13 Must-try Underrated Dining Places in Makati City

Makati City is heralded as the Philippines’ financial epicenter due to many corporations, government offices, and private institutions housed in the business district. It is a fertile ground for investment and employment opportunities for many.

But Makati isn’t just a hotspot for economic development. Makati has a lot of hidden food-tripping gems that will surely satiate your gastronomic adventures. Here are thirteen underrated dining places in Makati City you should try.

Little Tokyo

Experience bits of Japan through Little Tokyo in Chino Roces Avenue. You will be welcomed by the brown arch as if you are stepping into a world of zen and authentic Japanese hospitality. Some notable restaurants in Little Tokyo are Sekitori, Seryna Japanese Restaurant, and Dojo Dairy. Don’t forget to take snapshots of your sushi, ramen, and the traditional Japanese backdrop for your social media.

Commune Cafe and Bar

Located in Polaris Street, Commune is the coffee shop of your aesthetic dreams. Tucked away in a quieter street close to the Makati Central Business District, Commune is the perfect place for professionals to relax and take a break from the daily grind of the city.

Commune is known for its organic coffee hailing from Mount Matutum, Mount Kitanglad, and Sagada, among other coffee growing regions in the Philippines. Besides its local coffee flavors, the coffee shop has modern decor similar to what Urban Deca Homes in Tondo has in their units. The aesthetics of the cafe provide a homey and secure feel that visitors will love to come back to.

Dong Won Garden

Tired of waiting in line to indulge in Korean barbecue? Dong Won Garden in Polaris Street corner Jupiter Street is an excellent alternative. Not only is it less crowded than most Korean restaurants in the metro, but it also serves thick cuts of meat and side dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The restaurant is also owned and managed by a Korean, so you can assure that you are tasting authentic Korean flavors.

Dong Won Garden also has a grocery area where you can buy noodles, snacks, and ice cream from South Korea. You can also purchase frozen cuts of meat and ingredients for you to have a Korean barbecue and hot pot dinner at home.

Salcedo Saturday Market

The Salcedo Saturday Market is known for its multitude of stalls selling affordable and fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore the weekend community and grab a bite at the variety of stalls selling sausages, ice cream barbecue, and various international flavors.

Go grocery shopping for organic produce and indulge in different snacks, drinks, and meals until you’ve had your fill. The best part is that the Salcedo Saturday Market won’t run out of goods to offer.

Habitual Coffee

Habitual Coffee is another coffee shop that makes your Instagram aesthetic dreams a reality. The cafe’s minimalist vibe creates a conducive atmosphere for students, professionals, and creatives to work productively and peacefully. To experience the optimal Habitual Coffee experience, regular customers recommend their signature cold brew.

Mando’s Wing Shack Makati

Dig your fingers and sink your teeth into saucy and flavorful wings at Mando’s Wing Shack Makati at San Antonio Village. Choose from various flavors including American, Korean, and classic Filipino. You can even test your spice tolerance by dipping your wings in the restaurant’s signature Ghost and Carolina Pepper sauces.

Mando’s Wing Shack Makati is tucked away in Bagtikan Street, a minor thoroughfare that connects with Chino Roces Avenue.

El Chupacabra

Get a taste of authentic Mexican street tacos, barbecue, and cheap beer at El Chupacabra in Felipe Street, Poblacion. The dimly-lit restaurant, Latino reggaeton music, and art prints of works by Mexican artists give off Mexicali vibes that make your dining experience feel more authentic. Try out their Carne Asada (grilled steak taco), Baja California Fish Taco, and Pollo Asado.

Nikkei

Yet another Japanese restaurant you should delve into is Nikkei in Legazpi Village. You might think this is another sushi and ramen place, but Nikkei is a fusion restaurant that promotes a blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Some of their unique entrees are fresh sushi cuts, steamed rice, pickled or grilled vegetables, and cilantro salad. As a whole, Nikkei offers a one-of-a-kind experience for food lovers and travelers. 

B-Side at Collective

Artists and music enthusiasts will find B-Side at Collective in San Antonio Village a relaxing hangout spot. This restaurant and bar is a popular venue for presenting international musicians, local band showcases, album launch parties, hip-hop jams, and reggae Sunday nights. Grab your favorite drink and snacks while you feast your eyes on the modern artworks and street murals adorning the place.

Blackbird Restaurant

The Ayala Triangle Park is known for its annual Christmas lights display. It is also adjacent to the Nielson Tower where you can find Blackbird Restaurant. The restaurant offers a lofty view of Makati Avenue, which recollects Nielson Tower’s former glory as the first commercial airport.

Take double-tap worthy photos of the restaurant’s modern art deco design and its delectable and mouth-watering dishes. Try out their afternoon tea and weekend brunch menus to have a European dining feel.

Old Swiss Inn Restaurant

Founded in 1946 by Swiss national Emil Landert, the Old Swiss Inn Restaurant in the upscale Urdaneta Village is a favorite eatery of locals, tourists, and expatriates. The restaurant serves legitimate Swiss cuisine as well as French, German, Italian, and Hungarian flavors. Dig into their trademark Swiss cheese fondue, raclette, veal sausage, and Angus rib-eye steak.

Royal Indian Curry House

Immerse yourself in Northern Indian cuisine at the Royal Indian Curry House in General Luna Street, Poblacion. Also known as RICH, the restaurant is sure to exhibit rich flavors and fragrances to its customers.

The Royal Indian Curry House is the first sports and resto-bar for authentic North Indian food. The restaurant has a pool table and an LED screen television where you can watch your favorite sports tournaments.

Bucky’s

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings by going to Bucky’s and getting a sugar rush from their brownies, cookies, pancakes, pies, ice cream, and s’mores. The dessert haven also serves crowd favorites such as buttermilk fried chicken, baked ziti, and twister fries. There are also vegan and gluten-free options available.

Make sure you try their signature Bucky’s Parfait. You will enjoy various textures and complementing flavors from fresh ingredients, and relish in the feeling of being a child again.

Satisfy your gastronomic appetite through these thirteen underrated gems in Makati City. Some places might be a little hard to reach, but the exquisite flavors and cultural experience pay off your efforts to search them in the business district.