Cover Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Manam
Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Manam
1 / 1
Welcome to Foodie Finds! This is an article series by Tatler, chronicling where and what to order according to the food-obsessed: read on to learn about Francis Tolentino’s tips
I've never quite understood non-foodies. How can one resist the pull of layered spices, captivating familiar (or alien) aromas and the memories that surface with every bite? Dining is not merely about eating—it is an experience meant to be savoured, discussed and shared. Around the table, we connect: we pass plates, trade stories, and learn about one another in ways words alone cannot capture.
A single dish can reveal a person’s roots, a culture’s values, even a nation’s history. From celebrated chefs and rising talents to home cooks and grandmothers who cook from memory and heart, these makers fill our plates with emotion. And in doing so, they remind us why, for food lovers, the search for what and where to eat next is never-ending.
Here, we speak with chef Francis Tolentino to learn where and what he loves to eat. He is a Filipino chef and restaurateur who has gained acclaim for his borderless culinary style, which blends traditional Filipino flavours with global techniques.
See also: The best Thai restaurants in the country, as featured in the Tatler Best Philippines Guide 2025
After honing his skills in the competitive kitchens of New York and Miami, Tolentino returned to the Philippines and became a fixture in the Manila dining scene through ventures like Almacen and Unit 27 Bar + Cafe. In 2024, he opened Taupe by chef Francis Tolentino in Bonifacio Global City as a canvas to showcase his artistic approach to handling local ingredients. His menus are often inspired by personal nostalgia and childhood memories.
Read on to learn where and what Francis Tolentino likes to eat:
Above Chef Francis Tolentino
Chef Francis Tolentino
1 / 1
What are the regular restaurants you enjoy going to on your day off?
I always go back to Mamou. The rib-eye steak and truffle pasta never disappoint!
Where do you get your favourite dessert?
I love Grace Park’s mango pavlova; it’s elegant, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.
Where is your favourite café?
Yardstick is my café ritual, and nothing beats their clean, well-pulled flat white.
What is your go-to spot for a nightcap?
I like the vibe at Oto, and their dirty martini is always spot on.
See also: Where to order the Dubai chewy cookie in Metro Manila
Above Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Wildflour
Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Wildflour
1 / 1
What is your favourite restaurant for breakfast or brunch?
Wildflour in Greenbelt is my brunch comfort food. Their adobo fried rice with coffee feels like home.
What is your favourite restaurant for late-night eats?
Pares at Rodic’s is my guilty pleasure; it's simple, hearty, and nostalgic.
Where do you order your favourite Filipino food from?
Manam hits the spot. The crispy pancit palabok and crispy sisig are consistent winners.
See also: The best Spanish restaurants in the Tatler Best Philippines Guide 2025
Above Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Manam
Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Manam
1 / 1
Where do you go for your favourite steaks or meats?
Wolfgang's Steakhouse delivers. Nothing compares to the dry-aged porterhouse, done with precision.
Where do you go for your favourite seafood fix?
I go to Seascape Village, it’s all about freshness and variety.
Where do you go if you want to dine solo?
I always end up at Mendokoro Ramenba, their shio ramen is pure comfort in a bowl.
See also: Alex Lichaytoo’s essential guide to wine pairing and home entertaining
Above Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Grace Park
Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Grace Park
1 / 1
Where do you go for date night?
Blackbird is hard to beat. The twice-cooked beef short rib and burnt butter vanilla ice cream make it more memorable.
Where do you go for your favourite noodles?
Old Saigon in Makati, their beef noodle soup is rich and fragrant with herbs, while La Nuova Pasteleria’s vongole pasta is my go-to for clean, umami flavours.
Above Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Foodie Finds with Francis Tolentino | Photo: courtesy of Wolfgang's Steakhouse
1 / 1
Topics
