From new chef-driven restaurants to the return of old favorites, September showed just how strong the Philippine F&B scene is growing. Here are some of the most notable highlights from the month.
The month of September showed us that dining experiences in the Philippines keep getting better over time. To catch you up in case you missed anything, we’ve rounded up some notable culinary events, including launches, crave-worthy new menus, and exciting new eateries worth checking out.
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Makanai Reimagines Japanese Food
Makanai, the newest Japanese dining concept by Chef Jorge Mendez, has opened at West Gallery Place in BGC. The idea first came to him while traveling with the late, great Margarita Forés, who introduced him to the word makanai—a term used in Japanese kitchens to describe meals prepared by the team, for the team: always shared, heartfelt, and humble. The philosophy stayed with him, and with the guiding spirit of Chef Margarita, Chef Jorge now brings it to life in this unexpected venture rooted in thoughtful combinations and the freshest ingredients.
At Makanai, food is meant to be shared, with inventive takes on Japanese cuisine at the forefront. Highlights include Crab Aglio Olio with snow crab claw and bonito crumbs, and Wagyu Bolognese Maze-Soba topped with A5 Wagyu yakiniku and a shoyu-zuke egg yolk. There are also exciting twists on the traditional claypot donabe, including combinations such as Wagyu Shortrib with truffle chahan, Unagi Fish and Chips with crisp lotus root and egg chahan, and King Crab Claw with paella chahan.
Quezon Club Opens Its Doors At Solaire Resort North
Solaire Resort North is opening the doors to its highly anticipated after-dark destination, Quezon Club, this September 26, 2025. Rooted in the city’s rich heritage as a cradle of entertainment and creativity, the new club transforms that legacy into a modern, immersive experience. Velvet-lit interiors set the stage for nights filled with curated performances, soul-stirring cuisine, and cocktails that whisper their own tales. Guests can expect a spectrum of world-class entertainment, from intimate live music and theatrical reveals to immersive, multi-sensory experiences that surprise and delight. Every visit is layered with discovery: a familiar dish reinvented, an unexpected performance around the corner, a new revelation shared in good company.
Let’s Keep It Casual At Casuals Dining
The commercial hub of Paseo de Magallanes, just outside the upscale subdivision in Makati, is home to Casuals Dining, a cozy spot at the Oakridge Building led by 30-something chef Rowen Amurao, whose passion for unpretentious yet flavorful food shines through in every plate that leaves his kitchen. Inspired by techniques he honed in kitchens around the world—particularly during his stint in Australia’s fine dining scene—Chef Rowen brings with him an artistry of blending flavors from diverse culinary traditions, a skill he credits to the many immigrant cooks he worked alongside. His produce-driven dishes reflect Australia’s melting pot of cultures: Miso Cabbage (marinated in miso sourced straight from the local palengke, then elevated with chives and kimchi powder), Eggplant Fries (tender in a tempura-like batter), and Zucchini with house-made ricotta—all of which spotlight Filipino gulay while merging them with global influences.
Cocktails Inspired By The Works Of Sansó
In September, The Spirits Library and Fundación Sansó unveiled When Cocktails Imitate Art, a special menu honoring modernist painter Juvenal Sansó’s iconic floral works and Brittany seascapes. Running until October 4, 2025, the collaboration offers patrons five bespoke cocktails, each inspired by a different piece, with 10% of sales supporting the foundation’s scholarship fund for art students. What makes the experience even more memorable is that guests can enjoy the cocktails while viewing the very artworks that inspired them, displayed inside the Makati-based bar. Limited-edition merchandise is also available to commemorate the occasion.
Flame Restaurant Introduces Private Dining
Discovery Primea’s signature restaurant, Flame, has recently launched a new private dining offering—perfect for milestone celebrations and intimate gatherings in a luxurious setting. Located on the 16th floor of the Makati hotel and featuring sweeping views of the city, Flame now offers a range of customizable spaces: Flame Al Fresco, an open-air venue with front-row views of the Makati skyline; two distinct wings within the restaurant; or even the entire restaurant for larger occasions. Guests may also book The Hub, where chefs prepare a bespoke multi-course degustation right before their eyes.
Elevating the experience is the spectacular service Discovery Primea is known for, paired with the brilliant culinary creations of Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco, which highlight Flame’s identity—a balance of global flavors, premium ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Each experience can be tailored to the group’s preferences, with possibilities ranging from sommelier-selected wines and handcrafted cocktails to impeccable, personalized service.
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Ron Zacapa Centenario Returns To The Philippines
When one thinks of true indulgence in the world of spirits, Ron Zacapa Centenario stands out. The renowned ultra-premium rum from Guatemala takes taste to new heights quite literally: crafted and aged high above the clouds, its unique process yields the equivalent of liquid gold—each drop not only lingering on the taste buds, but also in the mind. Now, Filipinos can once again bask in the rum’s goodness, as the brand recently celebrated its exciting reintroduction to the Philippines through a two-day launch that brought Guatemala’s heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and beautiful warmth to our archipelago’s shores.
