January 2024 Dining Radar: Inatô, Steak & Frice, Tsumura, and more

Location: Proscenium at Rockwell, Makati City

It’s been quite the year for Milka Romero, who opened not one but three new bars in the Metro, each with a distinct identity. The latest of the bunch, Bar Good Times is nestled within Proscenium at Rockwell, perfect for winding down for the evening with a nightcap or a well-made drink and Japanese bar chow before a night out on the town.

Tatler Tip: Though its cocktail menu is lean, guests are encouraged to chat up the bartender for a bespoke beverage made just for you.

See also: Umami Mania: 4 savoury cocktail recipes by top bartenders in the Philippines

Location: Proscenium at Rockwell, Makati City

Another concept from Romero, Nori Sushi Bar offers temaki, sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, as well as a handful of other Japanese favourites. Start off the meal with the hamachi yuzu tiradito or truffle edamame before diving into your sushi, and try out their A5 Wagyu rib-eye while you’re at it.

Related: The ultimate sushi cheatsheet: Nigiri vs hosomaki vs gunkan and more

Location: Power Plant Mall, Makati City

From the minds behind Bad Bird, Fowlbread, and Flowerboy comes Thank You Seafood, a new restaurant at Power Plant Mall specialising in all things seafood. Unbound by any particular cuisine, the menu ranges from grilled Hawaiian salmon to anchovy cream spaghetti, clams in ramen broth, and lemon butter lobster tails. Wash it all down with some picks from the drinks section, which includes orange yuzu iced tea, Japanese natural wines, and even a pitcher of sangria.

Location: Proscenium at Rockwell, Makati City

Experience a next-level grocery shopping experience at Joel’s Place. Located conveniently at the Proscenium at Rockwell, the new concept by the Rustan’s Group is designed to be an extension of your home, marrying the grocery and restaurant experience into one sleek space. Shop for all your essentials while discovering a range of hard-to-find items, from Japanese cheeses to Vietnamese snacks, and even novelty fruits like the strawberry apple. Find inspiration for your next meal from their speciality butcher and fishmonger section, or grab a seat and order a ready-to-eat meal without leaving the store.

Tatler Tip: Be sure to stop by the bakery section and try their “cronada”: an empanada made with flaky croissant pastry with a range of fillings to choose from

See also: 9 Must-visit gourmet delis around Metro Manila

Location: The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

Formerly located in Salcedo Village, Tsumura has long been praised for its authentic, quality sushi— but after two decades of operations, its interiors were due for a revamp. Just last month, the beloved Japanese restaurant relocated to its new home at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, boasting a refreshed, modern look with Japanese flair.

Read more: Restaurants with the best interior design in the Philippines

Location: The Maridien Tower 2, BGC

Experience the convergence of Filipino flavours and global flair at Taupe, the chic new dining destination by chef Francis Tolentino. Their freshman tasting menu spans eight to ten courses, including a Kurobota pork belly with kamias, batwan, and black garlic, as well as an Aklan oyster tart with caviar, celeriac, and fresh white truffle.

Related: Why white truffle is a prized delicacy in the culinary world, according to an expert

Location: The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, Makati City

Toyo Eatery’s second-in-command, JP Cruz steps into the limelight at his new restaurant, Inatô. While this new concept utilises both local and global ingredients, Cruz’s cuisine remains Filipino at heart. Graze through a selection of small plates like Fine de Claire oysters, abalone, and chicken isol before diving into the heavy hitters, including swordfish belly and Ibérico presa. Though the dishes are served à la carte, you can expect the chef to keep you on your toes with regular menu updates that showcase his culinary and creative talents.

Tatler Tip: The Inatô experience is best enjoyed right at the counter, where you’re granted a full view of the culinary action— however, they also have a private room for larger groups that seats up to six persons.

Read more: Love the Philippines: Why top culinary minds consider the country a gastronomic hotspot

Location: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

There’s much more to this restaurant than meets the eye. Manam’s new branch at Ayala Triangle Gardens not only boasts a warm yet contemporary design, but it also offers a range of exclusive dishes you won’t find at any of their other restaurants. Fans of the beloved Filipino brand will also be delighted to know that Manam at the Triangle accepts reservations, another unique feature of the flagship outlet. Book your seats and try out their lechon manok with tutong longganisa rice, isol inasal, or lechon de leche with camias rice.

Location: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

Singapore-based café Common Man Coffee Roasters has officially landed in the Philippines. Dedicated to bringing quality, sustainable, artisanal coffee to a wider audience, the 10-year-old brand offers immersive experiences designed to teach curious guests about the wonderful, but often intimidating world of coffee. Come by for a coffee tasting, cheeky cocktails, or classic brunch staples given the Common Man twist.

Related: Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines: How will they elevate coffee and brunch culture?

Location: Little Tokyo, Makati City

Meet Edoya, the newest addition to Makati’s bustling Little Tokyo neighbourhood. Open until 11pm, Edoya serves a broad selection of Japanese favourites from gyoza to tantanmen, sushi to yakisoba.

Tatler tip: Looking for something a bit more unique? Try out their uni tempura.

Location: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay City

Rarely does chef Bettina Arguelles, director of culinary operations get to roll up her sleeves with a hands-on dinner— but when she does, it promises to be a truly memorable meal. On the 25th of January, Arguelles is set to present Taste of Saga: an 8-course degustation that highlights the decadence of Saga Wagyu beef, even down to dessert), complete with a wine or sake pairing.

Read more: What is a dagel? The snack innovation from Dot Coffee

Location: The Westin Manila, Pasig City

The Westin Manila gears up for the second installation of its CuiScene collaboration series with guest chef Sharwin Tee, in partnership with Agribusiness and Countryside Development Foundation. Specialising in Asian cuisine with an innovative twist, chef Tee has curated an 8-course farm-to-table Chinese dinner, available on January 31 and February 7 exclusively at Seasonal Tastes.

Location: Anya Resort Tagaytay, Tagaytay City

For one night only, two of the nation’s most prominent culinary figures, chefs Chele González and Josh Boutwood will work hand-in-hand on a thrilling collaboration dinner at the picturesque Anya Resort Tagaytay. Taste the convergence of Samira and Ember across the 7-course menu exclusively on January 24.

Location: Solaire Resort, Parañaque City

Indulge in the flavours of Tuscany at Finestra Italian Steakhouse this January 25, as executive chef Andrea Spagoni presents a six-course dinner with wine pairings from Banfi. The feast begins with a classic panzanella and the citrus-forward 2021 Centine Bianco Chardonnay blend, followed by Spagoni’s rich cacciucco seafood stew and fruity 2020 Rosso di Montalcino ‘Poggio alle Mura’. Also on the menu are a ricotta-based gnudi with black winter truffles and bistecca alla Fiorentina, paired with the 2018 Summus ‘Super Tuscan’ Cabernet Sauvignon and delectable 2017 Brunello di Montalcino respectively.

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