INN DE AVENIDA

"Toyo", Tagalog for "soy sauce", hints at the restaurant's appreciation of apparently simple items that in fact take time and are complex to craft. Ingredients are sourced exclusively from the Philippines; fermenting and preserving is done on site. The chef balances seasoning – soy, vinegar and fish sauce – to enhance the dishes and highlight the natural flavours. For a traditional experience, try kamayan: a shared meal served on banana leaf, eaten with your hands.

This modern restaurant reflects the chef's half-British, half-Filipino roots and Spanish influences, blending creativity with precision. The themed, seasonal set menus range from street food to film-inspired surprises; the experience is always evolving yet consistently refined. Expect layered, bold flavours and intricate presentations. An open kitchen and counter seats foster connection. The warm, professional service completes the dining experience.

Inside The Alley at Karrivin, this stylish ramen shop shares premises with a café, making it a good bet for noodle and coffee enthusiasts alike. A young internationally trained chef brings his love of Japan to the table – eg Billy's pork rib ramen in a rich pork bone broth, offering an endless depth of flavour. The three types of noodles on the menu are homemade. Order a side of deliciously smoky edamame grilled with sesame oil. Curved wood creates a wave-like ceiling in the modern interior.

Channelling years spent in Mexico – where she fell in love with the bold flavours, local traditions and spontaneity of street food – chef Cara Davis's cuisine has evolved from the structured world of haute cuisine. She now presents a freer, more multicultural and emotionally driven style in a menu that blends Latin American and Asian influences with finesse. Set in a space designed by her brother, Hálong brings a fresh perspective to Makati's dining scene.

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 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.

"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.