Cover Known foodie Roman Recto enjoying a memorable meal with notable glasses of red wine at M Dining
Known foodie Roman Recto enjoying a memorable meal with notable glasses of red wine at M Dining
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Welcome to Foodie Finds! This is an article series by Tatler, chronicling where and what to order according to the food-obsessed—this time, we talk to restaurateur Roman Recto
Welcome to Foodie Finds! This is a series by Tatler, chronicling where and what to order according to the food-obsessed.
Food has a way of bringing people together, whether around restaurant tables, home kitchens or conversations that linger long after the last bite. The places we return to often say just as much about us as the meals themselves—comfort dishes become rituals, neighbourhood cafés become second homes and favourite restaurants become part of our everyday stories.
This time, we catch up with Roman Recto, a devoted gourmand. He travels to eat, reads cookbooks and menus obsessively, spending much of his free time exploring restaurants, food culture and the stories behind dishes. He recently joined his family operations in the restaurant business, running concepts like M Dining and Hinoki.
Read on to learn more.
See also: These are the best Spanish restaurants in the Tatler Best Philippines Guide 2026
What are regular restaurants you enjoy going to on your day off/free time?
Chicken House Express! It’s best to visit right upon opening.
What is a new restaurant you’ve recently discovered and enjoy?
Onn Kee Roast Duck House: this is tucked away in Cartimar. A Hong Kong roast house slinging Cantonese favourites!
Where do you get your favourite dessert?
I recently discovered Kariton and their Filipino ice cream flavours.
See also: Tatler’s ultimate guide: where to get the best fish and chips in Metro Manila
Where is your favourite cafe? What is your coffee order?
Omotesando Coffee. I order an espresso macchiato with a double shot.
What is your go-to spot for a nightcap?
Fat Cat in Makati Central Square.
What is your favourite restaurant for breakfast or brunch?
Pancake House tocilog is a classic.
What is your favourite restaurant for late-night eats?
Kappou Nakaji. It is open until 11pm.
See also: Liza Morales shares her philosophy on designing restaurants people remember
Where do you order your favourite Filipino food from?
Abé has some of the best crispy pata.
Where do you order your favourite bread from?
Genesis pandesal.
Where do you go for your favourite steaks or meats?
Woori Korean BBQ House for their pork cheek with Korean bagoong sauce.
See also: Foodie Finds: where does chef Francis Tolentino eat and what does he order?
Where do you go if you want to dine solo?
Lagrima and have a few tacos just to myself
Where do you go for date night?
Sagana and share an escargot.
Where do you go for your favourite noodles? From pasta to ramen?
Ukkokei’s tantanmen (which is now Ramen Ron) is a forever favourite.
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