Restaurants with the best private dining rooms from the Tatler Dining Guide 2024

Chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar make their much-awaited return and do not disappoint. The pair’s affinity for robust Asian flavours is put centre stage at Aurora, recently crowned as Tatler Dining’s Best New Restaurant 2024. Its handsome, moody interiors further highlight the dishes’ playful and vibrant nature, an atmosphere that extends into the spacious private room, which easily fits up to twelve persons.

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Blackbird at The Nielson Tower is among Manila’s most reputable dining institutions, praised for its seamless service, timeless cuisine, and chic art deco interiors. Its private dining space The Cabin pays homage to the restaurant’s iconic history as the country’s first commercial airport, and comfortably seats up to 22 guests. While chef Colin Mackay has prepared a number of impressive set menus to choose from, guests are also invited to work with the team to curate a bespoke menu (with the option for wine pairings) for special occasions.

Often hailed as one of the country’s best Chinese establishments, Canton Road exudes a tasteful grandeur that suggests a refined meal—a promise that the restaurant never fails to deliver on, thanks to chef Wang Wei Qing’s impressive dishes and the hotel’s distinguished service. Its elegant and ornate interiors further elevate the experience, especially when enjoyed in one of its many private rooms with your own waitstaff, private lavatory, and lounge area.

Related: The best Chinese restaurants from the Tatler Dining Guide 2024

China Blue serves flavourful Chinese dishes through a modern lens, as envisioned by chef Jereme Leung: a global pioneer of contemporary Chinese cuisine. Beyond its truffle buns, Peking duck, and other fan-favourites, patrons flock to Conrad Manila’s dedicated Chinese restaurant for its sophisticated atmosphere. China Blue by Jereme Leung’s private rooms make a great setting for any special occasion, most especially its signature room overlooking Manila Bay.

Korean barbecue is brought to luxurious heights at Chung Dam, boasting ingredients like king crab, Hanwoo beef, and other prized delicacies. Dining in a small group? Chung Dam has a wide range of private rooms suited to parties as small as 2 and as large as 24, so you can tuck into your succulent barbecue dishes without restraint.

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While East Ocean Palace is a popular pick for grand events, the multilevel restaurant also offers a range of private rooms to choose from, complete with its own powder rooms. Savour chef Ng Chi Cheong’s top-of-the-line Chinese cuisine (which many consider to be the best in the country) in the comforts of your own private room, with attentive service to boot.

Solaire Resort’s Italian destination leaves little to be desired when it comes to interiors. With plush seating, intricate chandeliers, the luxurious open kitchen, accents of marble and gold, and floor-to-ceiling windows, Finestra Italian Steakhouse leaves a sophisticated impression that few can compete with. Its private dining room, which seats up to 16 guests, adds another layer of refinement to the experience—one best enjoyed with some of the restaurant’s signature cocktails or plethora of wines.

More from Tatler: An elevated Finestra Italian Steakhouse awaits with its new chef, Andrea Spagoni at the helm

Chef Chele González’s flagship restaurant Gallery by Chele is best known for its creative cuisine, one that bridges tradition and innovation, with sustainable Filipino produce at its core—and its interiors, clean and elegant with whimsical art pieces peppered throughout the restaurant, make an apt canvas. Gallery by Chele’s private dining room has recently undergone a slight makeover and now dons textured, cork-like surfaces on its walls, emphasising the kitchen’s affinity for nature.

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When hankering for Korean cuisine, Kiwa at Solaire Resort is not to be overlooked. Beyond its quality food and commendable service, the restaurant’s commitment to providing an authentic Korean experience makes for memorable meals—in fact, even its facade is made with materials flown in from South Korea. For added privacy, book one of their seven rooms which can accommodate eight to twelve guests, and even more when combining adjacent rooms.

Those after a low-key yet elevated meal will surely appreciate Kyo-To, a Japanese restaurant specialising in refined kaiseki. With an arsenal of quality ingredients, Chef Ryohei Kawamoto produces refined, uncomplicated dishes with meticulous attention to detail. While a seat at the kappou counter is a great option for dinner and a show, their many private rooms offer an intimate experience to those who seek it. 

See also: The best Japanese restaurants from the Tatler Dining Guide 2024

Home to impeccable Cantonese roasts and other Chinese favourites, No. 8 China House has become a reliable pick for family get-togethers and other special occasions that call for a sumptuous feast. Their elegant private rooms seat 8 to 18 persons (with the option to combine adjacent rooms too), but do take the time to walk through the main hall to peek at their live cooking kitchens—including the roasting station.

Tatler Tip: No. 8 China House has recently launched a new all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch menu, which has become a fast favourite with the Tatler Dining team.

Choose your own adventure when dining at Nobu Manila, which offers a range of options when it comes to seating. Dine by the counter to stay close to the action, or book a private room for large occasions. Alternatively, request one of their al fresco floating terraces for a cosy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for date night.

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Oori invites guests to sit back, relax, and indulge in a premium Korean barbecue spread. With quality meats and seafood including Wagyu beef (with marbling scores as high as 6), Duroc Spanish pork, and tiger prawns, the restaurant sets itself apart from other Korean barbecue joints in the city. Nervous about grilling the items yourself? The friendly staff will gladly do so for you, tableside. For the best experience, consider booking one of their private rooms which can accommodate six to thirty guests, and even comes with a convenient buzzer to call in the staff.

When in Cebu, chef Jason Atherton’s The Pig & Palm is an essential stop. While many come for the European favourites and well-made cocktails, you may find yourself lounging about for longer than expected, soaking in its sleek and contemporary design. Their private rooms are great for affairs small and large, with one holding up to 11 diners and the other up to 40.

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Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar is easily one of the city’s best-known steakhouses, but few know about its private dining room, The Keep. Located a few metres away from the restaurant, The Keep boasts its lounge area, fully functioning bar, private lavatory, and even cigar collection, and also dons the same dark, sophisticated vibe as the restaurant.

While Red Lantern’s regional Chinese cuisine continues to be the star of the show, the restaurant's ornate and festive interiors sure do elevate the experience. Their private rooms, which seat 10 to 30, are designed with the same artful interiors—but if you don’t wish to feel too secluded, do request the glass-encased private room, which still grants you a view of the hustle and bustle in the main hall. 

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Tsukiji has become a household name—not only for the famed fish market in Tokyo, Japan, but also for this eponymous Japanese restaurant along Arnaiz Avenue. Time and time again this family-owned establishment has set the bar for Japanese cuisine, offering unparalleled freshness and quality as well as warm hospitality. Needless to say, Tsukiji has seen many special occasions from dates to birthdays, anniversaries, and everything in between, with private dining rooms that can accommodate 4 to 30 guests.

Whether you opt for a tasting of jamón and wine or a hearty Spanish feast, Txanton is well-equipped to provide a seamless dining experience built on quality ingredients and professional service. Their private dining rooms are highly recommended for an elegant white tablecloth experience behind closed doors.