(SPOT.ph) Makati City has never been the type to take it slow, especially when it comes to restaurant openings. Only a few months have passed since our last round up, and the city already has a fresh batch of restaurants you need to check out. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pizza Napoletana or unlimited kushikatsu, Makati has something for you.
This cozy food hall in Salcedo Village may be smaller than you’d expect, but the choices are incredibly varied. From crispy pata and ebi tempura to rice bowls and different kinds of hot chocolate, this place practically has all your cravings covered. This makes it perfect for large groups with different tastes, too. The Gourmet Republic also stands out because all the brands gathered at this food joint are owned by Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu under The Happy Concept Group, so you can trust that quality remains consistent no matter where you order.
The Gourmet Republic is at G/F LPL Manor, 116 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.
This pizzeria from Siargao made waves when Condé Nast Traveler declared their pizza and pasta as “the best in the country,” and Kermit is out to prove they’re worth the buzz even at their Manila branch. Spoiler alert: The pizza and pasta are still as excellent as ever. The Poblacion outpost may look edgier and grittier, but they’ve maintained their easygoing vibe with a laid-back dining area, with surfboards on display as a nod to their island roots. Like in Siargao, you can choose from a variety of toppings which can go on top of their pizza Napoletana-style crust, foccacia or stuffed inside a calzone. If the options get too overwhelming, you can’t go wrong with a classic Parma-ham-and-cheese-combo.
Kermit Manila is at 4636 Molina Street, Poblacion, Makati City.
In the mood for Mediterranean? The Moment Group’s first take-out counter is making it easier to have your fix. Fill up on their assortment of pita pockets and rice meals, all packed with loads of bold flavor. The Red Beet Falafel is an easy favorite, with a delightfully crunchy exterior and a savory center that would make you second-guess whether this is really meat-free. Don’t forget to drizzle on any of their sauces, from the classic Hot Chili and White Garlic sauces to Mild Chili and tangy Lemon Garlic.
Shawa Wama is at Level P1, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Plaza Drive, Makati City.
For those times when you find yourself in need of a hearty meal while in Poblacion, you can count on ABKD. Owner and chef Lica Ibarra whips up her own versions of comfort classics. The MNL Clam Chowder, her version of the classic stew, gets a citrusy kick from lemon rinds and tobiko which brighten up the flavor of the briny clams. For her carbonara, Lica trades the usual spaghetti for bucatini to lend her Eenie Meanie Bucatini an enjoyable chewy texture—though you’d probably be more amazed at the sauce’s almost guilt inducing richness, especially when you learn Lica only uses eggs. (Pro tip: ABKD also hides a second-floor bar with amazing Wagyu skewers. You didn’t hear this from us.)
ABKD is at 5663 Alfonso Street, Poblacion, Makati City.
Anyone familiar with Ooma and their out-of-the-box take on Japanese cuisine wouldn't be disappointed by their sushi-centric branch in Salcedo Village. Ooma Sushi Bar still carries some Ooma favorites, but they keep their focus on sushi and aburi, and you’re unlikely to pay attention to anything else anyway. How can you, when the massive Kimchi Prawn and Enoki Maki, stuffed with fried prawns, kimchi aioli, and cream cheese, is set in front of you? You can also go the understated route and opt for the equally interesting Duck and Foie Aburi Maki stuffed with—what else—foie gras. It's a combination you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Ooma Sushi Bar is at 136 Paseo Heights, Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.
Poblacion’s night life is still booming, and with new watering holes opening around the area seemingly like mushrooms, it’s hard for a new bar to stand out. But Bohemia does, just by being proudly unconventional. For one, this bar, which is also the house of craft beer Nipa Brew, offers a pescatarian menu—that means no pork, chicken, or beef, though you’re unlikely to miss any of those with how tasty the offerings are. The Uni Cream Pasta and the Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna hit the comfort spot, but the real showstopper is the tremendous Portobello Mozza Burger with a mammoth-sized Portobello-mushroom patty that’s packed with umami.
Bohemia is at 4740 Salamanca Street, Poblacion, Makati City.
Chef Luigi Muhlach reinvents classic Filipino pulutan at Lumu, his modern take on the classic beerhouse. If you're feeling adventurous, the Hardcore Kambing Sampler with three different takes on goat—Lumu Papaitan, Ala Eh! Gotong Batangas, and Kilawin—is a must-try. The rich, impossible-to-feel-guilt-free-about Chicken Dinakdakan with crispy fried chicken skin atop creamy pork bits, chilis, peppercorns, and calamansi juice, is just begging to be eaten with an ice-cold bottle of beer or two.
Lumu is at 3/F Greenbelt 3, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
Camp Curry is one of those cute restaurants that stick to a theme enthusiastically—the space looks and feels like summer camp, with wood-heavy, no-fuss interiors decorated with lanterns, banners, and camping gear. Even the spoons resemble tiny metal shovels and your drink comes in tumblers. It’s all incredibly adorable, but Camp Curry isn’t all gimmick. As their name suggests, this resto specializes in Japanese curry, with three curry bases to choose from: The signature and traditionally Japanese Brown Keema Curry, the Thai-inspired Green Vegeful Curry, and the seafood-and-tomato-infused Red Bisque Curry, all of which you can have over tender BBQ Chicken, BBQ Pork Belly, and more. Don’t forget to finish off with the S’more Special—it doesn’t get more like camping than that.
Camp Curry is at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Paseo de Roxas Street corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
This taqueria hidden behind a residential-looking gate offers flavors as vibrant as their murals. Don’t expect tacos and burritos that are 100% authentic, but once you have their Taco Ng Ina Mo!, a deep-fried breakfast burrito drizzled with habanero sauce and pico de gallo in your mouth, would you even really mind? They offer a wide variety of street tacos, too, all packed with so much filling they’re difficult to fold in half. We’re partial to the Mushroom and Truffle, for its light earthiness that’ll make you forget this is a meatless option.
Taqueria Seta is at 4988 P. Guanzon Street, Poblacion, Makati City.
What’s better than deep-fried skewers? Unlimited skewers! Osakatsu offers unlimited kushikatsu, and if you’re unfamiliar with the term, trust us when we say that you’re gonna love it. A popular Osaka street food, kushikatsu are golden-brown deep-fried skewers of almost anything, from beef strips and cheeseballs to eggplants, sweet potatoes, and Sakura prawns, which are coated in panko before swimming in golden oil. Osakatsu makes the experience more fun by letting you fry your own kushikatsu on the deep-fryer at the center of your table. You only get 90 minutes to eat, but with how easy these skewers are to munch, that’s more than enough time to fill up.
Osakatsu is at 2/F ACCM Building, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.
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