Now that restaurateurs and diners have figured out the compromise between eating in restaurants and the new normal, the dining scene is experiencing a revival. Once again, Filipinos are looking at each other on Friday nights asking, “Where shall we eat?”
While the industry hasn’t quite reached its pre-pandemic height, it is on track to do so. Many restaurant groups have quickly pivoted to the demands of the post-corona world and deprived foodies are only too eager to indulge—safely. Here are the eating establishments that stood out in 2021, the restaurant renaissance.
Note: Dining with people outside your immediate household can be a risky activity, especially for the unvaccinated. Make sure to follow proper social distancing and sanitizing protocols.
Raintree Hospitality Group
In the past year, it launched Jones All Day Bistro, which is redux Mr. Jones, Raintree’s defunct retro diner, for 2021. Chef Kalel Chan pulls out all the stops in presenting his eclectic style. You’ll find a mishmash of local and global favorites that somehow all make sense. Apart from the return of Mr. Jones’ popular milkshakes, you can also try the Cauliflower Cream Soup, Sizzling Szechuan Lamb Ribs, and Crispy Brioche French Toast.
Apart from Jones All Day, Raintree also launched The Farmer’s Table at Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay. Designed to complete that sought-after picture of wellness and peace of mind, it is an alfresco escape that offers the best of local produce and culinary artisans. In six months, it has become its own tourist destination in the city.
Wagyu Studio
Restaurants whose premise revolves around high-end Japanese beef are hardly groundbreaking. However, what makes this Fort Bonifacio haunt cutting edge is that it opened smack at the peak of the pandemic in October 2020. Its four enterprising young owners knew they were taking a gamble and took a long view for the business. In a few short months, Wagyu Studio became the celebratory restaurant that people ended lockdowns in.
Toyo Eatery
Toyo Eatery is a mainstay in most food-related bests. Once again, it solidified its position as the country’s top restaurant, ranking 49th in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (2020) list. It is the only local establishment to break the top 50 and maintain a position on the list for three years running. However, the Makati restaurant jumped down five places from last year’s 44th spot. Its unique purview on Filipino dining has proven itself timeless since it opened in 2016.
Butternut Bakery Manila
Just like Wagyu Studio, Butternut Bakery opened during the worst of the pandemic. Its first branch at SM North EDSA opened in mid-2020—at a time when malls weren’t fully operational yet. The owners opened the second outlet, in SM Mega Fashion Hall, a few days later. In one year, it has grown to five branches as well as an online shop. The little bakery that has everyone on social media talking, Butternut is especially prolific at churning out seasonal flavors that taste just as good as they look. Standouts include a gold-flecked chiffon cake with dayap curd and chunks of leche flan as well as a Guimaras mango cake with more gold.
Deo Gracias
The impetus of Chef Heny Sison to develop this Spanish restaurant in Quezon City was to give curious diners a reason to flock to the north instead of the usual south. It took two years, but finally, Deo Gracias, which translates to an expression of gratitude to God, was born. The kitchen is run by Chef Alex del Hoyo Gomez, who immigrated to the Philippines from Burgos, Spain. Locally, he’s helmed the kitchens of the Bistronomia group (Las Flores, Rambla, et cetera). For Deo Gracias, he treads on a familiar path but makes the classics stand out with impeccable flavor.
The Standard Hospitality Group
A few years ago, food halls were a dime a dozen in Metro Manila. Since the launch of high-end food court Hole in the Wall (which has since closed), restaurateurs and developers have been trying to come up with ways to elevate food stalls. The Standard Hospitality Group’s Kiwami revived the buzz when it opened in October. The all-Japanese format puts together some of SHG’s hits, such as its original concept Yabu and Japan favorite Ippudo, as well as some new eateries. Hannosuke is a popular name in tempura in Tokyo while Yakitori Hachibei is a family-run skewer joint.
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