10 Most Awesome NEW Homegrown Restaurants That Matter in Manila 2016!

(Check out 10 Most Awesome NEW (Franchised) Restaurants in Manila 2016!)

Here are the 10 Most Awesome NEW Homegrown Restaurants that opened and made a difference in Manila this 2016 …

1. SAMBA

SAMBA is the first authentic Peruvian Restaurant by Peruvian Chef Carlo Huerta Echegaray in Manila, located at Shangri-La at the Fort.

We love it because of the ceviche with its leche de tigre sauce, its predominantly seafood and vegetable focused menu, and the flavors of the Peruvian chilis.

Verdict:

We love SAMBA! It simply is one of the best restaurants to open in Manila this 2016!

We really liked the unique Peruvian flavors because of the authentic ingredients used, like the chilis, leche de tigre, corn beer, and pisco. It’s also healthier to eat here because the cuisine is more focused on seafood, vegetables, grilled cooking, and the use of extra virgin olive oil in their soups.

I recommend ordering the following 3-course meal but served family style:

Appetizers: Ceviche Limeño, Conchas al carbon, and Anticucho de Pulpo
Main Course: Brazilian Moqueca de Camarao, Arroz con Mariscos, and Lomo Saltado
Dessert: Merengado Chirimoya and Trio de Arroz con Leche

Budget about P1,000/head for a full 3-course meal experience + drinks.

The drinks are expensive, but if you were to try just one Peruvian cocktail, I would recommend the pisco sour.

The clubhouse ambiance is a bit boring, but it’s fun to eat at the al fresco area with the cool breeze and the view of the pool.

Congratulations to the entire Shangri-La Fort team for this successful Peruvian dining concept!

SAMBA
Level 8, Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
30th Street corner 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Telephone: +632 820-0888
Email: samba@shangri-la.com
Website: www.samba-fort.com
Facebook: @dineshangrilafort
Instagram: @dineshangrilafort

Related Blog Posts:

• 10 Most Awesome NEW Homegrown Restaurants That Matter in Manila 2016!
• 10 Most Awesome NEW (Franchised) Restaurants in Manila 2016!
• 10 Most Awesome New (Homegrown) Restaurants in Manila 2015!
• 10 Most Awesome New (Franchised) Restaurants in Manila 2015!
• BEST OF MANILA: 40 Most Awesome NEW Restaurants in Manila 2014!
• Foodie Guide: 10 Most Awesome New Restaurants in Manila 2013!

2. HEY HANDSOME

HEY HANDSOME is a Southeast Asian restaurant collaboration of Chef Nicco Santos of Your Local and Charles Paw of Hole in the Wall. Its name is inspired by how Singaporeans call potential customers to their establishments–“Hey, Handsome”–just like “Hi, Pogi” in local terms.

The food portions are huge, yummy, and provide good value for money. Most foodies rave about it because of the consistent quality of the food.

Verdict:

Overall, Hey Handsome is indeed one of the best new restaurants in Manila that foodies will keep raving about!

It’s best to eat here with a big group so that you can just order the entire menu and share it family style. Just be sure to make a reservation for your group.

I recommend ordering the Nam Tok as the appetizer dish, or the Beetroot Paneer if you like something vegetarian to start with. You can also get the Donkey punch cocktail to sip on while you wait.

If you were to only choose two dishes, order the Bebek Penyet and Nasi Lemak. Try the Kambing Buah Keluak last because the taste is overpowering and can linger in your mouth. Don’t forget the Durian Cream Puff or Sangkaya tart for dessert.

Budget about P700/head.

Congratulations to Chef Nicco, Charles Paw, and the entire culinary team of Hey Handsome!

HEY HANDSOME by Chef Nicco Santos
G/F Net Park Building, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 6 – 10pm
(with two seatings for reservation 6.00pm and 8.30pm)
Telephone: (+632) 946-3815
Instagram: @HandsomeCome
E-mail: info@handsomecome.net

3. TOYO EATERY

TOYO EATERY is a Filipino restaurant by Chef Jordy Navarra (formerly of Black Sheep) that pays homage to Filipino flavors, eatery traditions, and modern Filipino design.

It’s a sosyal eatery where you can just come as you are (no dress code) but dine on Acacia Tables by Diretso, sit on Rattan chairs by Emurio, and admire the Capiz Lights by Milo Naval.

Verdict:

Overall, we love the Toyo Eatery concept, which is I think better-executed than the new Black Sheep, albeit a bit more expensive. You’ll fall in love with the modern Filipino eatery ambiance and the friendly smiles of Chef Jordy and his culinary team.

I recommend the Toyo Eatery three-cut BBQ, the Bangsilog, and the Mayura Wagyu Onglet. You can go for the tasting menu if you want to eat in courses complete with starter, salad, and dessert.

Budget about P1,000/head or P3,000/head if you are getting the Mayura Wagyu Onglet.

Make sure to reserve the private dining room for added privacy and less smoke, or the chef’s table near the open kitchen if you want to see the action.

Congrats to Chef Jordy for continuing to champion our Filipino cuisine and heritage! 🙂

TOYO EATERY by Chef Jordy Navarra
The Alley at Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Opening Hours: Dinner 6pm-11.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
Facebook: Toyo Eatery
Mobile: +63 917 720 8630
Note: cash basis only

4. AGOS

AGOS is a Filipino-Spanish restaurant by Chef Myke Tatung Sarthou inspired by Madrid Fusion and the 250 years of Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. The name means “flow” or “current” (of water).

The restaurant is designed like a cruise ship boat and will be beside the new galleon museum in SM Mall of Asia near IMAX.

Verdict:

Overall, Agos is highly recommended and gets my vote as the Best New Filipino Restaurant in 2016!

Start with the Kinilaw and Chicken Sisig Lettuce Wraps as appetizers. It is the only place where you can taste Pollo con salsa Tsokolate and Zarzuela Zamboangeña. Order the 3-Cheese Bibingka Delight in advance to end the meal. Budget about P700/head.

It’s a great place to bring your balikbayan and tourist friends for a memorable Filipino food experience in SM Mall of Asia.

Congratulations to Chef Tatung for the unique Filipino concept and good luck on your International debut at Madrid Fusion this coming January 2017!

AGOS by Chef Myke Tatung Sarthou
G/F North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay (near IMAX)
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 10.00am to 10.00pm
Email: myke.sarthou@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 916-239-3273
Telephone: +632 889-1462
Facebook: Lutong Tatung
Website: http://lutongtatung.com/

5. MADE NICE

MADE NICE is a New York-inspired restaurant serving Western cuisine with Asian influences. It’s by the Greatful Group made up of young New York-trained Chefs–Jack Flores (29) and wife Gabbi Ramos Flores (22), Toby Panlilio (26), Wren Go (27), and Raulito Fores (26).

Gabbi is the daughter of Neil of Neil’s Kitchen fame, while Raulito comes from the Fores clan of Mamou. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of restaurateurs going back to Manila and contributing to the flourishing vibrant dining scene in their homeland.

The name of the resto is inspired by Daniel Humm and Will Guidara’s “Make It Nice” restaurant group.

Verdict:

Chef Jack, Gabbi, Wren, and Toby are just getting started! This is one place I’ll definitely go back to as their culinary creativity matures. Congratulations!

I recommend starting with the Octopus and Agnolotti. If it’s your first time, you must order the Prime Rib Beef and the Tagliolini for your mains. Order the Milk Chocolate for dessert. The serving size is good to share for 2-3 people. Budget about P1,000/head.

This is a nice place to have brunch but I hope they improve their selection of drinks.

Reserve the long communal table if you’re going with your barkada or family of about 8-10 people.

Highly recommended for your next food date!

MADE NICE SUPPER CLUB
G/F PPI Building 109 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Operating Hours: 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Telephone: +63 995 017 2482
Email: madeniceph@gmail.com
Facebook: Made Nice Supper Club
Instagram: @MadeNicePH

6. RAGING BULL

RAGING BULL is a modern American Steakhouse & Bar concept in the heart of BGC at Shangri-La Fort. They offer steaks using grain and grass-fed dry aged beef from Australia and serve classic American cocktails and wines from non-commercial boutique wineries.

It’s operated not as a hotel dining outlet but as a standalone restaurant ready to compete with the best of BGC in terms of pricing, quality, and ambiance. A homegrown Shangri-La concept, it will soon have a spinoff outlet called Raging Bull Burgers.

Verdict:

Finally, an awesome steakhouse restaurant and bar in BGC! I like how it transports you to a different world, even for a moment–modern, romantic, and approachable.

Arrive early and start at the bar with your favorite classic cocktail. Order the Beet Root Salad and Maryland Crab Cake as appetizers.

Get the grain or grass-fed dry-aged Rib Eye from Australia and order enough for sharing. For dessert, order the Pistachio Creme Brulee or Candy Floss Pavlova.

Budget about P2,000/head + wine and cocktail drinks.

Tip: Make sure to reserve the Black leather couch tables or the red one for added privacy.

RAGING BULL CHOPHOUSE & BAR
Level 3 Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Facebook: Dining at Shangri-La at the Fort
Twitter: @ShangrilaFort
Instagram: @dineshangrilafort
Telephone: +632 820-0888

Operating Hours:
Restaurant and Bar Section Lunch
• Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Lunch: 11.30pm – 2.30pm
• Weekends (Saturday to Sunday): Lunch: 12noon – 3pm

Restaurant Dinner
• Monday to Sunday : Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm

Bar Section Dinner
• Sunday to Wednesday Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm
• Thursday to Saturday Dinner: 6pm – 12am

7. MIREIO

MIREIO (pronounced “mee-reyo”) is an upscale French brasserie in Manila located at the 9th floor of Raffles Makati serving Provençal-inspired cuisine.

The concept is inspired by the French-Mediterranean cuisine in Provence, featuring what’s fresh during the season and cooked using traditional French cooking techniques.

It’s an exciting addition to the dining landscape of Manila that also features a beautiful roof deck terrace bar at the 10th floor with a stunning unobstructed view of the Makati skyline.

Verdict

I love the casual elegance of Mireio with a well-executed Provençal-inspired concept by Frederic Mistral, befitting of the Raffles brand.

Try catching the Makati sunset and an inspiring roof deck terrace ambiance to celebrate the victories of the day.

I recommend starting with the Octopus Carpaccio and Tomato Tart with Snails. Order the Chef’s Bouillabaisse and Slow-Cooked Oxtail Parmentier for your main course. Skip the dessert and go straight to a shot of Absinthe.

Budget about P1,750/head + drinks. The cocktail drinks and wines are a bit expensive at an average of P500/drink.

This is a great place to celebrate your special milestones or even laid back Christmas gatherings with friends and family.

Congratulations to Raffles Makati on the successful opening of Mireio!

MIREIO
9th Level, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati, 1224
Telephone: +632 795 1840
Private Dining Inquiries: +63 926 755 4569
Email: mireio.makati@raffles.com
Facebook: Raffles Makati
Twitter: @RafflesMakati
Instagram: @RafflesMakati
Website: http://www.raffles.com/makati/

Operating Hours:

American Breakfast
6:00 – 10:30 AM Mondays – Fridays
6:00 – 11:00 AM Saturday – Sundays and Holidays

Lunch
12:00 NN – 2:30 PM Saturdays to Sundays

Dinner
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Sundays to Thursdays
6:00 PM – 10:30 PM Fridays – Saturdays and Holidays

Mireio Terrace
5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Mondays to Sundays

8. FLAME

FLAME Restaurant is a fine-casual, modern Eurasian concept by award-winning Chef turned General Manager of Discovery Primea, David Pardo de Ayala, and Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco–the winning duo behind Tapenade.

The restaurant gets its fiery moniker from the team’s burning passion for creating unforgettable experiences through cuisine. At FLAME, celebrated European food concepts are tweaked and given an Asian flare.

Verdict:

FLAME’s unique play on the Eurasian palate compels one to try each item on their menu.

The favorites of the night were the Pan-Seared U.S. Scallops, Pan-Seared Fois Gras, Pan Roasted Duck Breast, and Braised U.S. Short Ribs.

For dessert, we recommend the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Talegio.

Budget about P2,000/head.

Congratulations to General Manager David Pardo de Ayala and Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco for another winning restaurant concept!

FLAME RESTAURANT
6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1226 Philippines
Operating Hours (Dinner Only):
Mondays to Saturdays–6PM to 10PM
Website: www.discoveryprimea.com
E-mail: dp.rsvn@discovery.com.ph
Telephone: +63 955 8888 | +63 2 988 2988
Facebook: Discovery Primea Makati
Instagram: @discoveryprimea
Twitter: @discoveryprimea

9. CANTON ROAD

CANTON ROAD is a modern Chinese restaurant at Shangri-La Fort serving authentic Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisine.

Our favorites here include the signature roasted BBQ specialties, the unique dimsum selections, and of course, the Huaiyang dishes from China’s Jiangsu province.

Verdict:

I like the elegant but still approachable ambiance with contemporary touches. Best to come here for Sunday lunch. Be sure sit near the windows or on the plush round couches.

Start with the Yangzhou soft bean curd soup and their signature teas. Then order an array of their signature dimsum–steamed Iberico pork dumpling with abalone and black truffle, baked pumpkin with black truffle and chicken puff, and steamed custard and salted duck egg bun pandas.

For the main course, get their signature BBQs, U.S. Angus beef tenderloin and foie gras, and the braised dishes. Budget about P1,500/head.

CANTON ROAD is definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants to open this 2016! Congratulations!

CANTON ROAD
Level 3, Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
30th Street corner 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Telephone: +632 820-0888
Website: http://www.cantonroad-fort.com/
Facebook: @CantonRoadatShangrilaFort
Instagram: @dineshangrilafort

Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday
• Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm
• Dinner 6pm – 10.30pm

10. ANOTHER STORY

ANOTHER STORY is a casual fine dining restaurant in Evia Mall, Alabang that can be considered as the next evolution of Ica Manalo Sebastian’s Cafe Voila in Crosswinds, Tagaytay. Here,

Here, Ica brings to life her passion for cooking high quality home-style comfort food, with each dish having their own story to tell.

Verdict:

Overall, this is one of the best home-style comfort food restaurants we’ve tried located inside a mall. Congrats to Evia for securing this hit resto and beating the other malls to it!

Start with the Another Story Salad and Vongole pasta as your first course. Then order the Hanging Tender, Baby Back Ribs, and the Paella for your mains. End with the Salted Caramel Cheesecake and the Mango float, which are hits with the kids.

Budget about P800/head for a full course meal, which is a bit expensive for a mall resto. But the food quality is superb and way better than the other commercialized restos in the mall. I do hope they keep the quality consistent and step up the service to justify their pricing.

Congratulations to Ica for Another Story! I have to say, I love this concept more than Cafe Voila. Can’t wait for what’s next in your culinary journey.

ANOTHER STORY by Ica Manalo Sebastian
2nd Floor, Evia Mall, Alabang (near MCX exit)
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Facebook: Another Story 2016
Telephone: +63 995 267-7163

Related Blog Posts:

Live an Awesome Life,

Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com

Disclosure: I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.

P.S. Let me know if there are restaurants that opened in 2016 that should be included in this Most Awesome New Homegrown Restaurants list.

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