August 2023 Dining Radar: new restaurants, bars, and pop-ups to try this month

Ayá by Hapag: a pop-up at The Balmori Suites, Makati City until August 13

A pop-up concept by Hapag, Ayá takes its name from the word “anyaya,” meaning an invitation to gather. The cosy bar offers modern Filipino share plates like pares toast and adobo liver mousse, as well as Filipino-inspired cocktails and an extensive wine list. Find it at The Balmori Suites lobby until the 13th of August.

For reservations, contact +63 919 430 6144 or visit hapagmnl.com.

Read more: Inside Ayá— Hapag MNL’s pop-up at The Balmori Suites

A new pâtisserie at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City infused with Asian flavours

Mentaiko tarts, matcha pains au chocolat, and some timeless treats to appease the classicists. Melissa Lim (a previous Masterchef Singapore contestant) opens up a unique bake shop and café with one-of-a-kind creations you won’t find elsewhere. Order up some coffee, or even some modern milk teas while you’re at it.

See also: Bread lovers, do you know the difference between a pâtisserie, boulangerie, and viennoiserie?

A new Catalan restaurant at Mitsukoshi Mall, BGC

Proud Catalan chef David Amoros puts his cuisine centre-stage at this new BGC restaurant. Try his signature arroz or any of the delicious meats and seafood off the Josper grill—but not before exploring the mouthwatering selection of tapas and appetizers like burrata salad, tuna tartare, and a potato stuffed with spicy pork.

Related: The best Spanish restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

Shangri-la the Fort, Manila’s casual burger joint, now in Mandaluyong City

Raging Bull flaunts their beef expertise in a delicious burger format. Championing nose-to-tail butchery, the burgers are not only environmentally conscious but delicious, too. This burger outpost by Shangri-la the Fort, Manila has become so successful, it has now opened a second branch at Shangri-La Plaza.

Shangri-la the Fort, Manila’s reliable bake shop, now in Mandaluyong City

Another signature brand by Shangri-La the Fort, Manila, Bake House has also opened up shop outside the hotel grounds, next to Raging Bull Burgers at Shangri-La Plaza. This new café boasts two stories and is open as late as 12 midnight—stay tuned for more exciting updates and offers, soon.

A new create-your-own bowls concept by the SaladStop! Group in BGC

Create your own or pick one of their signatures—the wholesome, delicious bowls from HeyBo! promise to nourish and delight. Brought to you by the SaladStop! group, you can trust that their dishes will neither skimp in flavour, quality, or size. Find them at Central Square Mall, BGC from the 14th of August.

Read more: Where to order healthy food: meal delivery services that will make your life easier

Pagtitipon: a pop-up collaboration by (Super)Natural, Kai Farms, and La Vie En Rose happening this August 13 & 14

Chef Luis Locsin, consultant for (Super)Natural Wines presents an innovative 8-course degustation of inventive Filipino flavours using produce from Kai Farms, paired with natural wines from Super(Natural). Held at La Vie En Rose, Pagtitipon is an intimate epicurean affair that invites guests to connect over inspired dishes and thought-provoking pairings.

After booking out their first weekend, the trio have decided to do a repeat this August 13 & 14—limited seats available, book yours while you can.

For reservations, visit the link in bio through @laavieenrose_mnl or  @supernatural.wine on Instagram.

Manila’s largest collection of whisky, tucked within Newport World Resorts

Step into this handsome and well-appointed space, aptly named The Whisky Library. Boasting Manila’s largest whisky collection, the newly-opened bar also features cigars, top-shelf liquors, and expertly-crafted cocktails.

In case you missed it: What to know about whisky as told by The Dalmore master whisky maker Gregg Glass

Parisian-inspired cafés by Apéritif, now in Muntinlupa and Quezon City

After gaining popularity for its ooey gooey cookies, graze boxes, and event services, this formerly online-only concept has branched out with Parisian-inspired cafés across the metro. Stop by the two newest outposts at Alabang Town Center and SM North Edsa for some sweet treats, savoury spreads, and coffee, too.

Brick oven pizzas served in a stylish space, now open at Rockwell

Known just as much for its fresh, brick oven pizzas as it is for its stylish interiors, Pizzulu has recently opened its second branch at The Proscenium, Rockwell Center. Explore other menu items including new dishes like baked brie and calamares before diving into your pie of choice, cocktail in hand.

Related: Where to order the best pizzas in Metro Manila

Reopened and revamped, with new items on the menu

Nikkei Nama Bar at Rada Street, Legazpi Village, has reopened with refreshed interiors and new menu items to boot. Stop by the revamped outpost to revisit your favourites or discover delicious new bites like the pescado frito or yuzu prawns.

Read More: The best Japanese restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

A new izakaya and sake bar by the Nikkei group

Japanese food with the contemporary twist the Nikkei group is known for. Graze across a selection of fresh sashimi (including fatty chutoro) before delving into the indulgent beef dishes on the menu, including Wagyu tartare and bone marrow robatayaki. As Sakagura is the group’s dedicated sake bar, do explore their vast collection of the Japanese beverage, too.

Elsewhere in Asia: How a celebrated French sake maker found his calling in a grain of rice

Pork & Spoon: a premium buffet takeover by 7 chefs this August 15

This 15th of August, Cucina at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila will host chefs Charles Montañez, Mikel Zaguirre, Kalel Chan, Edward Bugia, Niño Laus, Zarah Manikan, and their very own Rexsan Abarquez for Pork and Spoon: a “snout to tail” Filipino buffet celebrating all things pork. 

For reservations, contact +632 7720 7777 loc. 6606.

A new concept specialising in prized items off the grill with creative twists

Chef Mikel Zaguirre brings you a selection of succulent seafood and hearty meats cooked to perfection, fresh off the grill. Indulge in classics like ceviche and smoked baby back ribs, or opt for something more playful like pizza with mussel jam, gruyere, and aged balsamic pizza. 

Read more: The future of F&B is in the cloud, says Locavore’s Mikel Zaguirre

An 6-course dinner and sake pairing featuring bottles from some of Japan’s best breweries

This 24th of August, Yakumi at Solaire is set to offer a one-night-only 6-course Japanese feast, complete with sake pairings. Menu highlights include a sushi selection of Australian rock lobster tartar, striped jack nigiri, tuna ceviche, toro sashimi, and sansho pepper, as well as US prime beef tenderloin robatayaki with fresh black truffle and mushroom onigiri rice. Did we mention the sake is free-flowing?