Cover Rockwell Center is where culinary discoveries are right around the corner, and all within arm’s reach (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Rockwell Center is where culinary discoveries are right around the corner, and all within arm’s reach (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Rockwell
The recent Michelin Guide recognised the country’s finest restaurants—8 of which are in Rockwell
Rockwell has long distinguished itself as a place where living artfully is part of its natural rhythm. As one moves throughout this tight-knit community, from the familiar sight of Power Plant Mall to its elegant residences, one can fully experience the interconnectedness that makes it whole. Likewise, its dining establishments—now recognised by Michelin Guide Manila and Environs and Cebu 2026—are an essential part of this flow, where each step leads to a new discovery right around the corner. From Filipino favourites to international cuisines, it is an address where one can find a seat at some of the world's finest restaurants, and one where everything is within reach. See below to rediscover old favourites or find somewhere new.
In case you missed it: Meet Me at the Bar: Jessey Qi of Last Chance, Siargao
Hapag (1 Michelin Star)
Above Beef Riyandang Maranao (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Beef Riyandang Maranao (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Located on the 7th floor of the Balmori Suites, Hapag reinterprets Filipino cuisine with modern techniques, comfortably blending tradition and contemporary flavours. Headed by chefs John Kevin Navoa and Thirdy Dolarte, each dish challenges your expectations of the favourites you’ve grown to love. Erin Recto, its partner, sommelier, and operations director, also earned the Michelin Service Award, firmly propelling this restaurant as one of the country’s finest.
Ayà (Michelin Selected)
Above Pares toast (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Pares toast (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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With its home likewise on the 7th floor of the Balmori Suites, Ayà offers its own interpretation of Filipino dishes and pairs these with stunning views through its glass interiors or at the outside veranda. Open for both lunch and dinner, its exciting menu features kinilaw, beef short rib kare-kare and a stunning array of calamansi or coconut cocktails.
Taupe (Michelin Selected)
Above Prawn and custard brioche (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Prawn and custard brioche (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Chef Francis Tolentino’s pop-up restaurant at Balmori Suites blends his Filipino roots with his New York training to create dishes that hail from two worlds. Make sure to try his signature plates, street basket and scallops with Champagne. Taupe’s pop-up is currently ongoing at The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table and will be running until January.
The Test Kitchen (Michelin Selected)
Above Cured hamachi ponzu (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Cured hamachi ponzu (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Settling in at the ground floor of One Rockwell, chef Josh Boutwood’s The Test Kitchen is a restaurant where his experiential and innovative spirit burns brightly. This minimalist space ensures your focus is squarely on his dishes, from unique tasting menus to à la carte plates, including braised Wagyu beef cheek and rum baba purée and Chantilly cream. Upstairs, Boutwood’s fermentation lab supplies ingredients for his menu and various pop-ups.
See more: The heart and soul of Zacapa’s rum
Carmelo’s Steakhouse (Michelin Selected)
Above Beef Wellington from Carmelo's Steakhouse (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Beef Wellington from Carmelo's Steakhouse (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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With its home on the second floor of The Proscenium’s Retail Row, Carmelo’s Steakhouse is your quintessential steak establishment, with Australian Wagyu and Japanese Saga beef. Steaks are grilled and carved tableside, paired alongside traditional sauces to go along with its elegant (and almost ethereal) interiors.
12/10 (Michelin Selected)
Above Yuzu Madeleine (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Yuzu Madeleine (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Located on the ground floor of the 8 Rockwell office, chef Gab Bustos’ 12/10 serves Japanese dishes that balance sophistication with approachability. The sleek, dark interiors, softly illuminated by hidden lights in recesses and corners, bring about a sophisticated atmosphere to go along with their signature favourites, which include their karaage with miso glaze.
Ramen Ron (Michelin Selected)
Above Hiyashi goma (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Hiyashi goma (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Once known as Ukokkei Ramen Ron in Arnaiz, this collaboration between chef Tamura,chef Margarita, and Amado Forés first opened its doors at Rockwell Center. Fully embracing the clean, minimalist design codes of Japanese interiors, it is a profoundly welcoming establishment that serves only the finest bowls of ramen with handcrafted noodles.
Pilya’s Kitchen (Bib Gourmand)
Above Pork and shrimp dumplings (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
Pork and shrimp dumplings (Photo: courtesy of Rockwell)
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Among the dozens of establishments at Power Plant Mall’s The Grid food market, Pilya’s Kitchen stands out for its playfully delicious ribbon-like noodles and menu stocked with classic Chinese favourites. Savour authentic dishes from one of the world’s oldest cuisines, such as their signature pork and shrimp wontons, reflecting the experience of chef and owner Kriza Palmero at a New York City Chinese restaurant.
Whether returning to an old favourite or looking to discover a new favourite, embark on a culinary journey and visit these restaurants at Rockwell. Visit their Instagram @powerplantmall and Facebook at Power Plant Mall.
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Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
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