Cover Raion, Tatler's Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Raion, Tatler's Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
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Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025 embraces the service they provide their community, opting for purposeful growth while establishing a strong identity
In the food and beverage game, the good ones understand the importance of a long and slow simmer. Raion co-founder and operations head Kate Osmillio wishes that she had learned this early on, now knowing that it could have saved her from a whole lot of worrying and overthinking. “I’ve learned that consistency and patience matter just as much as creativity,” she confesses. “When we opened, I wish I knew how important it was to give the concept time to breathe and to let the team, the guests and the identity grow together. Not everything needs to happen all at once; building something meaningful is a long game, and that perspective would’ve saved a lot of pressure early on.”
It brings to mind the saying: “If you build it, they will come.” In a commercial space designed for a quiet neighbourhood in San Juan, Osmillo and co-founder Miguel Ledesma chose the spot because it felt more personal and community-driven. “Raion was never meant to be just a destination bar; it was meant to be a neighbourhood space where relationships matter as much as the drinks,” Osmillo explains. To bring their vision to life, they relied on a small but dedicated team: Shinichi Ito, who assisted Osmillo in developing the bar program; Ledesma handled finances and oversaw construction; and Oliver Ang, who lent his support with both construction and shaping the food program. Together, they combined creativity, strategy and operational expertise to build Raion into the neighbourhood destination it is today, eventually earning them the recognition of Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025.
See also: Tatler Best-in-Class: awarding the best bars in the Philippines 2026
Above Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Above Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
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When they opened in 2024, their experimental cocktail bar concept was embraced by an open-minded and curious San Juan clientele “over time.” Osmillo explains: “We didn’t make adjustments to fit existing preferences. Instead, we stayed true to our concept and invited guests to experience it as it is. Over time, the community embraced the theme and that organic acceptance made the experience even more meaningful.” Raion (which means “lion” in Japanese and is immortalised in their logo of a stylised komainu) provides the neighbourhood with a refuge from day to night; a space where people can recharge, connect or simply savour the moment. During the day, it is a reliable café where one can work, meet or relax with strong wifi and warm service. At nightfall, it transforms into a cocktail bar where guests can unwind with a few well-crafted drinks and a diverse food menu.
See also: Tatler Best-in-Class: awarding the best restaurants in the Philippines 2026
Above Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
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More than a vibe, Raion is a place that serves a purpose. “It’s a safe and inclusive place where everyone is welcome,” Osmillo points out. “Our team is dedicated to creating an environment that blends comfort with professionalism, making sure you feel right at home, no matter the occasion. From responsible service to fostering a sense of belonging, Raion invites you to let loose, sip something extraordinary, and know you’re in a place that truly cares.” This intentionality extends naturally to the menu, which aims to be relatable to everyone who saunters through their doors. “The goal was simple: No one should leave Raion without having their drink. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail drinker or just starting to explore, the menu is designed to guide you towards something familiar, exciting or completely new, without feeling overwhelmed.” Osmillo continues: “That’s why the menu is divided into three parts: Signatures for the adventurous, Classic Restoration for reimagined timeless cocktails and Vintage Classics for purists. This way, every guest can find a drink that suits their taste, and no one leaves without getting their preference.”
See also: Tatler Best 20: the best bars in the Philippines 2026
Above Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Above Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
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As they purposefully stroll into their second year, Osmillo herself has fully embraced the same calm that Raion provides. Expansion is not the priority at the moment; it is about deepening roots where they currently stand and fulfilling intangible targets they have set for themselves. “The focus is on deepening Raion’s identity and experience, and when the time is right, maybe launching an entirely new concept. It’s about purposeful growth and creating something different and meaningful, rather than simply getting bigger.”
Above Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
Raion, Tatler’s Best New Bar 2025, a must-visit cocktail bar in San Juan
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
