M Dining + Bar has re-opened its doors—here’s what to expect

The fine dining favourite sports a fresh, cheery vibe to go with the spruced-up cocktail and food menu

After a six-month break, M Dining + Bar has reopened its doors to their Pasong Tamo Extension home with fresh interiors by designer Jonathan Matti. Although, chef Tom Bascon would not really call that a “break.” He points out: “We did have that pop-up in Balmori Suites (Rockwell), then after that, we had another pop-up at the Brittany Hotel in BGC.” And, in between, they were making sure things were getting done during the renovation while also putting together a fresh new menu for their regulars who have missed their continental favourites.

But, first, a quick look at the newly refurbished digs that went from modern and understated to Matti’s interpretation of maximalist glam. The layout, too, has been moved around a bit to augment the space even further. The bar is now the first thing you encounter after passing through the foyer, which makes total sense considering it has truly become just as much of a crowd-drawer as their lunch and dinner service. “In fact, guests have been coming back a lot for the cocktails,” restaurant manager Tippi Tambunting intimates. The new bar boasts a gorgeous jade-green marble countertop to match their plush velvet bar stools. Couch seating also makes it a more inviting prospect to linger where guests can enjoy in greater comfort their yuzu martini (the current bestseller, so do ask about it) or a bottle from their extensive wine list.

Above The gorgeous new bar at M Dining + bar (Phtoto: courtesy of M Dining + Bar)

The gorgeous new bar at M Dining + bar (Phtoto: courtesy of M Dining + Bar)

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Past the main dining room are the two new private rooms which can be opened up into one big room to accommodate larger groups. Are the brighter interiors a conscious effort at making M more of a family-friendly establishment? Perhaps, although, nothing has ever deterred regulars from bringing their children to dine with them in the past. “Of course, we are always trying to find a reasonable compromise since many of our guests do come here to have a nice, quiet, and very ‘grown-up’ meal,” chef Bascon explains. “So we want to make sure the dining room is conducive for a nice date or a civilized dinner among friends. But, then again, I love kids! I would be the one always sending out desserts or ice cream to them, so if they do get hyper—which is almost never the case—it is probably also my fault.” (Laughs)

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Kids, their parents, and all the other guests in between do keep coming back for chef Bascon’s cooking, which is an interesting mix of refined comfort food and elevated bar bites to go with drinks, and a modern European menu that likes to change things up. Are regulars looking for their old favourites? “Of course, some of them do,” Tambunting admits, but chef Tom [Bascon] also reminds us that this is just how they have always done things at M Dining. “We are hoping that the new dishes we offer will become their new favourites,” he explains.

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With sips from a well-crafted martini or a glass of Champagne, guests can nibble on their lardo maitake crostini, an ikura uni brioche or an updated version of their chorizo Ibérico tart with arugula and shoestring potatoes. The cheese soufflé is still there, but a beef tenderloin tonnato has gathered quite a cult following. Fans will be happy to learn that the spaghetti with uni, crab and nori has found its way back to the menu, but a creamy tagliolini with mentaiko, eringi, and maitake just might steal some of those disciples away. If you are following the Italian dining format of primi and secondi, chef Bascon’s mains are always technically strong and memorable with just the right dose of creativity to what are otherwise classic preparations, like their regular Lapu-Lapu meunière and a beef short rib with Madeira jus. Save room for dessert—their bananas foster and stewed apple tart are worth the extra minutes on the treadmill.

Above M Dining + Bar has re-opened its doors, donning a fresh new look by interior designer Jonathan Matti (Phtoto: courtesy of M Dining + Bar)

Above Visit M Dining + Bar to experience the refreshed look first-hand and enjoy tasty new dishes! M Dining + Bar has re-opened its doors, donning a fresh new look by interior designer Jonathan Matti (Phtoto: courtesy of M Dining + Bar)

M Dining + Bar has re-opened its doors, donning a fresh new look by interior designer Jonathan Matti (Phtoto: courtesy of M Dining + Bar)

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With the almost fifteen-year-old M Dining on its third iteration from the time it moved to Pasong Tamo from the original M in Salcedo Village—plus an ever-evolving menu that is an invitation to their regulars to constantly explore new flavours with them— it seems that the only thing that is constant here is change. Save, of course, for the always impeccable service that comes with Tambunting’s management, and a consistently competent kitchen team helmed by a creative and charismatic leader in chef Bascon. M might look brand new, but it’s got all the same good things that we have grown to love.

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Topics

M Dining M Dining + Bar Tom Bascon New restaurants Tippi Tambunting Jonathan Matti

Jaclyn Clemente Koppe

Contributor, Tatler Philippines

Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.

Inside the re-opened M Dining + Bar: What’s new?