Tatler Dining’s best of 2025: the 10 articles that defined the year

Tatler Dining’s Best 20 Restaurants list for 2025 recognises the country’s most outstanding dining destinations. Curated by experts, it highlights restaurants that excel in culinary technique, originality, and hospitality, reflecting the diversity and maturity of the Philippine dining scene across cuisines and formats.

Our Tatler Dining Radar is our monthly guide to all things F&B, where we tell you what’s new and noteworthy. It highlights restaurant openings, emerging chefs and evolving menus, offering readers a curated look at the trends and places shaping contemporary dining in the Philippines month by month.

This story was all about our sophomore Tatler Dining Kitchen project. Tatler Dining Kitchen is a Tatler Asia project designed to deliver discerning foodies’ coveted, limited-edition, pop-up dining experiences. For our second TDK collaboration, we brought JP Cruz and Chele González together for two nights only. Their multi-course menu blended Filipino roots with global influences, showcasing how two distinct culinary voices can intersect through thoughtful technique, storytelling, and bold yet refined flavours.

See also: Holiday home-cooking: try this comforting pasta recipe by Marielle Santos Po

In this feature, Gordon Ramsay reflects on the principles that have shaped his career, from discipline and consistency to adapting in a rapidly evolving industry. He shares insights on leadership, creativity and the importance of authenticity, offering guidance for chefs navigating both kitchens and public platforms.

This curated list spotlights the Philippines’ finest Japanese restaurants according to the 2025 Tatler Best Philippines guide. Each establishment is recognised for its respect for tradition, precision and ingredient quality. From quiet omakase counters to refined kaiseki experiences and boisterous teppanyaki tables, these establishments showcase the depth and diversity of Japanese cuisine within the local dining landscape.

See also: Holiday SOS: Sunday Street Co.’s Christmas recipe for an easy yoghurt dip

Tatler Dining profiles chef Nouel Catis and his growing influence in the chocolate world. The feature explores his journey as a Filipino pastry chef, his approach to craft chocolate, and how he created the now-famous Dubai Chocolate trend featuring pistachio and kataifi. His work is celebrated for its ability to bridge cultures, elevating Filipino talent on an international stage.

This interview with Tancho Baes highlights his commitment to sustainable agriculture and its role in shaping better food systems. The article explores how farming, environmental stewardship and culinary values intersect, emphasising the importance of responsibility, resilience and long-term impact in the food industry.

This roundup spotlights a list of the new restaurant entries featured in Tatler Best Philippines 2025. From ambitious fine-dining concepts to innovative casual spots, the list captures the energy of a constantly evolving food scene and points diners toward fresh experiences shaping the future of Philippine dining.

This heartfelt tribute honours the life and legacy of the great Margarita Forés, celebrating her influence on Philippine gastronomy. Known for her refined approach to Italian cuisine and stewardship of Philippine produce, this chef made indelible marks on those working in the F&B world and on diners, too. The article reflects on her lasting impact and her unique ability to make everyone, a co-superstar-chef or a fan at her restaurant, feel warm and welcome. Her influence was meaningful and valued both locally and internationally.

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