Makati

Manila, Philippines

The financial center with the best dining, shopping, and nightlife. Tree-lined Ayala Avenue and the emerging Poblacion district.

Places in Makati

Toyo Eatery Chef Jordy Navarra's celebration of Filipino ingredients and techniques. Asia's 50 Best listed and the leader of Manila's culinary renaissance.
Sarsa Casual restaurant serving elevated Filipino comfort food with creative twists
Abé LJC Group classic celebrating Kapampangan cuisine — heritage Filipino cooking from Pampanga, served in a warm, family-style room.
Celera From chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar, a room of 'mixed-marriage cuisine' folding diverse influences into one another. Personal, inventive cooking.
The Curator Hidden behind a coffee shop, this moody speakeasy serves some of Manila's most inventive cocktails using local ingredients.
Oto Manila's first natural wine bar—intimate space with carefully curated wines and excellent small plates.
Midnight Shift Speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails using Filipino spirits and local ingredients
Poblacion Night Crawl Makati's emerging nightlife district—historic neighborhood transformed into a warren of rooftop bars, speakeasies, and late-night eateries.

Best time to visit: November to February offers cooler, drier weather perfect for exploring. The monsoon season (June–September) brings typhoons and humidity but fewer tourists. Holy Week and Christmas periods see peak crowds.
Getting around: The metro system extends to major neighbourhoods, though buses and taxis remain unreliable. Ride-sharing apps have improved transport significantly. Walking is recommended only in specific areas due to traffic and safety concerns.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards accepted at malls and hotels; cash for jeepneys and street food.
Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English. The Philippines has one of Asia's highest English proficiency rates.
Timezone: Philippine Standard Time (PST), UTC+8
Current trends: Contemporary Filipino cuisine is gaining international recognition with restaurants centred on heritage ingredients and preparation methods. Coffee culture has exploded with third-wave roasters opening regularly. Art galleries and creative spaces proliferate in Makati and BGC. Sustainability movements address severe urban pollution issues.

BGC (Bonifacio Global City) — Manila's cleanest and most walkable district—purpose-built with malls, restaurants, and the best street art in the country.
Intramuros — The Spanish walled city—cobblestone streets, colonial churches, and Manila's most concentrated history.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) — Planned urban development with international restaurants, galleries and upscale accommodations
Quezon City — Bohemian neighbourhood with independent restaurants, coffee shops and cultural venues