September 2023 Dining Radar: Taquería Franco, Bombvinos Bodega, Kiwami Alabang, and more

Kiwami heads south with its second outlet, now open in Alabang

Following the sensational success of its first location in BGC, Kiwami recently opened its second location, now at Alabang Town Center. Marrying the arts of katsu, ramen, yakitori, and tempura, the sleek dining space brings you four Japanese staples under one house, each with a dedicated kitchen for enhanced quality control. Pair your meal with beers and cocktails from the Kiwami bar, and finish it off with their fan-favourite Hokkaido Soft Cream.

Related: The best Japanese restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

The pizzeria touted as the country’s best two years running opens up shop in Greenhills

Headed by chef Yuichi Ito, Crosta Pizzeria has made massive waves in the Philippine F&B scene with its daring, unconventional pies from its weekend specials to a full-fledged omakase. Luckily, you can now sample Crosta’s famed pizzas at their new branch in San Juan City, located at G/F O-Square Building 2, Greenhills Shopping Center.

In case you missed it: The Philippines’ first-ever pizza omakase by Crosta Pizzeria

Hapag bids farewell to their Katipunan home with a new tasting menu and a two-night-only collaboration dinner with a Kuala Lumpur restaurant 

Relive the evolution of Hapag with their new menu, “Hapag’s Greatest Hits”—a heartfelt curation that celebrates the restaurant’s best-known creations from 2017 to present. This will be the final tasting menu offered at their original Katipunan address as they make the big move to their new home.

On September 28 and 29, The Hapag team is also set to host a dinner collaboration with Nadodi from Kuala Lumpur (ranked No. 94 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023), exploring the fascinating convergence of Filipino and Malaysian heritage.

Read more: Chefs tell Tatler about the state of the dining industry in the Philippines

The Wildflour Group co-founders pay tribute to their parents and the Filipino dishes that shaped their youth

Previously known as Little Flour, The Wildflour Group’s Filipino restaurant has recently rebranded as George and Onnie’s, taking its name from the parents of co-founders Ana Lorenzana-De Ocampo and Margarita Loranzana-Manzke. Here, the sisters return to their culinary roots and pay homage to the dishes and flavours that ignited their love for food.

See also: Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo reveals the recipe to Wildflour's growth

Chef Charles Montañez’s flagship restaurant opens for lunch

Located in BGC, Alegria MNL is home to chef Charles Montañez’s unique Latin American-Filipino cuisine. Now, chef Montañez has opened up the restaurant for lunch, introducing a new exclusive lunch set for two, a 5-course exclusive lunch tasting menu, and an all-new à la carte menu available for dinner as well.

See also: Introducing a new chef driven concept: The Cork Elite Dining Series

This Italian favourite opens up shop in Quezon City

Known for its signature handmade pizzas and pasta, A Mano has remained top of mind for Italian staples since opening its first outlet in 2019. Now, the beloved restaurant boasts three outlets throughout the metro with its newest branch at Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City—a highly personal endeavour for owner Amado Forés, who dedicates the space to his family and hometown.

Related: Where to order the best pizzas in Metro Manila

Chef Sharwin Tee heads to Discovery Suites for an inspired 4-hands dinner, available for two nights only

This September 15 and 16, chef Sharwin Tee and Discovery Suites executive chef Gerwin Bailon are teaming up for a 4-hands dinner at the hotel’s flagship steakhouse, 22 Prime. The 5-course meal takes inspiration from classic steakhouse fare of the ‘80s, re-interpreting each dish through a Southeast Asian lens—think shrimp cocktail with chilli crab granita, or a classic rib-eye in Crying Tiger Marinade served with a potato gratin dressed in laksa sauce. Part of the proceeds will go towards the Aeta Ako, Pilipino Ako foundation, financially supporting young adults in the Aeta community through their formal studies.

Read more: Where to eat the best steaks: 15 must-try restaurants from the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

Toyo Eatery gears up to host two collaboration dinners this September

On the 13th of September, chef Jordy Navarra and the Toyo Eatery team are set to present a one-night-only collaboration dinner with chef Ryogo Tahara of two Michelin-starred restaurant Logy in Taipei (ranked No. 57 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023), melding Toyo’s modern Filipino cuisine with Logy’s Japanese roots. 

The following week on the 17th of September, Toyo Eatery will host a sustainability-foucsed 8-hands dinner as part of the Singapore Tourism Board’s “Serve It, Singapore!” campaign. Featuring guest chefs Stephan Duhesme (Metiz), LG Han (Labyrinth, Singapore), and Vijay Mudaliar (Native bar, Singapore), the lineup features award-winning sustainability champions paving the way for the future of dining.

Related: Culinary heritage vs modernity: How five Asian chefs use innovation to keep their traditions alive

The latest in The Balmori Chef’s Table series features modern Filipino set menus and a leisurely afternoon tea

Just in time for its 8th-year celebration, Soil Private Dining sets up shop at The Balmori Suites until the 24th of September. Sample chef Lorenzo “Lezo” Pimentel’s modern Filipino cuisine through a 3-course lunch or 8-course dinner menu, or swing by between 2pm to 4:30pm for afternoon tea.

See also: The ultimate primer to The Balmori Chef’s Table at Rockwell

Chefs Jorge Mendez and Tamura Hiroyuki collaborate on a limited-run ramen set

Worlds of Japanese mastery collide with the new Ramen Ron x Mōdan limited edition tsukemen set. Comprised of tori gyokai tsukemen and a spicy fried chicken bun, the set pays homage to the traditional flavours that chef Tamura Hiroyuki of Ramen Ron is known for—but not without a few unconventional twists by Mōdan’s chef Jorge Mendez. Released on the 18th of August, the Ramen Ron x Mōdan set was only scheduled as a month-long offering with 20 bowls each day. They have since extended the promotion until the end of September, with 40 bowls available daily.

In case you missed it: Introducing the Ramen Ron x Mōdan limited edition tsukemen set

Famed for its sunset views, this bayside hotel unveils its new dining outlet

The Sunset Bar at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila gets a makeover as the al fresco space is transformed into a Mediterranean dining destination. With a range of salads, pizzas, and pasta, plus sandwiches and heartier items off the grill, Cocos is primed to appease the whole family—they’ve even got a special kids’ menu complete with snacks, pizzas, finger food, and dessert options.

See also: New Spanish restaurant alert: El Born at Mitsukoshi BGC

A casual taquería with French inflexions that breaks all the rules

Swapping masa for buckwheat flour, chef Miko Calo puts a French spin on taquería favourites, serving up brilliant creations like the foie gras taco and egg and caviar tostada. The casual, playful spot is set to be Salcedo’s next watering hole,  Be sure to browse their beverage selections as well, featuring cocktails curated by Pourhouse Hospitality’s David Ong.

Read more: Exclusive sneak preview: chef Miko Calo’s new restaurant, Taqueria Franco