Swagman Hotel

"Celera" means "appetite" in Malay, and the sleek, dimly lit, black-toned dining space with an open kitchen delivers a moody ambience. Two chef-owners craft contemporary Asian dishes that draw on influences from Japan, China, Singapore and beyond. Diners can expect umami-rich creations using dashi, fermentation and subtle smoke. Artful plating and warmly hospitable service enhance the meal, making it a lively and sensory-driven experience worth seeking out.

With tiled walls and graffiti art, this vibrant eatery exudes playfulness. A Frida Kahlo mural hints at the casual Mexican menu. Enjoy crispy and soft flour tortilla tacos with beef barbacoa or pork carnitas, perfectly paired with a horchata featuring sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes.

This understated, centrally located eatery is buzzing! Behind an unassuming entrance, the neat space has butcher-tiled walls, exposed ceilings and wooden bistro-style tables. Your Local has its finger on the pulse, serving easy-going, wallet-friendly gastronomy including dishes that are ideal for sharing. Try the miso tuna tartare with gochujang and calamansi and the meltingly tender braised lamb shoulder with soy anise sauce – both packed with flavour.

Lunchtime sees this modest restaurant packed to the rafters. Marbled tiles, rattan lamps, simple wooden tables and casual seating make for a laid-back vibe. Green-accented walls and screen dividers offer structure, but the focus is firmly on flavour over form. Generous sharing portions of Filipino staples such as kinilaw and lechon manok are crowd-pleasers, while the turon a la mode is a sweet final flourish. Unfussy, authentic and excellent value.

This roadside stall shaded by a tree has built up a following for its pancit batil patung, made to order in a small pot. In the standout lodi, the yolk of the soft-boiled egg ties together the miki noodles and crispy pork belly. The flavourful complimentary egg drop soup is the perfect match.

Behind a smart façade in a quiet side street, this sleek, elongated bistro exudes understated elegance. Dark wood tables, tiled walls, a long bar and shelves stocked with wine set a refined yet informal tone. An area to the rear can be closed off to make a private space; air conditioning and moody lighting keep things comfortable. Expect elevated trattoria fare, e.g. fregola gamberi or tiramisu, served with flair, and a savvy wine selection.

This 20-seater gem in Legazpi Village reflects the global culinary experiences of chefs Mikee Lopez and Alex Tan. Their constantly evolving tasting menu and a la carte dishes embrace a zero-waste ethos and seasonal, plant-forward ingredients. Drawing inspiration from local produce, music and diverse concepts, each dish is a taste of innovation and artistry. The minimalist interiors mirror the chefs' philosophy – elegance in simplicity and perfect execution. Note that tasting menus are served during the first three weeks of the month, with à la carte service available in the final week.