epicure’s TOP PICKS

TOYO EATERY

Awarded the Best Restaurant in the Philippines by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019 and 2021, the restaurant spotlights the terroir of the archipelago through locally sourced ingredients. Since opening its door six years ago, chef Jordy Navarra and team are staunchly going strong with their playful eightcourse tasting menu. From Tortang Talong with the nostalgic “Banana Catsup” to Porksilog made of black pig, sinigang and ensaladang labanos, the familiar meets the magical here. toyoeatery.com

MECHA UMA

Driven by chef Bruce Ricketts, the creative omakase serves a compelling Japanese fusion menu. Guests sit at the counter, facing an open kitchen where the action takes place. Expect lively and punchy flavours in place of Japanese cuisine’s common restraint. Signatures include Tamago Tart (egg custard, egg yolk jam and ikura on seaweed tart) and Foie, a cured foie gras with guava puree, pineapple and coconut cookie.

IG: @mechauma