September 2023 Dining Radar - Kiwami ATC 3
Cover Photo: courtesy of Kiwami

Chef Miko Calo reimagines taquería staples through French flavours, two Italian favourites head north with brand new outlets, and Hapag bids farewell to their Katipunan home with an emotional menu

Keep up with the latest food buzz and stay in the loop with our Dining Radar—our monthly round-up of the newest restaurants, bars, cafés, and more to tick off your list.

What would a French taco look like—and more importantly, what would it taste like? How would Filipino and Malaysian culinary heritage converge in a modern-day degustation, and how might one reinterpret ‘80s steakhouse dishes through a Southeast Asian lens?  The month of September brings us a wealth of exciting F&B developments to fill our calendars, including innovative dining experiences that answer these questions in delicious ways.

All these and more, below:

Buy your tickets now: Off Menu Philippines 2023: Tatler Dining’s food festival is back!

Filipino   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
Tatler Asia
September 2023 Dining Radar - Photo Instagram @bombvinos
Above Photo: Instagram / @bombvinos

Must Try

  • Kesong puti toast with tocino crumble: Norzagaray keso, milk bread, pickled kundol
  • Longganisa and eggs: hamonado longganisa, raw mushroom, egg sauce, puffed rice
  • Fresh cheese pasta with laing butter, bagoong cream, and chicharon

A cosy wine bar highlighting Bombvinos’s selection of natural wines (and mezcal!), supplemented by modern Filipino small plates 

Among the country’s first purveyors of natural wine, Bombvinos has grown synonymous with the beverage now sweeping the F&B scene. Now, they’ve opened up their Bodega to the public, converting the space into a cosy wine bar where guests can sip their way through the extensive wine collection, complete with Filipino-inspired small plates curated by chef Don Baldosano to boot.

In case you missed it: August 2023 Dining Radar: new restaurants, bars, and pop-ups to try this month


Bombvinos Bodega

Address: Unit 3, The Zone Sports Center, 7224 Malugay Street, Makati City, Metro Manila


Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Muntinlupa
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: courtesy of Kiwami
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: courtesy of Kiwami

Must Try

  • Deluxe meshi set
  • Chef’s choice yakitori platters
  • Hokkaido soft serve ice cream

Kiwami heads south with its second outlet, now open in Alabang

Following the sensational success of its first location in BGC, Kiwami recently opened its second location, now at Alabang Town Center. Marrying the arts of katsu, ramen, yakitori, and tempura, the sleek dining space brings you four Japanese staples under one house, each with a dedicated kitchen for enhanced quality control. Pair your meal with beers and cocktails from the Kiwami bar, and finish it off with their fan-favourite Hokkaido Soft Cream.

Related: The best Japanese restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023


Kiwami

Address: G/F Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila


American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
Tatler Asia
September 2023 Dining Radar - Crosta
Above Photo: courtesy of Crosta Pizzeria

Awards

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2024 Tatler Dining 20

Must Try

  • Morty & Ella 2.0: pistachio mortadella, black truffle bechamel, mozzarella, straciatella, roasted pistachio, parsley
  • Roni Sicilian: imported cupping pepperoni, Italian plum tomato sauce, mozzarella
  • Detroit Super Duper Supreme: pepperoni, bacon, fennel sausage, bell peppers, mushroom, onions

The pizzeria touted as the country’s best two years running opens up shop in Greenhills

Headed by chef Yuichi Ito, Crosta Pizzeria has made massive waves in the Philippine F&B scene with its daring, unconventional pies from its weekend specials to a full-fledged omakase. Luckily, you can now sample Crosta’s famed pizzas at their new branch in San Juan City, located at G/F O-Square Building 2, Greenhills Shopping Center.

In case you missed it: The Philippines’ first-ever pizza omakase by Crosta Pizzeria


Crosta Pizzeria

Address: Liberty Center, 104 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila


Filipino   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: courtesy of Hapag
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @hapag.mnl

Awards

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2024 Tatler Dining 20

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2023 Local Champion

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2023 Tatler Dining 20

Must Try

  • Sugpo at buro: grilled tiger prawns, buro, bagoong butter, aromatics
  • Laing stones: taro leaves, coconut cream, squid ink batter
  • Pancit negra: squid ink noodles, adobo negra sauce, grilled tiger prawns, taba ng talangka aioli, kamias and chicharon

Hapag bids farewell to their Katipunan home with a new tasting menu and a two-night-only collaboration dinner with a Kuala Lumpur restaurant 

Relive the evolution of Hapag with their new menu, “Hapag’s Greatest Hits”—a heartfelt curation that celebrates the restaurant’s best-known creations from 2017 to present. This will be the final tasting menu offered at their original Katipunan address as they make the big move to their new home.

On September 28 and 29, The Hapag team is also set to host a dinner collaboration with Nadodi from Kuala Lumpur (ranked No. 94 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023), exploring the fascinating convergence of Filipino and Malaysian heritage.

Read more: Chefs tell Tatler about the state of the dining industry in the Philippines


Hapag

Address: 7/F The Balmori Suites, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila


Filipino   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
Tatler Asia
September 2023 Dining Radar - @georgeandonnies
Above Photo: Instagram / @georgeandonnies

Must Try

  • Tocino rice bowl
  • Beef tapa rice bowl
  • Sisig fried rice

The Wildflour Group co-founders pay tribute to their parents and the Filipino dishes that shaped their youth

Previously known as Little Flour, The Wildflour Group’s Filipino restaurant has recently rebranded as George and Onnie’s, taking its name from the parents of co-founders Ana Lorenzana-De Ocampo and Margarita Loranzana-Manzke. Here, the sisters return to their culinary roots and pay homage to the dishes and flavours that ignited their love for food.

See also: Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo reveals the recipe to Wildflour's growth


George and Onnie’s

Address: G/F World Plaza, 31st Street corner 4th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


Latin American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @alegriamnl
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @alegriamnl

Awards

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2023 Best Restaurants

Must Try

  • Woodfired scallop and ubud mami
  • Ibérico pork and horchata salsa Vera Cruz
  • Wagyu carpaccio and adlai

Chef Charles Montañez’s flagship restaurant opens for lunch

Located in BGC, Alegria MNL is home to chef Charles Montañez’s unique Latin American-Filipino cuisine. Now, chef Montañez has opened up the restaurant for lunch, introducing a new exclusive lunch set for two, a 5-course exclusive lunch tasting menu, and an all-new à la carte menu available for dinner as well.

See also: Introducing a new chef driven concept: The Cork Elite Dining Series


Alegria MNL

Address: G/F Uptown Parade, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


Italian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
Tatler Asia
September 2023 Dining Radar - A Mano
Above Photo: courtesy of A Mano

Awards

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2024 Tatler Dining 20

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2023 Tatler Dining 20

Must Try

  • Carbonara pizza: Pecorino Romano, smoked pork jowl, golden egg yolk, black pepper
  • Fusilli all’Americana con burrata: tomatoes, cream, onions, Calabrian chilli, burrata
  • Prosciutto & rucola pizza: tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto di Parma, arugula, EVOO

This Italian favourite opens up shop in Quezon City

Known for its signature handmade pizzas and pasta, A Mano has remained top of mind for Italian staples since opening its first outlet in 2019. Now, the beloved restaurant boasts three outlets throughout the metro with its newest branch at Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City—a highly personal endeavour for owner Amado Forés, who dedicates the space to his family and hometown.

Related: Where to order the best pizzas in Metro Manila


A Mano

Address: G/F Lopez Drive, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila


Steaks   |   $ $ $ $   |   Pasig
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: courtesy of 22 Prime
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: courtesy of 22 Prime

Awards

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2023 Best Restaurants

Must Try

  • Prime's tomahawk
  • Signature USDA steak platter
  • Surf and turf

Chef Sharwin Tee heads to Discovery Suites for an inspired 4-hands dinner, available for two nights only

This September 15 and 16, chef Sharwin Tee and Discovery Suites executive chef Gerwin Bailon are teaming up for a 4-hands dinner at the hotel’s flagship steakhouse, 22 Prime. The 5-course meal takes inspiration from classic steakhouse fare of the ‘80s, re-interpreting each dish through a Southeast Asian lens—think shrimp cocktail with chilli crab granita, or a classic rib-eye in Crying Tiger Marinade served with a potato gratin dressed in laksa sauce. Part of the proceeds will go towards the Aeta Ako, Pilipino Ako foundation, financially supporting young adults in the Aeta community through their formal studies.

Read more: Where to eat the best steaks: 15 must-try restaurants from the Tatler Dining Guide 2023


22 Prime

Address: 22/F Discovery Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila


Filipino   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @toyoeatery
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @restaurantlabyrinth

Awards

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2024 Restaurant of the Year

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2024 Best Service

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2024 Tatler Dining 20

Must Try

  • Kilaw na tanigue
  • Alimasag, taba ng talangka, gata
  • Leche flan ice cream

Toyo Eatery gears up to host two collaboration dinners this September

On the 13th of September, chef Jordy Navarra and the Toyo Eatery team are set to present a one-night-only collaboration dinner with chef Ryogo Tahara of two Michelin-starred restaurant Logy in Taipei (ranked No. 57 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023), melding Toyo’s modern Filipino cuisine with Logy’s Japanese roots. 

The following week on the 17th of September, Toyo Eatery will host a sustainability-foucsed 8-hands dinner as part of the Singapore Tourism Board’s “Serve It, Singapore!” campaign. Featuring guest chefs Stephan Duhesme (Metiz), LG Han (Labyrinth, Singapore), and Vijay Mudaliar (Native bar, Singapore), the lineup features award-winning sustainability champions paving the way for the future of dining.

Related: Culinary heritage vs modernity: How five Asian chefs use innovation to keep their traditions alive


Toyo Eatery

Address: The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, Makati City, Metro Manila


Filipino   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @soilprivatedining
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Instagram / @soilprivatedining

The latest in The Balmori Chef’s Table series features modern Filipino set menus and a leisurely afternoon tea

Just in time for its 8th-year celebration, Soil Private Dining sets up shop at The Balmori Suites until the 24th of September. Sample chef Lorenzo “Lezo” Pimentel’s modern Filipino cuisine through a 3-course lunch or 8-course dinner menu, or swing by between 2pm to 4:30pm for afternoon tea.

See also: The ultimate primer to The Balmori Chef’s Table at Rockwell


Soil Private Dining

Address: G/F The Balmori Suites, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila


Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
Tatler Asia
September 2023 Dining Radar - Ramen Ron x Mōdan
Above Photo: courtesy of Ramen Ron

Must Try

  • Tantanmen ramen
  • Ukokkei miso chashu ramen
  • Aburasoba

Chefs Jorge Mendez and Tamura Hiroyuki collaborate on a limited-run ramen set

Worlds of Japanese mastery collide with the new Ramen Ron x Mōdan limited edition tsukemen set. Comprised of tori gyokai tsukemen and a spicy fried chicken bun, the set pays homage to the traditional flavours that chef Tamura Hiroyuki of Ramen Ron is known for—but not without a few unconventional twists by Mōdan’s chef Jorge Mendez. Released on the 18th of August, the Ramen Ron x Mōdan set was only scheduled as a month-long offering with 20 bowls each day. They have since extended the promotion until the end of September, with 40 bowls available daily.

In case you missed it: Introducing the Ramen Ron x Mōdan limited edition tsukemen set


Ramen Ron

Address: G/F Edades Tower, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila


Mediterranean   |   $ $ $ $   |   Pasay
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila official website
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila official website
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila official website

Must Try

  • Pomodoro and burrata pasta
  • Spanish mackerel shakshuka
  • Lamb kofta

Famed for its sunset views, this bayside hotel unveils its new dining outlet

The Sunset Bar at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila gets a makeover as the al fresco space is transformed into a Mediterranean dining destination. With a range of salads, pizzas, and pasta, plus sandwiches and heartier items off the grill, Cocos is primed to appease the whole family—they’ve even got a special kids’ menu complete with snacks, pizzas, finger food, and dessert options.

See also: New Spanish restaurant alert: El Born at Mitsukoshi BGC


Cocos

Address: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Must Try

  • Lamb bourguignon birria
  • Foie gras taco with chipotle- muscovado caramel and onion crisps
  • Le Bon Junk: Granny Goose Tortillos, garlic béchamel, beef haché, tomato concassé, pistou, feta cheese, and Franco pepper sauce

A casual taquería with French inflexions that breaks all the rules

Swapping masa for buckwheat flour, chef Miko Calo puts a French spin on taquería favourites, serving up brilliant creations like the foie gras taco and egg and caviar tostada. The casual, playful spot is set to be Salcedo’s next watering hole,  Be sure to browse their beverage selections as well, featuring cocktails curated by Pourhouse Hospitality’s David Ong.

Read more: Exclusive sneak preview: chef Miko Calo’s new restaurant, Taqueria Franco


Taquería Franco

Address: G/F LPL Center, 130 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila


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