November 2023 Dining Radar - ST_Izakaya Geronimo
Cover Photo: Sonny Thakur (Courtesy of Izakaya Geronimo)

Former Central (Lima) chefs set up an innovative new dining experience in Siargao, Rockwell welcomes a sandwich specialist serving up elevated favourites, and the Wagyu Studio team introduces a contemporary izakaya primed to be your next go-to

Keep up with the latest food buzz and stay in the loop with our Dining Radar—our monthly round-up of the newest restaurants, bars, cafés, and more to tick off your list.

Some days, there’s nothing better than a well-made sandwich filled with delicious pastrami or an indulgently greasy burger that calls for a quick afternoon snooze. On others, it’s the delightful crunch of Korean fried chicken that genuinely hits the spot, while others still may have you hunting for spicy Indian curries with flavourful bowls of biryani. Then, there are the occasions when you might seek out an elegant degustation or perhaps contemporary Japanese fare with some cheeky tipples to boot. No matter the craving, these new Metro Manila and Siargao openings have got you covered.

In case you missed it: September 2023 Dining Radar: Taquería Franco, Bombvinos Bodega, Kiwami Alabang, and more

$ $ $ $   |   Taguig
Tatler Asia
November 2023 Dining Radar - Instagram / @prologue.ph
Above Photo: Instagram / @prologue.ph

Must Try

  • Japanese A5 Beef with arugula-wasabi relish, bagna cauda, tamari soy sauce, and grilled mushroom
  • Tarako spaghetti: cod fish roe, shrimp, shirauo, aunori, ikura, and crispy nori rice crackers
  • Smoked Tasmanian salmon with yuzu- pickled cauliflower, beetroot, radish, yoghurt mousse, and ikura

At Prologue’s new BGC restaurant, tuck into contemporary continental favourites with creative Japanese twists

Prologue opens shop at Mitsukoshi Mall BGC with its newest location, Prologue d’Fined. The contemporary menu includes pasta and risotto, pizza, and mains such as French duck breast and Ibérico pork loin, with plenty of Japanese touches along the way.

Elsewhere in Asia: Kyoto Calling: 9 trendy cafés to visit while exploring the Japanese city


Prologue d’Fined

Address: G/F Mitsukoshi BGC, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


French   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Facebook / Chef Restaurant by Rob Pengson
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Facebook / Chef Restaurant by Rob Pengson

Must Try

  • Orange squab-foie inasal
  • Chilean sea bass and unagi with chestnut, tamari, and cauliflower
  • Eggs benedict 2024: poached egg, truffle béarnaise, caviar, smoked salmon, bacon

Contemporary French dining by chef Rob Pengson with various menus to choose from

Chef Rob Pengson and his culinary team serve their take on contemporary French cuisine. For a quick yet refined meal, opt for the bistro menu with amuse bouche, soup or salad, and your choice of mains and dessert, and be sure to check out their specials while you’re at it. Have some time to spare? The lengthy Antebellum tasting menu will give you an excellent picture of what the chef’s team can do.

See also: Get to know pastry chef Melissa Lim of Melc Patisserie


Chef by Rob Pengson

Address: 2F RM 101 Aleanza Institute of Arts Autometics Center, 2257 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Makati City


Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
Tatler Asia
November 2023 Dining Radar - ST_Izakaya Geronimo
Above Photo: Sonny Thakur courtesy of Izakaya Geronimo

Must Try

  • Popcorn shrimp with spicy yuzu mayo and tobiko
  • Filet O Fish: fried Spanish mackerel with takana mayo, mentaiko, and cheddar cheese on a toasted milk bun
  • Spicy tuna temaki with chopped akami served with spicy mayo and crispy chilli garlic

Luxurious temaki, hearty ramen, funky Japanese tapas, and cocktails on tap

From the minds of Wagyu Studio comes a brand new establishment that marries bar and restaurant in one sleek space. The extensive menu spans a range of Japanese favourites: a luxurious temaki, hearty bowls of ramen, timeless yakitori, and katsudon. True to the “leap of faith” mentality that inspired its name, they also venture beyond the traditional with more contemporary dishes like a filet-o-fish sando, yōshoku potato salad, and popcorn shrimp with spicy yuzu mayo. With sake, cocktails on tap, and regular DJ nights, Izakaya Geronimo is primed to be your next go-to hangout for post-work drinks, a sumptuous dinner, or late-night festivities.

Read more: Passing the torch: Chef Tony Boy Escalante lets a new generation take the reigns


Izakaya Geronimo

Address: G/F Asian Century Center, 27th Street corner 3rd Avenue, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


International   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @tandem.mnl
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @tandem.mnl
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @tandem.mnl

Must Try

  • Tomato, compressed watermelon, balsamic reduction, feta cheese, basil oil
  • Potato gnocchi, warm mussel salad, potato espuma, ikura, dill oil, potato chicharron
  • Smoked eggplant cappelletti, eggplant and red pepper sauce, gremolata, parsley oil

An ingredients-focused tasting menu concept by chefs Mikee Lopez and Alex Tan

A tasting menu concept by chefs Mikee Lopez and Alex Tan. The 20-seater restaurant in Legazpi Village offers seasonal plant-forward menus with a zero-waste philosophy. Their first menu acts as their delicious love letter to Filipino farmers, championing various local produce. With minimalist interiors, the space aptly parallels the philosophy of their cuisine: one that underpins the elegance of simplicity done right.

In case you missed it: Must-try secret menu items from the Tatler Dining Guide 2023


Tandem

Address: G/F Greenbelt Hamilton, 151 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila


Latin American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Facebook / La Latina Manila
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Facebook / La Latina Manila
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Facebook / La Latina Manila

Must Try

  • Tiradito de salmon with leche de tigre, passionfruit, aji amarillo, patacones
  • Quesabirria tacos
  • Lomo saltado of presa Ibérica

A lively Latin American restaurant offering nachos, ceviche, tacos, hearty mains, and more

Formerly just a casual food truck at BGC Uptown Parade, La Latina has recently evolved into a fully-fledged restaurant at Greenbelt 5, evolving beyond its quesabirrias and nachos to include heartier, elevated fare. Dig into Latin American favourites like tiraditos and lomo saltado while indulging in cheeky tipples—they’re open until late hours!

See also: Forgotten fruit: paying homage to the delicious Philippine fruits ripe with nostalgia


La Latina

Address: G/F, Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Metro Manila


International   |   $ $ $ $   |   Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @roots.siargao
Photo 2 of 3 Photo by Lauren Golangco
Photo 3 of 3 Photo by Lauren Golangco

Must Try

  • Ceviche: catch of the day, singkamas, calamansi, coconut tiger milk
  • Roasted watermelon with pepinitos, pili nuts, and gotu kola
  • Chocolate and chilli: namelaka, cacao fudge, labuyo syrup

An innovative dining experience in a surfer’s paradise by a passionate, multicultural team

Drawing from their “roots” in Spain, Mexico, Italy, Portugal, and Peru, where the founders met working at Central, chefs Filippo Turrini and Inés Castañeda present elevated dishes that utilise a wealth of culinary techniques while putting local produce centre-stage. Adaptability is the game’s name here, with a daily menu based on whatever the team procures for the day. The ceviche and tacos have become fan-favourites, while their fascination for local ingredients also heavily seasons their cuisine, resulting in dishes like ube gnocchi with borracho cheese from Malagos and roasted watermelon with chèvre cheese, pili nuts, and pepinitos.

Their approach is not just multicultural but uniquely interdisciplinary, fortified by the voices of art director Marina Castañeda, Dutch anthropologist Daan Overgaag and business strategists Diogo Vaz de Miranda and Ricardo Miranda de Sousa. Outside of Roots, the founders also helm a creative hub known as Casa Kaos.

Read more: 5 Mobile cocktail bars to hire for your next event


Roots

Address: Kaimana Resort Siargao, Tourism Road, Catangnan, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte


Café   |   $ $ $ $   |   Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo by Lauren Golangco
Photo 2 of 3 Photo by Lauren Golangco
Photo 3 of 3 Photo by Lauren Golangco

Must Try

  • Eggs Benny
  • Corned beef breakfast burrito
  • Korean fried chicken burger

A reliable hangout for coffee, brunch fare, natural wines, and cocktails in Siargao

Enriching Siargao’s dining scene, Brunch Spot (also known as BS Siargao) offers uncomplicated, timeless brunch fare to appease any palate, from corned beef breakfast burritos to eggs Benny, their Korean fried chicken burger and fluffy pancakes with caramel and bananas. Complete your meal with their range of coffees, smoothies, and cocktails, plus natural wines from Bombvinos.

See also: Plant-based food by a non-vegetarian chef: how Mimi Vergara-Tupas is supercharging Davao’s vegan scene


Brunch Spot

Address: Poblacion, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island


American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte
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Photo 1 of 4 Photo courtesy of Big Belly Burgers Manila
Photo 2 of 4 Photo courtesy of Big Belly Burgers Manila
Photo 3 of 4 Photo courtesy of Big Belly Burgers Manila
Photo 4 of 4 Photo courtesy of Big Belly Burgers Manila

Must Try

  • Big Marc
  • Chori fries
  • Pollos hermanos

The crowd-favourite burger joint for Siargao makes its way to Manila

Burgers are an extremely personal preference, but Big Belly Burgers seems to be the crowd-favourite in Siargao. Their burgers are delightfully messy and loaded with flavour, the fare you’re looking for when needing a good feed. With thick and juicy patties, crispy-edged smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and tasty sides, Big Belly Manila stays true to the indulgent flavours of the Siargao original, excited with cocktails and a cosy beach aesthetic.

See also: Actress and singer Nadine Lustre embarks on new wine venture with Christophe Bariou


Big Belly Burgers

Address: Tourism Rd, General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Siargao Island


American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Makati
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @subcenterph
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @subcenterph
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @subcenterph

Must Try

  • Morty: Spanish mortadella, white cheddar, roasted onions, house special aioli, mustard
  • Californian: black pepper turkey, Emmental, roasted onions, avocado herb aioli
  • Classic psstrami: Lekker Gouda cheese, onions, musted, lettuce, tomato, aioli

Your one-stop shop for classic sandwiches amped up with quality deli meats, cheeses, and housemade sauces

Armed with classic deli meats you know and love, The Original Submarine Center serves to elevate, not complicate, your favourite sandwiches. On the menu, you’ll spot items like Spanish mortadella with delicious olives, pastrami brisket from New York, and tangy black pepper turkey slices beefed up with top-quality cheeses and unique housemade sauces.

Read more: Where to order fresh pasta: squid ink tagliatelle, truffle ricotta ravioli, and more


The Original Submarine Center

Address: P1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City


Indian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
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Photo 1 of 4 Photo: Facebook / Tango Tandoor
Photo 2 of 4 Photo: Facebook / Tango Tandoor
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: Facebook / Tango Tandoor
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: Facebook / Tango Tandoor

Must Try

  • Prawns curry
  • Lamb rogan josh
  • Tandoori chicken

An Indian restaurant by restaurateur Marvin Agustin and two of London’s best Indian chefs

Classic Indian dishes, peppered with some modern inspirations and innovations here and there. A collaboration by restaurateur Marvin Agustin and London-based chefs Kundan “Kun” Singh Rawat and Kapil Dividas Jogdand (Tandoor Chophouse), Tango Tandoor offers familiar items like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as contemporary creations like the shrimp taco.

Related: New Indian restaurant Tango Tandoor opens in BGC


Tango Tandoor

Address: 30th Street cor 11th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @pizzasistersph
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @pizzasistersph
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Instagram / @pizzasistersph

Must Try

  • Pepperoni pizza: San Marzano tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, spicy salami
  • Meatlovers pizza: pepperoni, Italian sausage, pancetta, prosciutto, mozzarella
  • Farmers Market pizza

A fresh concept by the Wildflour Group specialising in irresistible pizzas

The Wildflour Group co-founders Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo and chef Margie Lorenzana-Manzke, formalise their love for pizza with their new concept, Pizza Sisters. Indulge in well-crafted, timeless pizzas from 10 am ’til late (that’s 3 am on weekends!).

Related: The Wildflour Group presents George and Onnie’s


Pizza Sisters

Address: G/F Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, 30th street corner 5th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


American   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo courtesy of Pink’s
Photo 2 of 2 Photo courtesy of Pink’s

Must Try

  • East LA street dog (taco-inspired hotdog)
  • Pink’s cheeseburger with secret sauce, melted American cheese, tomato, lettuce
  • Pink’s classic dog

Revamped and refreshed, with many new surprises

The Wildflour Group’s popular hangout for burgers and hotdogs has reopened its doors, now boasting a larger space with refreshed interiors. Their speakeasy, Hotel Bar returns, is also accessible from the walkway hidden behind the red door. They’ve also opened a new sports bar to the left of Pink’s, primed for casual hangouts and catching the latest sports games. For dessert, stop by the kiosk between Pink’s and Pizza Sisters for some of their special soft-serve ice cream.

In case you missed it: The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023: Sips earns the top spot in the prestigious ranking


Pink’s

Address: G/F Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, 30th street corner 5th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila


Korean   |   $ $ $ $   |   Parañaque
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Photo 1 of 4 Photo by Lauren Golangco
Photo 2 of 4 Photo courtesy of Solaire Resort
Photo 3 of 4 Photo by Lauren Golangco
Photo 4 of 4 Photo by Lauren Golangco

Must Try

  • Bbasak curry-ne chicken
  • Basakan six-pack chicken
  • Fried chicken

This beloved Korean fried chicken restaurant is now in the Philippines, marking its first branch outside South Korea

With over 170 branches throughout South Korea, Kkanbu Chicken is recognised as one of the country’s best-loved Korean fried chicken restaurants, loved for its consistent quality and top service. This new outlet at Solaire Resort marks their first restaurant outside Korea, bringing authentic Korean comfort food to the Philippines. Eat through their wide range of sweet, spicy, and garlicky flavours, with wings, legs, tenders, and more. Try out their sides, including the chewy cheese balls with mozzarella cheese.

Related: Where To Order: Tatler’s Guide To The Best Korean Fried Chicken In Metro Manila


Kkanbu Chicken

Address: The Shoppes at Solaire, Solaire Resort, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City


International   |   $ $ $ $   |   Taguig
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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @gelatobychefmiko
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @gelatobychefmiko
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @gelatobychefmiko

Must Try

  • Skramble
  • Coconut mascarpone amarena cherry
  • New York cheesecake cookie dough

Pastry chef Miko Aspiras concocts one-of-a-kind scoops at this playful gelateria

Artisanal gelato by award-winning pastry chef Miko Aspiras. Taking inspiration from time-tested flavour combinations, the scoops at Gelato by chef Miko are bold yet familiar with a fresh and playful twist. Have a soft spot for chocolate? Try the Valrhona chocolate crinkle with Bukidnon milk and 70 per cent Guanaja cocoa cookies. The New York cheesecake cookie dough, made with creamy sour cream cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies, is set to be another favourite. Opt for the coconut mascarpone Amarena cherry with Fabbri cherries for something even more luxurious, with coconut milk and mascarpone cheese.


Gelato by Chef Miko

Address: Level 4 SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway corner 26th Street, BGC, Taguig City


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