Since Makati is known as the central business district of the Philippines, it’s no surprise that the area is packed with diverse food options. With countless employees, employers, and investors frequenting Makati, one of the best ways to unwind during or after a busy day is by indulging in some delicious food!
Before diving into this list, note that most of these recommendations come from my personal experience or suggestions from my officemates. Some also have detailed reviews available on my blog, perfect if you’re looking for a highly recommended restaurant in the Philippines that’s right in the heart of Makati.
Makati Restaurants by Cuisine
Filipino Restaurants in Makati
Makati offers a wide variety of Filipino restaurants, but if you’re looking to enjoy Filipino dishes in a more upscale setting, I recommend Abuela’s. Their food presentation is truly unique.
Another restaurant worth trying is Sentro 1771. They offer sinigang na corned beef, a surprising twist on the classic Filipino sour soup, which is traditionally made with pork. You might wonder how corned beef works in sinigang — well, the only way to find out is to give it a try!
If you’re ever in the Poblacion area and looking for a place that screams Filipino but make it cool, you might want to check out Alamat Filipino Pub & Deli. It’s on the 2nd floor of a charming old house along Don Pedro Street, just a short walk from Z Hostel.
Chinese Restaurants in Makati
I wasn’t always a fan of Chinese food until I started working with a Chinese boss and officemates. That’s when I got introduced to some of the best Chinese restaurants in Makati, including popular spots where many Chinese locals dine. You might even catch Filipino servers speaking basic Chinese, proof that these places are authentic and well-loved.
Must-Try Hot Pot in Makati
If you’re new to hot pot, Happy Hot Pot and Jiang Nan Hot Pot are great places to start. These restaurants offer an exciting dining experience where ingredients just keep coming! One tip: go easy on the spicy broth—it’s seriously intense.
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- Happy Hot Pot
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- Jiang Nian
Where to Eat Chinese Food in Makati (For Every Budget)
For those looking to splurge on authentic Chinese cuisine, Peking Garden is a solid choice. The dishes are refined, and the ambiance is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
On the flip side, if you’re after affordable Chinese food in Makati, Hawker Chan delivers value without compromising flavor. Known for their Michelin-starred roots, this spot is both budget-friendly and delicious.
Trending Chinese Spots in Makati
While I haven’t tried it yet, Din Tai Fung Xiaolongbao Bar is constantly trending on social media. It’s definitely on my list!
Another underrated gem is Luk Foo Cantonese Kitchen—the interiors feel upscale, but the menu is surprisingly affordable, making it a great pick for casual business lunches or weekend dinners.
Office Favorite: Lao Beijing’s Kutchay Dumplings
Whenever we had to work late, our default comfort food was Lao Beijing’s kutchay pork dumplings. They’re huge, flavorful, and satisfying, perfect for delivery nights at the office.
Korean Food in Makati
Back in 2016, I worked with a Korean boss, and that meant lots of meetings (and celebrations!) at Korean restaurants. Since many of our clients were also Korean, I ended up attending events like 100-day baby celebrations and kids’ birthdays at Korean dining spots in Makati. While I wasn’t always focused on the food (hello, event organizer mode!), I still got to try a wide range of dishes and places over time.
Korean Restaurant Recommended by My Korean Boss
If your craving is for solid, comforting Korean food in the heart of the mall, Kaya is a steady pick. Tteokbokki, bibimbap, meats, stews—it’s got the staples down. Not super fancy but hits the spot every time, especially when you want something reliable and cozy.
Dong Won Restaurant, near my former office, became a regular lunch spot. At first, our boss treated us, but eventually, we started going on our own; we loved the samgyupsal, bulgogi, japchae, tteokbokki, and kimbap. It’s a cozy, reliable spot for that comforting Korean meal.
If you’re craving that classic Korean chicken and beer combo (just like in K-dramas!), check out Big Mama Restaurant. Their chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the beer mugs are massive, definitely a must-visit. Don’t be intimidated by the crowd of Koreans inside; they’re just enjoying the vibe. The staff are friendly and welcoming.
Unlimited Samgyupsal Spots in Makati (I’ve Tried Them All!)
These unli samgyupsal restaurants in Makati are great for Korean BBQ fans. I’ve personally dined at all four:
- Samgyupsalamat
- Jinjoo Korean Grill
- Romantic Baboy
- Kozi Kozi Korean BBQ
Each one has its own charm, but all deliver on that grilled meat satisfaction.
Korean Dessert in Makati: A Pricey But Sweet Treat
Korean desserts can be a bit pricey, but they’re absolutely worth it! If you’re looking for patbingsu (shaved ice with toppings), visit Hobing Korean Dessert Café. For something rich and creamy, go for Kiss the Tiramisu — they serve beautifully layered soft-serve ice cream in fancy golden cups.
Japanese Food in Makati
Izakaya Kikufuji restaurant is always on every “best Japanese in Makati” list for a reason. Tucked inside Little Tokyo along Chino Roces, Kikufuji is one of those spots that, once you discover it, you just know you’ll keep coming back. This restaurant is a local favorite for high-quality sushi and premium wagyu skewers in a cozy izakaya setup
If you’re craving something a little more elevated, Umu is one of those places where everything. It’s elegant but not stiff, and the food really speaks for itself. Their sushi and sashimi are flown in from Japan, so you can expect fresh uni, hamachi, and otoro that melt in your mouth. They also have teppanyaki stations if you’re in the mood for a bit of a show while you eat.
Try Seryna if you want someone to whisper, “nice fish” as they take a bite of sashimi—without the crowded feel of bigger restaurants. The service is friendly and attentive, and the food quality definitely justifies the price.
Indonesian Food in Makati
Would you believe I’ve had Indonesian officemates, too? Don’t bother asking how old I am or how many offices I’ve transferred to — what you should be curious about is the presence of Indonesian food in the Philippines!
If you’re a fan of kwetiao goreng and pempek, the best place to visit is Wardo Restaurant. Their dishes are reasonably priced, typically ranging from ₱100 to ₱350.
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, try ordering bakmi from Bakmi Makati. They have a Facebook page where you can check their menu and place orders.
The only sit-down branch of this well-loved brand, Bakmi Nyonya is built on home recipe noodles. Do try their Bakmi Goreng, Ayam Madura satay, Rendang Jawa, and crispy Garlic Kropeck. A stylish and welcoming modern restaurant created by an Indonesian-Filipino chef
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- Kwetiao goreng
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- Pempek
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- Bakmie
I did not expect I would love Indonesian food so bad! It has a rich flavor!
Thai Food in Makati
I haven’t had much opportunity to explore Thai restaurants in Makati, but thanks to my Thai officemate, I have some great recommendations for you: Soi in Glorietta and Simply Thai in Greenbelt.
For the best experience, I suggest ordering their tom yum soup, Thai papaya salad (som tam/pokpok), and of course, Pad Thai.
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed reading my post. For more restaurant reviews in Makati, feel free to scroll down below.
