The Beacon Makati

Located in The Alley, a buzzing part of Karrivin, this discreet gem blends intimacy with finesse. Ring the bell to enter a chic space in which a sculptural marble counter seats eight facing the open kitchen. Light floors, wooden slats and a textured feature wall add modern charm. Chef JP Cruz reimagines Filipino cuisine with flair. Standouts include yellowtail amberjack and choco tarte – delivered with seamless, warm interaction in a calm, elegant setting.

"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.

Manam's flagship restaurant in Ayala Triangle elevates the brand with its minimalist lines, vibrant Filipino pop art and airy, polished aesthetic. It feels welcoming despite its spaciousness. The extensive menu fetes Filipino flavours – try the Tagalog beef cheeks with calamansi, the spatchcock chicken inasal or the standout lechon manok with tutong longganisa rice with a playful choice of gravy: Red Horse beer or Sarsi.

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.

"Hapag", meaning "family table" in Tagalog, is led by a team of young chefs aspiring to reimagine Filipino cuisine with finesse. Tapping into the full potential of local ingredients, they bring a modern, sophisticated touch to traditional dishes. This inventive approach honours regional recipes and time-honoured methods, while challenging expectations and blurring culinary boundaries for a fresh and exciting perspective on Filipino flavours.

Step into this tranquil oasis of straw cloche lamps, lush greenery and shell-lined walls evoking beachside charm. Chef Isip draws on French technique and global influences – from Latin America to Southeast Asia – and makes good use of the wood fire. Local ingredients go into expressive, refined dishes. Order a tasting menu and dine on the breezy terrace or sit at the counter and enjoy à la carte creativity and a front-row seat to the action in the open kitchen.

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.