There's just no guessing what Manila's restaurant scene will come up with next! Here are some of Philippine Tatler's new and old dining picks in Manila, so far.
An outbreak of exquisite dining destinations in the metro has taken Manila’s restaurant scene by storm, bringing an array of delectable flavours for us to enjoy. Here are some of our most recent favourites.
(Get ready for Madrid Fusion Manila in April!)
ArroZeria
For the Love of Rice
The chef J. Luis Gonzalez of VASK is at his best in this comfort food haven for traditional Spanish paella and tapas. Discovering heirloom rice from the Cordillera region of the Philippines, Gonzalez has found a sustainable way to replicate the original flavour and texture of bomba rice in Spain.
ArroZeria 4/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue corner Salamanca Street, Makati City +632.217.6563
Bistro Du Vin
French and Friendly
If you’re craving for the exquisite flavours of French cuisine, but want it simple and friendly, this French bistro from The Moment Group and Singapore’s Les Amis group is the place for you.
Bistro Du Vin at Edades Tower & Garden Villas, Rockwell, Makati
La Cabrera
Carnivore’s Treat
The first Philippine branch of the famous Argentinian steakhouse opened in Makati late last year and continues to live up to steak lovers’ expectations. Aside from the restaurant’s succulent premium meats, diners are also treated to a variety of side dishes that are served eat-all-you-can style.
La Cabrera at 6750 Building, Makati
Mecha Uma
Absurdly Delicious
(Find out who's been seen at Mecha Uma.)
As the passion project of Chef Bruce Ricketts of the Sensei Sushi fame, Mecha Uma is a privately-run Chef's Table with a menu that is best described as global cuisine with Japanese inflections. It offers a true seasonal tasting menu with air-flown specialities from Japan while also making extensive use of local organic produce.
Mecha Uma at RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, Bonifacio South, Fort Bonifacio
Kitchen 1B
Eat Smart
High ceilings, adorable and quirky interiors, and a big open kitchen are just some of the things you’d fall in love with as soon as you walk into this restaurant. Of course, its healthy but absolutely delicious dishes are still the main attraction.
Kitchen 1 B at Legaspi Village, Makati

Lulu
Highly Continental
British chef Tom Hines takes over the restaurant that was owned by Kristine del Gallego-Locsin and gives it an interesting new look and a delightful new menu, adding his own personal touch.
Lulu at Salcedo Village, Makati

12/10
Bottoms Up
Named after the owners’ wedding anniversary date, this izakaya-inspired Japanese restaurant offers contemporary Japanese food to accompany its great selection of drinks.
12/10 at San Antonio Village, Makati
Taipei Ding Xian 101 Manila
Top Fresh
Sitting on the 86th floor of the Taipei 101 building is the legendary Ding Xian 101, and now it has made its way to the Philippines with its branch at City of Dreams Manila. The foie gras terrine salad makes a surprising appearance in the menu, and that is due to the chefs’ training in the fine French classic techniques.
(Read the restaurant review of Taipei Ding Xian 101 Manila here.)
Taipei Ding Xian 101 Manila at Shops at the Boulevard, City of Dreams, Pasay City
Hajime
Crossover Cuisine
(Tatler Tip: Have lunch at Hajime then check out the Dolby Atmos cinemas of Powerplant Mall.)
The discipline and mastery of fine Japanese cuisine meets modernisation and classic European techniques at Hajime. The best part? It works. Launching their set menus, which feature dried abalone and A5 Matsuzaka Wagyu, the new restaurant looks promising.
Hajime G/F Edades Tower & Garden Villas, Rockwell Centre, Makati City +632.625.8824
Read about these newly opened restaurants on the Philippine Tatler March 2015 issue, available in any leading newsstands and bookstores. Download it on your digital device via Magzter or Zinio.