January 2025 Dining Radar: La Chinesca BGC, Baker on East, Mōdan’s new menu, and more

Location: Escalades East Tower, Cubao, Quezon City

Since its opening in 2022, Mōdan has been one of the country’s most sought-after restaurants—with just 14 seats per seating, securing a spot at this intimate tasting menu destination is cause for celebration. With his latest menu, dubbed Hit and Missed, chef Jorge Mendez invites new guests to savour some of Mōdan’s greatest hits thus far, while imparting fresh twists that his regulars will appreciate, too.

See also: Some Thai, a new concept by chef Jorge Mendez

Location: East Gallery Place, BGC, Taguig City

Less than three months after opening the doors to their contemporary sushi kappo Iai, chef Bruce Ricketts and Jae Pickrell welcomed guests to La Chinesca’s brand-new flagship space in BGC. Designed by JJ Acuña, the hip new space pays homage to the restaurant’s original home along Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes, donning a retro diner feel that reflects the brand’s rock and roll attitude. Alongside their famed tuna tostada, quesabirria, guacamole, and other La Chinesca staples, diners can look forward to the return of fan favourites from their Balmori Chef’s Table pop-up such as the toro tostada and Wagyu suadero (cheek) taco. Come hungry and ready to shop, as the taquería-slash-bodega also boasts pantry staples like salsa and chips, original La Chinesca doggy treats, plus cookbooks, magazines, tableware, and merch.

Tatler Tip: La Chinesca BGC is open daily from 11am ‘til midnight, so you can swing by for tacos and micheladas even when the late-night cravings hit. 

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

“Baos, buns, dumplings, and more” are what you’ll find at Butcher Boy, a playful new Asian cantina by chef Andrew Walsh. Though originally from Ireland, Walsh has called Singapore home for the past 12 years, and his fondness for robust, vibrant Asian flavours shines effortlessly through every dish. This “come as you are” neighbourhood spot is best enjoyed in groups, so you can work your way through their selection of share plates like the prawn and chicken laksa dumplings, fried chicken nasi lemak bao with yuzu kōsho mayo, and tuna ceviche with Vietnamese dressing and coconut milk. Stay tuned for more developments as Walsh introduces new experiences like a hearty Sunday roast.

Read more: Butcher Boy by chef Andrew Walsh opens in Salcedo Village

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

Hailing from Sicily, chef Francesco D'Arrigo brings honest Italian cookery to the CBD through Fresca Trattoria. Previously known as Fresa Pasta Bar, D'Arrigo’s operation began as a six-month pop-up at Bahay Ligaya restaurant in Quezon City, and has now evolved into a full-fledged trattoria in the bustling Legazpi Village neighbourhood. Drop by and discover your new habit—the menu is filled with comforting pasta dishes like beef shank ragu, fregola vongole, and pesto pistachio e guanciale, as well as other exciting bites such as the bollito fritto (boiled then fried meatballs), spada alla mugnaia (swordfish belly with lemon, butter, and capers), and tiramisu.

Location: Uptown Residences, BGC, Taguig City

Born sometime in 2020, Los Tacos Mnl started as a humble ghost kitchen specialising in birria tacos. As chef Patrick Cuiritana delved deeper into the art of tacos, he began developing his own “no rules” approach to Mexican cuisine—one built on fresh, quality tortillas, and punchy salsas—which proved to be a winning formula at pop-ups and collaborations around town. Now, he’s teamed up with restaurateur and wine distributor Butz Tenchavez to open Los Tacos’s first permanent restaurant, bringing his tacos, tostadas, ceviche, guacamole, elote, and other Mexican specialities to BGC.

More from Tatler: Meet new generation restaurateur Alyanna Uy of Dough & Grocer, Prologue, and more

Location: SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City

Japanese warabimochi authority, Warabimochi Kamakura has landed in the Philippines, marking the latest in the brand’s global expansion to Singapore, Hong Kong, the USA, Australia, and beyond. Not to be confused with mochi, which is made with glutinous rice flour, warabimochi is made with bracken starch, producing a noticeably silky, jelly-like texture with a delightful chew. Though typically dusted with soybean flour, Warabimochi Kamakura also offers this traditional Japanese treat with a generous dusting of matcha, as well as a range of Japanese drinks such as matcha, hojicha, and more.

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

When on the hunt for comfort food in Siargao, La Carinderia naturally springs to mind. Run by Turin native Stefano Tomasiello and his wife, Priscilla, the charming Italian-Filipino restaurant is among the island’s most popular destinations, known for its excellent handmade pasta that combines local and Italian ingredients. Sometime in December 2024, their new restaurant, La Carinderia Manila, quietly opened its doors and is currently on soft opening with limited seats. Shoot them a message on Instagram to secure your spot and try lovingly made home-style specialities such as the polpette alla Letizia, Negros burrata salad, and Mamma’s lasagna.

See also: New Tagaytay resort Arete brings chef Margarita Forés on board

Location: Karrivn Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City

Helmed by chefs Stephan Duhesme and Arlo Gregorio of Metiz fame, Automat offers the pair’s take on Manileño cuisine: a convergence of local and global culinary influences, while remaining faithful to the urban Filipino palate. Now, they’ve stepped away from its initial prix fixe format and gone totally à la carte with a broader range of shared plates and plenty of new dishes to look forward to. Kick off your meal with the eggplant-stuffed omelette topped with bangus hollandaise and mentaiko, or opt for the kesong puti with longganisa, mustasa, and buttered, seared pan de sal—a crowd-favourite from their prix fixe menu. For the main event, consider the braised and deep fried oxtail with peanuts and homemade bagoong on top of buro infused with shrimp heads and treated like risotto (which comes with a bowl of rice and soup for sharing), or the braised and grilled lengua with tamarind glaze made with the cooking liquid of the lengua, aromatics, cream, herbs, mushroom, brown butter, garlic and black pepper.

Tatler Tip: While Metiz is shut for renovations, the team is gearing up for an exciting pop-up, to be announced soon—stay tuned.

Location: Alegria Alta Building, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City

Hidden within the Spanish restaurant Txanton is an intimate and moody new concept dedicated to one of life’s most luxurious pleasures: caviar. At Caviar Bar, indulge in a variety of dishes like oysters, a bellota jamón roll, soft poached eggs, roasted carabinero, beef tenderloin tartare, and even a bloody mary sorbet, each adorned with exquisite caviar. For a more immersive experience, treat yourself to a solo tasting of one of their delicious caviars (they have five to choose from), or go all out with the caviar experience tasting to sample them all.

Related: A dive into caviar, the luxury ingredient taking Asia by storm

Location: BGC, Taguig City

Singapore’s beloved Tiong Bahru Bakery has opened its first international location, right here in BGC! Founded in 2012, the charming bakeshop embraces traditional French techniques while folding in contemporary Asian touches. Opt for savoury picks like the ham and Gruyère croissant, quiche Lorraine, or za’atar and miso eggplant sandwich, then indulge in sweet treats like the kouign amann or apple pie, all of which pair perfectly with their selection of coffees, teas, and juices.

Tatler Trivia: their croissants are baked every two hours, guaranteeing optimum freshness every time.

Location: Forbestown Road, BGC, Taguig City

Chef Charles Montañez (formerly the head chef of Alergria Mnl) is back in action, partnering with the Dr. Wine Group to put forth a new taquería, Mamacita. Work your way through their selection of tacos with fan favourites like carnitas, baja fish, and campechano (steak and chorizo), but do leave room for other tempting picks too as the guacamole with salted tortilla chips and elote with furikake are not to be missed. Don’t skip the salsas at Mamacita, either—Montañez has over 20 in his arsenal to savour, each more delicious than the last. Open from noon to 4am daily, it’s primed to be a lively new watering hole in this busy nightlife district.

Tatler Trivia: stay tuned as Montañez unveils two more upcoming projects, Anomaly bar and fine dining restaurant Liyab.

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

The Black Bean, a well-loved café in BF Homes, has opened up its second branch, located in Legazpi Village. Inspired by Australian coffee culture, The Black Bean serves global favourites with local Filipino twists, offering dishes like the aburi salmon don, bibingka French toast, and their signature eggs Benedict. Their playful streak is evident in their beverage menu as well, with highlights such as the black sesame latte, Mozart (cold brew, peach, elderflower, and lemon), cereal dater (malted oat milk, toasted corn flakes, sweet foam, espresso), and cocktails.

Tatler Tip: Their seasonal calamansi pie is a must-try—when available, do not skip dessert and make the most of this refreshing treat!

See also: Why Korean convenience stores became social media’s favourite hangout

Location: GSC Corporate Tower, BGC, Taguig City

La Spezia has expanded with its second location, bringing its comforting Italian cuisine from Quezon City to BGC. Their original space, located along Scout Lascano Street, has become a reliable pick for pasta and other Italian staples in Quezon City. While the new BGC restaurant evokes a similar rustic charm, you can expect new dishes and BGC exclusives including a goose ravioli with foie gras emulsion (which you can supplement with generous gratings of truffle), pistachio pasta with anchovy and prosciutto chips, a MB7 Australian Wagyu bistecca rib-eye, and even prized gambero rosso.

Location: Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

Katipunan favourite Toka Wine continues its #WillHost guest chef series with chef Dennis Dela Cruz, who has recently moved back to Manila after a 12-year stint in New York City. Chef Dela Cruz has been cooking Korean cuisine for close to a decade, sharing that he appreciates its intriguing parallels with Filipino cuisine. Join Dela Cruz at Toka Wine this January 16-19 and 23-26 at Toka Wine, 5pm onwards to discover his take on NY-style Korean cuisine with Filipino sensibilities, complete with a selection of wines curated by Toka’s Butz Tenchavez, available by the glass.

See also: Your guide to Korea’s modern dessert trends

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

Founded by Chino Cruz, Baker on East rose to prominence online when its notorious doughnuts went viral—after Cruz transitioned from market pop-ups to online orders, the brand gained so much traction that they eventually had to schedule drops instead, which further added to its popularity. After some pop-ups at events and popular haunts such as Bombvinos Bodega in Makati City, and Del Unión in BGC, Baker on East celebrates the launch of its first pastry shop and café, located in Salcedo Village. Stop by for their signature doughnuts (available Wednesday through Sunday), coffees, and other sweets like the tonka bean revel bar or garam masala snickerdoodles, and pick up their sleek new Baker Boy shirt in collaboration with De Tsino while you’re at it.

Tatler Tip: You can also find Baker on East’s well-stocked pastry cart at The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall.

Location: Tomas Morato, Diliman, Quezon City

Boasting impactful and unique interiors, Incanta has already captured great interest on social media since launching a few weeks back—but a closer look at the concept reveals there’s much more in store. Partnering with chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana in New York City, Incanta offers an intriguing Filipino-Japanese menu that marries Tariga’s Filipino heritage and Japanese training, plus Japanese-inspired cocktails to bring it all together. In the daytime, Incanta operates as a café and lounge, primed for boozy brunches; come sundown, expect dinner and a show with jazz, live DJ sets, and even aerial dance performances as it embraces the energetic nightlife.

Tatler Trivia: Tariga became the first-ever champion of the sushi-focused game show competition, Morimoto’s Sushi Master in 2023.

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