Tatler Best-in-Class: awarding the best bars in the Philippines 2026

Since its September 2025 debut, Problem Child has shattered the conventional blueprint of the Makati drinking scene, emerging as an unapologetic hub of modern hospitality. Kevin Corales and Patrick Leyble Jr, who founded the bar alongside Wendy Esteban, have fused their respective backgrounds in culinary arts and electronics engineering to create a space that feels like a living, breathing experiment. Here, the team prioritises creative play and innovation. Every three months, the entire identity— from the complex flavour profiles to the staff uniforms—evolves, proving that consistency is found in their relentless pursuit of the unexpected. It is a bold, unorthodox triumph that makes rule-breaking look remarkably sophisticated. By stripping away traditional back-bar displays for immersive, colour-coded storytelling, this sanctuary of “trouble” offers a glimpse into the future of global bar culture.

Recraft has masterfully redefined the neighbourhood bar as a world-class laboratory of liquid ingenuity, bridging the gap between Quezon City and the global avant-garde. Under the visionary direction of Cedric Mendoza—an international titan who previously led Singapore’s celebrated Manhattan bar—the programme thrives on a “familiar unfamiliar” philosophy that elevates hospitality into a high-concept art form. By debuting the country’s first dedicated Nikka Room and constantly subverting expectations with their “Best F***in’ Menu Ever,” the team proves that true progress lies in playful, intellectual disruption. This relentless pursuit of flavour-bending techniques and elevated comfort food creates a sensory journey that is both approachable and profoundly sophisticated, setting a new, unmatched gold standard for modern bar culture.

Hidden within a loading dock in Bonifacio Global City, No Entry transforms an industrial shell into a transportive “dark deco” dreamscape. Guests descend a shadowy staircase into a moody supper club bathed in amber light, where sculptural seating in rich upholstery and sleek marble tables strike a balance between retro glamour and modern restraint. Art Deco flourishes meet Brutalist bones, nodding to the prohibition era while feeling unmistakably contemporary. Overhead, a constellation of glowing globes casts cinematic gold and copper hues across the tiled, metallic bar (both a stage and centrepiece), lined with top-shelf spirits. Intimate yet dramatic, immersive yet impeccably composed, the space proves that design here is not mere backdrop but the very pulse of the experience.

Related: No Entry: inside Apl.de.ap’s new speakeasy

At Ito, Niko Tiutan and Alex Atienza-Tiutan’s ritual of welcoming friends into their home now unfolds at a seven-seater counter in Legazpi Village. Whether you visit for one of their afternoon tea and coffee flights or their new, more accessible à la carte format for cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks in the evening, guests are rewarded with an immersive drinking experience where intimacy and hospitality remain firmly front and centre. The team moves with quiet assurance, articulating flavour notes, origins, and techniques in a way that feels generous rather than didactic. A produce-first philosophy anchors the programme, with seasonal ingredients coaxed into focus through innovative methods. His mastery of low- and zero-ABV creations further reflects this thoughtful approach, where spirits provide structure but never dominate. It is service defined by clarity, confidence and genuine engagement that leaves guests feeling both enlightened and deeply cared for.

No Entry in BGC has quickly become one of Manila’s most talked-about speakeasy-style destinations, where unapologetically creative cocktails and an intimate atmosphere turn every visit into a memorable evening. Hidden just off the main street, the bar embraces a supper club energy with moody lighting, live jazz on select nights and drinks that are often prepared 24 hours ahead to unlock deeper flavour and texture. At its helm, head bartender David Abalayan brings a rare blend of precision, creativity and quiet confidence to the table. His ability to tailor bespoke drinks, marry technique with imagination and guide guests through compelling flavour journeys has defined No Entry’s distinct identity and cocktail culture. His thoughtful approach and commitment to the craft have marked him as one of the bar scene’s most exciting mixologists.