ayala Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila

2.Ramen Nagi @ Glorietta 2

Nestled within the vibrant Ayala Center in Makati City, Metro Manila, Glorietta 2 stands as a distinguished component of the expansive Glorietta complex. This remarkable collection of interconnected malls presents an enticing array of shops, exquisite dining options, captivating entertainment venues, and a variety of essential services, all designed to create an unparalleled shopping experience.

Location

4/F, Japan Town, Ayala Ave, Glorietta 2, San Lorenzo, Makati, Metro Manila

3.The Pantry @ Dusit Thani

The Pantry at Dusit Thani Manila is a popular buffet restaurant offering a farm-to-table dining experience, with a wide variety of international and local dishes. Here’s what makes it stand out: 

Dining Highlights

1. Filipino Corner: Includes traditional Filipino favorites like lechon (roast pig), adobo, sinigang, and pancit. The lechon station is a must-try.
2. Japanese Station: Sushi, sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki cooked fresh by the chefs.
3. Western Grill: Premium cuts of meat grilled to your liking, including steaks, sausages, and roasted chicken.

Ambiance: The Pantry has a stylish and contemporary design, with warm lighting and a casual yet elegant atmosphere. It’s perfect for both family gatherings and business meals.

Location

The Pantry, Ground Level, Dusit Thani Manila, 1223 Ayala Center, Makati City

4.Hakata Ton-ichi @ Glorietta 2 (Top of the Glo.)

Hakata Ton-ichi is a popular ramen spot located at the Top of the Glo (roof deck) in Glorietta 2, Makati. This casual dining restaurant specializes in authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, which is known for its rich and creamy pork bone broth.

Dining Highlights

1. Tonkotsu Ramen: The star of the menu is their tonkotsu ramen, which has a rich and flavorful pork broth that’s simmered for hours. The broth is creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, with the perfect balance of flavors.
2. Hakata Classic Ramen: Traditional tonkotsu ramen with chashu (pork slices), soft-boiled egg, and green onions.
3. Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen: A variation of the classic tonkotsu with a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat in their ramen.

Ambiance: Hakata Ton-ichi offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it a good place to unwind after shopping or work. The seating is comfortable, and the service is generally quick, which is ideal if you’re on a lunch break or craving a fast yet satisfying meal.

Location

Japan Town, Top of the Glo, Roofdeck Level, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City

5.Kenny Rogers Roasters @ Glorietta 3

Kenny Rogers Roasters at Glorietta 3, Makati, is a popular casual dining restaurant known for its healthy, flame-grilled chicken and a wide variety of side dishes. It’s a go-to place for those who enjoy well-seasoned rotisserie chicken, comfort food, and hearty meals.

Dining Highlights

1. Signature Rotisserie Chicken: The rotisserie chicken is marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices, slow-roasted to perfection. It’s juicy, tender, and has a smoky flavor.
2. Baby Back Ribs: For those looking for something other than chicken, their baby back ribs are another favorite, slow-cooked until tender and basted with a tangy barbecue sauce.
3. Salads and Pasta: For a lighter meal, they offer salads like Caesar or Chef’s Salad. Pasta dishes like spaghetti and carbonara are also available as sides or standalone meals.

Ambiance: The Glorietta 3 branch offers a clean and comfortable dining space, perfect for families, office workers, and shoppers looking for a quick but hearty meal. The service is generally efficient, and it’s also a popular spot for takeout or delivery if you’re in the area.

Location

Level 2 Glorietta 3 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo,Manila,Philippines

6.Samgyuniku @ Valero

Samgyuniku is a Korean BBQ restaurant located along Valero Street in Makati. It’s known for offering affordable unlimited Korean BBQ, making it a popular spot for people who love grilling their own meat and enjoying a wide variety of Korean side dishes (banchan). This restaurant is perfect for both casual lunches and dinners with friends, families, or coworkers.

Dining Highlights

1. Meat Selection: The restaurant offers a variety of pork and beef cuts such as samgyeopsal (pork belly), beef bulgogi, and marinated pork. For unlimited BBQ, diners can choose from different packages, depending on the type of meat they prefer.
2. Sauces and Condiments: Samgyuniku provides a variety of sauces to accompany the meats, including the traditional ssamjang, sesame oil with salt, and soy-based dips.
3. Side Dishes (Banchan): Diners can wrap their grilled meats with fresh lettuce, along with garlic, ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), and other condiments to enhance the flavors.

Ambiance: Samgyuniku has a casual and lively vibe, perfect for those looking to enjoy a fun dining experience with friends or family. The grilling experience is interactive, and the service staff is generally attentive, providing more meat and banchan refills as needed. The restaurant’s Valero location is convenient for office workers and residents in the Salcedo Village area, making it a great spot for a filling lunch or dinner after work.

Location

Valero access road, Signa Designer residences, Makati City

7.Alba Restaurante Español @ Makati City

Alba Restaurante Española is a charming little restaurant that serves yummy Spanish food. It’s tucked away on Polaris Street in the busy area of Poblacion, Makati. This cozy spot has been making delicious meals for almost sixty years and is loved by many Filipino food lovers. If you’re looking for a tasty Spanish dinner, Alba has some great dishes to try, like spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic chicken, cod fish, and a special roasted pig that goes really well with shrimp paella.

Location

38 Polaris Street, Poblacion,Makati City, Manila Philippines

8.Zhen Bao Hotpot @ Makati

Get ready for the best hotpot meal ever! You’ll have a fun time cooking delicious food in a big pot. We use really tasty ingredients, so every bite will be super yummy. Come and enjoy your meal with us!

Location

252 Sen Gil Puyat Ave, Pio Del Pilar, 1230, City of Makati, NCR, Fourth District, Philippines

9.Shang Palace @ Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Cantonese cooking is really special and fun! At Shang Palace, you can try delicious dishes that mix traditional recipes with cool new ideas. The restaurant looks amazing with shiny chandeliers and pretty wooden designs on the walls, making it feel magical. There are also nine private rooms where you can eat with your family or friends, plus a big dining area and cozy booths to enjoy your meal!

Location

Level 2, Makati Shangri-la, Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City

10.Basil @ Rockwell

Come enjoy a delicious meal at Basil! This special restaurant serves tasty Southeast Asian food and is located in a nice area called Rockwell. The place feels warm and cozy, making you feel like you’re at a fancy dinner. You have to try their yummy Pad Thai, the spicy Red Duck Curry, and the Prawns with Garlic and Black Pepper. They’re all really good!

Location

R2 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Dr, Rockwell, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila

11.Ugly Duck Tapas & Rooftop Lounge

Ugly Duck Tapas and Rooftop Lounge might look a bit funny on the outside, but it’s actually a really amazing place to eat! The food there is super delicious, and you’ll want to come back for more. Make sure to try their Mushroom Salpicao, Oyster Aburi Sisig, and Paella Negra. You should tell your friends to join you tonight!

Location

Rooftop, White Rabbit Bldg, 5672 Dona Carmen St, Cor General Luna, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila

12.Nikkei @ Rockwell

NIKKEI is like a special blend of Japanese and Peruvian food. The ingredients from both cultures work really well together, almost like they were meant to be combined. This type of cooking is simple and has amazing tastes and textures that make it unique. 

The menu has yummy Japanese food! You can find fresh slices of fish called sashimi, hand-made sushi rolls, and special lunch meals that follow old recipes. There are also some fun twists on the food, like casual dishes and ceviche, which is fish with tasty flavors.

Location

RS-W 106, G/F One Rockwell Center, Poblacion City of Makati, NCR, Fourth District, Philippines, 1210

13.Nikkei Nama Bar @ Rada

Nikkei Nama Bar on Rada Street in Makati offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Nikkei, named after the Japanese diaspora in Peru, is known for combining the refined techniques and ingredients of Japanese cooking with the bold, flavorful influences of Peruvian cuisine. This makes it a standout dining option in Makati for those who enjoy sushi, ceviche, and other exciting fusion dishes.

Dining Highlights

1.Nikkei Roll: A signature sushi roll combining fresh seafood with unique flavors like avocado, yuzu, and Peruvian sauces.

2.Tuna Tiradito: A fusion of Japanese sashimi and Peruvian ceviche, featuring thin slices of fresh tuna topped with spicy sauces and citrus.

3.Gyoza: Japanese dumplings filled with flavorful ingredients, often served with a tangy dipping sauce that has a Peruvian touch.

 

 

Ambiance: 

Nikkei Nama Bar offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. The combination of Japanese precision and Peruvian boldness creates exciting flavors, and the beautifully presented dishes add to the overall experience. The bar area also makes it a popular spot for after-work drinks or a weekend night out.

Location

G/F Frabelle Business Center 111 Rada, Legaspi Village, Makati City

14.Riviera Cafe @ The Heritage Hotel Manila

Riviera Café at The Heritage Hotel Manila is a well-known dining spot offering a mix of international and Filipino cuisine. This restaurant is popular for its buffet, which features a wide selection of Asian, Western, and local Filipino dishes. Riviera Café provides a comfortable and upscale setting, making it ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.

Dining Highlights

1. Filipino Dishes: The café is also known for its selection of Filipino dishes such as lechon kawali, kare-kare, adobo, and various seafood dishes.
2. International Dishes: The buffet includes a wide array of international cuisine, from Western favorites like pasta, steaks, and roasted meats, to Asian specialties including Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes.
3. Sushi and Sashimi: A selection of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, perfect for Japanese cuisine lovers.

Ambiance: 

Riviera Café offers a relaxed and upscale dining environment, perfect for families, couples, or business meetings. The elegant décor and spacious seating provide a comfortable experience. The staff is known for their attentive service, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Location

Roxas Boulevard corner EDSA, Pasay, 1300, Philippines

15.Citron Cafe @ Holiday Inn and Suites Makati

Citron Café at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati offers a diverse selection of international and local cuisine in a relaxed and contemporary setting. It’s a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions, known for its buffet spreads, à la carte menu, and comfortable atmosphere.

Dining Highlights

1. International Selection: Citron Café’s buffet offers a variety of international dishes, including Western favorites such as roast meats, pasta, and seafood, as well as Asian dishes like dim sum and sushi.
2. Live Cooking Stations: Enjoy freshly prepared dishes from live cooking stations, where chefs cook pasta, noodles, and other dishes to order.
3. Main Courses: The menu features a range of options from steaks and seafood to Filipino specialties and comfort foods.

Ambiance: 

Citron Café provides a relaxed yet sophisticated dining environment, with a focus on comfort and style. The service is attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience whether you’re enjoying a buffet or a meal from the à la carte menu.

Location

Lobby Level, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Palm Drive, Glorietta Complex, Makati City

Summary

These are just a few of the many dining options available in Makati, each offering a unique experience and showcasing the diversity of the city’s culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Filipino dishes or international flavors, Makati has something to offer every palate.