The best performing Tatler Dining stories of 2024

We’ve got the scoop: a first look at the opening of Carlo’s, an American-Italian restaurant in BGC by the group behind Izakaya Geronimo and Wagyu Studio. The space was designed by JJ Acuña, the Hong Kong-based Filipino talent behind Bespoke Studio, and proudly showcases Filipino craftsmanship as everything is locally-built and custom for Carlo’s. This philosophy of marrying the classic with the playful forms the backbone of their cuisine, too, where chef Morris Manalo takes the lead in the kitchen. They now also have a secret menu.

The chefs behind private dining concept 29 Sang, Neil Dy and Amanda Hao, opened a new restaurant called Seva in San Juan. Here they playfully blend the world’s flavours into their punchy menu, with expertly-made cocktails by Niko Tiutan (Ito Beverage Space). 

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Be taken on a journey curated by the country’s most seasoned culinarians. The tasting menu is a blank canvas with which chefs are best able to express themselves and truly tell their stories from start to finish. It is their record or album; an outlet for them to showcase their skills and share daring perspectives. Head to these top restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide and indulge in the best tasting menus in town.

Restaurateur and acclaimed architect Juan Carlo Calma and chef Chele González opened a breathtakingly beautiful and equally delicious destination restaurant in Cavite, called Asador Alfonso. Here, with chef Rodrigo Osario they present a pared down approach to fine dining, one that focuses on exquisite produce and expert cookery. 

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In this article, we dove into figuring out why so many restaurants seem to be engaging in collaborations. Jaclyn Koppe asked the teams behind Automat, Ayà, and Taquería Franco about the various collaborative series that they’ve launched and why it has become an important part of what they do, and how it may be much more than a trend. 

To celebrate Solaire’s 11th anniversary they celebrated with a gastronomic milestone. On March 13 to 17, a lineup of brilliant chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants flew to Manila to cook at Solaire. Chefs Cristina Bowerman (Rome), Takeshi ‘Goh’ Fukuyama (Fukuoka), and Xu Fan (Chengdu) took over the Solaire Resort kitchens, each presenting one-of-a-kind dinner experiences. 

See also: Paradise Dynasty opens a new location in the heart of Greenbelt 5

The local restaurant scene’s bounce-back in 2023 brought us numerous establishments that had us eagerly heading out to dine around the country—from casual eateries offering well-executed comfort food, to nostalgic concepts that have something for the whole family, as well as innovative tasting menus designed to challenge our personal boundaries. With so many new places jostling for our attention in the Philippines, we set apart those that truly made an impact.

See also: Percy Seafood gives local ingredients an international spin

Our Dining Radar series comes out every month and outlines the newest must-know updates in the F&B industry from fresh restaurant openings, menu launches, collabs, to pop-ups. We’re glad to see that many of you are regularly keeping up with the latest food buzz with us! Most notably the best performing Dining Radar’s are our January and February 2024 editions. Stay in the loop and keep on the look out for our next Dining Radar. 

Whether you’re after a hearty bowl of ramen, fresh sushi, crispy tempura, or a succulent teppanyaki steak, these restaurants have got you covered. Here are the 28 best Japanese restaurants in the Philippines as featured in the Tatler Dining Guide 2024.

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