New restaurants and bars to try this April 2023

The newest restaurants, bars, and cafés throughout Metro Manila (and one new pastry line from Lipa, Batangas) to add to your bucket list, including a Tokyo-based steakhouse, online-turned-brick-and-mortar shops, and a new tasting menu

Keep up with the latest food buzz and stay in the loop with our Dining Radar—our monthly round-up of the newest restaurants, bars, cafés, and more to tick off your list.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen dramatic growth in the number of online-only cloud concepts, bringing us an unprecedented wealth of options to choose from. While many of them have become but a faint memory of lockdown dining habits, others have proven they’re here to stay. A fearless few have even pivoted to the restaurant industry, setting up their first dine-in operations—including a burger shop, a taqueria run by a former Hapag chef, and two popular rice tray specialists.

Tick them off your dining bucket list this April, alongside a Tokyo-based steakhouse that makes its long-awaited return to the Philippines, some low-key bars in Poblacion and Makati Central Square, and many more:

In case you missed it: March 2023 Dining Radar: La Pita, Ito Beverage Space, Cafe Aurora, and more

1. Key Coffee Kissaten

Above Key Coffee Kissaten dishes, including karaage and waffles, chef Jorge’s signature tamago katsu sando, and choux (Photo: Lauren Golangco)

Location: Mitsukoshi Mall, BGC

With large glass windows and stylish interiors that marry the past and present, Key Coffee Kissaten has quickly become a popular destination among foodies and café-hunters alike. As the brand’s first-ever international coffee shop, this Philippine flagship promises to live up to Key Coffee’s reputation as one of Japan’s most respected names in the industry—and on top of that, offers some Filipino touches on the unique food menu crafted by chefs Jorge Mendez (Mōdan), Thirdy Dolatre (Hapag), and Alexa Versoza (Apo Baking Society).

2. Bored & Hungry

Above The Bored OG Burger and fries (Photo: Lauren Golangco)

Location: The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall, Makati City

After two hugely successful pop-ups in the Philippines, the notoriously popular American burger chain Bored & Hungry opens its first permanent outpost in Asia with a stall at The Grid Food Market. Created by chef Fernando Valladares and Golda Valladares, the couple behind the famed Trill Burger dubbed Best Burger in America by Good Morning America, the signature Bored OG Burger includes two delicious patties smashed to a crisp, American cheddar cheese, caramelised onions, pickles, and their secret sauce between potato buns.

In case you missed it: New at The Grid: American burger sensation Bored and Hungry opens its first store in Asia

3. Apartment 1B (Arya Plaza, BGC)

Location: Arya Plaza, BGC

Comfort food specialist Apartment 1B officially opens its new location at Arya Plaza, BGC this Friday, April 14. In addition to their classic dishes like steak and eggs and French toast, enjoy a handful of exclusives like the Croque Madame, tofu spinach scramble, and the green power smoothie.

4. Fat Cat

Location: Makati Central Square, Makati City

This intimate jazz bar has quietly opened at Makati Central Square, offering coffee, cocktails, and a curated collection of records to those who find it. Swing by Fat Cat and order a drink from their lean but thoughtful beverage selection while basking in the best of jazz from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

5. Los Tacos MNL

Location: Magallanes Bistro Cafe, Makati City

Helmed by Patrick Curitana, former chef de partie at Hapag, Los Tacos MNL grew popular during the lockdown as an online-only taco shop serving street-style tacos from scratch—even its tortilla and sauces. Now, the taqueria has taken over Magallanes Bistro Cafe for a 6-month pop-up, giving its patrons the chance to enjoy these tacos fresh. Be sure to try the ceviche and guacamole while you’re at it.

6. Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar

Above Photo courtesy of Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar

Location: The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

With an original outpost in Tokyo, Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse & Bar has returned to the Philippines with its elegant new location at Ayala Triangle Gardens. Be it for your weekly steak habit or to celebrate special occasions, the trusted restaurant is sure to be a reliable favourite with its indulgent appetisers, exclusive cocktails, and premium cuts of steaks all cooked to perfection.

In case you missed it: A purveyor of unparalleled dining experiences: Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse & Bar opens at Ayala Triangle Gardens

7. Wildflour Café + Bakery (Alabang)

Location: Westgate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Wildflour Café + Bakery has finally expanded to Metro Manila’s South with its new location at Westgate Center, Alabang—their largest shop to date. The two-storey restaurant is home to the brand’s bestselling pastries both classic and unconventional, hearty mains, and cheeky cocktails, and will even host Wildflour’s popular Retro Nights series.

8. Kodawari

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

Known for its loaded trays of gyudon, chashudon, and vegetarian “shroomdon”, (and entertaining anime inspired content on their Instagram page) Kodawari is an online-turned-brick-and-mortar success story that now calls Salcedo Village its home. The dine-in menu is far more substantial than its takeaway tray series with chicken, steak, and salmon options for their signature donburi, as well as new noodles, raw fish, and small plate dishes.

9. Bar 55

Location: Poblacion, Makati City

The latest addition to Poblacion’s nightlife scene, Bar 55 offers spirit-forward Indochine-inspired cocktails as well as savoury snacks to keep you satisfied throughout the evening. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm til 2am, the bar is easily distinguishable by its teal door and gold signage.

10. Helm by Josh Boutwood (The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens)

Above Helm by Josh Boutwood at its new Makati home (Photo courtesy of Helm by Josh Boutwood)

Location: The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

Chef Josh Boutwood’s flagship fine dining restaurant, Helm, bids farewell to its original BGC home and is now located at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City. Thankfully, Boutwood’s ingredient-focused culinary philosophy remains central to the dining experience, now dressed in minimalist interiors of stone and glass, with gold accents inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi.

11. Azadore

Location: Quezon City

Cosy, spacious, and stylish, Azadore specialises in Spanish and American dishes, with emphasis on items off the grill. A creative collaboration between chef Tatung Sarthou and interior designer Ivy Almario, the space is their modern take on mid-century modern style. Meanwhile, the menu is filled with Spanish favourites like paella, callos, and salpicao, plus American classics including lasagna and burgers.

12. Ijo Bakery: Meryenda

Location: Lipa City, Batangas

Run by Joaquin Katigbak, whose resume includes stints at Miramar (Spain), Gaggan (Thailand), and Panaderya Toyo, Ijo Bakery is famous for its top-tier viennoiserie, rolling out some of the best croissants and pain au chocolat you can get in the country. Now, they've launched their newest pastry line called Meryenda: an ode to Filipino snacks we know and love, with sweets inspired by bibingka, empanadas, and even turon.

In case you missed it: Ijo Bakery: the Batangas viennoiserie run by a Michelin-trained chef

13. Burger Beast (Uptown Mall)

Location: Uptown Mall, BGC

Previously an exclusively cloud-based concept, Burger Beast now offers dine-in with its first flagship store at Uptown Mall, BGC. Enjoy classic burgers hot off the grill, plus chicken burgers, meat-free burgers, and fries, too.

14. Alegria MNL: New Tasting Menu

Location: Uptown Parade, BGC

This Friday, April 14, chef Charles Montañez launches a new tasting menu at Alegria MNL—his upscale degustation restaurant at BGC. Book your seats to witness Montañez’s interpretation of Latin American-meets-Filipino cuisine—including Filipino hantik or weaver ant eggs smoked over kombu and burning coals.

15. Ginza Gyu

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

From Wagyu gyudon and tenderloin steaks to black tiger prawn katsu and grilled salmon fillets, Ginza Gyu offers an array of flavoursome rice trays and bowls topped with premium ingredients. Once an online-only concept, the beloved brand has now opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Legazpi Village, currently on its soft opening.

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