Contemporary Cravings
A glance at some of the newest and most exciting restaurants to tick off your list
BALAI PALMA
At sophisticated private dining concept, Balai Palma, diners are granted a taste of chef Aaron Isip’s culinary brilliance—a prowess that earned him numerous awards in his Paris tenure. The Poblacion home boasts multiple spaces for guests to wander, and their pioneering degustation is equally spectacular: a seafood-centric tasting menu in ten courses, across 17 dishes. Poblacion, Makati City
CAFÉ KITSUNÉ
A name that resonates through the worlds of music, fashion and most recently F&B, Kitsuné has opened multle international locations of its premiere dining brand, Café Kitsuné, from Tokyo to Brooklyn and now, Manila. Since opening its doors, the stylish café has attracted droves of customers keen to tuck into their Japanese sandos, French pastries and world-famous coffee. The Podium Mall, Mandaluyong City
THE LIBRARY CAFÉ BY GOURMET FARMS
Founded by Ernest Escaler, the father of the farm-to-table movement in the Philippines, Gourmet Farms is well-loved for bringing organic, farmfresh produce to consumers around the country. Nestled within the Ramon Magsaysay Laureate Library, The Library Café is Gourmet Farm’s cosy coffee shop specialising in comfort food such as blueberry chicken panini, and all-day breakfast items that pair perfectly with their coffee. Ramon Magsaysay Center, Manila
MOTT 32
Revered for its modern Chinese specialities like the iconic applewood roasted Peking duck, Hong Kong’s Mott 32 is known the world over. Mott 32 Cebu stands proud as Nustar Resort and Casino’s flagship F&B outlet, complete with an impressive selection of contemporary cocktails and delectable wine, all within a stunning space decorated with thoughtful Philippine accents. Nustar Resort and Casino, Cebu City
RUMBA
Broadening its scope while playing to its strengths in Spanish fare, the Bistronomia group expands its portfolio with Rumba. From Italian specialities like pasta and risotto, refined French delights like foie mi cuit and Spanish staples including cochinillo Sevogiano and mouthwatering tapas, the Mediterranean restaurant offers timeless dishes from classic European cuisines. The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City