Parent's Choice

Date-Worthy Restaurants for Mother’s Day: Makati & BGC Edition

by Kevyn Gohu
May 2, 2024

As lifestyle centers, BGC and Makati just have so many date-worthy restaurants that are perfect for Mother’s Day.

While Quezon City may be home to many family-friendly restaurants, BGC and Makati – as lifestyle centers of the metro – have more date-worthy ones that many moms would love to try this coming Mother’s Day. Some of these restaurants even have certifications to assure their dining moms that they are serving authentic flavors. Here are some of the date-worthy restaurants for Mother’s Day in both BGC and Makati!

1. Manduca Taberna

If mom’s in the mood for Spanish food, Manduca Taberna can satisfy that craving. After receiving its certification from the international organization, Restaurants from Spain, for its efforts to promote authentic cuisine, the restaurant continues to satisfy customers with its various tapas and paellas. Some of their tapas such as the meaty Cochifrito and the Huevos Rotos even pair well with their signature paellas like their Vegetable Paella.

Currently, there are two branches: one in BGC and the other in One Ayala.

2. Uma Nota Manila

With the South becoming home to many Japanese-South American fusion restaurants, Uma Nota Manila is the latest to join the collection as it treats moms to Brazilian-Japanese cuisine. While offering cocktails for the moms who prefer holding dates at night, Uma Nota’s dishes like the Wagyu no Brioche and the A4 Kumo-oh Japanese Wagyu Striploin have interesting twists accompanying it such as salsa or a freshly toasted brioche.

Currently, the restaurant is at Shangri-La the Fort.

3. Khao Khai

Priding itself on elevating beloved Thai classics, Khao Kai is a brightly colored casual dining restaurant that offers meal bundles for bigger groups. Their signature crispy Gai Tod or Thai-style Fried Chicken has a sweet and salty glaze that bursts with flavor especially when eaten with their sticky rice. For those who need a palate cleanser, we suggest the citrusy and tangy Som Tam or their Papaya Salad to balance out the flavors.

But if chicken’s not on the palate tonight, their Moo Krob Krapao (Stir-Fry Shrimp in Basil and Beans) pairs well with their spicy Drunken Spaghetti and their creamy Phat Mama – the Thai version of Pancit Canton with Fried Egg. They currently have three branches: Poblacion, One Ayala, and Mall of Asia.

4. Nikkei Nama Bar

Another Japanese restaurant fuses Japanese cuisine philosophy with Peruvian cuisine, Nikkei Nama Bar has two branches: one in BGC and another on Rada Street, Makati, with both taking pride that their ingredients are brought in from Japan. They’ve taken the simple Gyudon and elevated it with a flavorful truffle rice and a creamy poached egg. But if we’re not in the mood for beef, their Pescado Frito with their tangy saltado vegetables and squeezed lemon is a fresh choice.

Nikkei Nama Bar also offers a variety of drinks including the sour but refreshing Mr. Okazaki.

5. Chesa Bianca

A taste of the slow but relaxing life in an old Swiss chalet, Chesa Bianca along Makati’s Yakal street offers heartwarming cheeses, meats, and stews to warm the soul. Unlike most fine dining restaurants, Chesa Bianca switches up their specialty menu every one to two weeks – surprising many of its diners with a variety of Swiss flavors. However, their most beloved dishes involve the Röschti like their meaty Clochard Röschti which elevates breakfast ingredients like bacon and cervelat sausage.

They also serve wine that pairs well with their Braised Oxtail in Cabernet Sauce or their tender Sliced Veal Zürich Style.

6. Wobbly Pan

Spanish bistro Wobbly Pan lies between Makati and BGC – in the heart of Forbes and serves various paellas to share like the classic Paella Valenciana. Their tapas can also be standalone meals for one person like their spicy-tangy yet creamy Huevos A La Flamenca and their cheesy Queso Fundido. For moms who grew up in a Spanish family, they’ll appreciate also their hearty Fabada Asturiana.

7. Common Man Café

If moms are not in the mood for wine and don’t have time for wine and dine then, Common Man Café at Ayala Triangle Gardens – with the same ambiance – offers coffee instead! Its uniqueness lies in its cool alfresco dining and its all-day brunch selection including the veggie-loaded Turkish Breakfast and the meaty Beef Brisket Benedict. Like many artisan coffee shops, moms can choose from a wide selection of coffee brewing methods to make the most out of her cup.

8. Blackbird at Nielson’s Tower

Many parents will probably remember Blackbird more by its classic name: Nielson’s Tower. The classy Mediterranean interior makes the restaurant date-worthy especially with the black and white and emphasis on wrought-iron decoration that’s similarly found in old European-styled houses. Their menu is a continental one, focusing on meats such as beef and lamb and various seafood dishes like the Soft Shell Crab Laksa.

They also have a wide grilling selection with various steak cuts.

9. Ogetsu Hime

After a long stressful week, who wouldn’t want to pig out on Japanese food? Ogetsu Hime at SM Aura offers a wide selection of Japanese dishes including Ribeye Teppanyaki and Shime Saba Sushi. The Eat-All-You-Can costs around PHP 1,288++ and the one in BGC is more on an order list system instead of the usual standing up. However, for those who want to see their food cooked in front of them, they offer misono table dining too!

10. Grifoni

This American-Italian restaurant managed by Chef Gianni Grifoni is the sister of Siargao’s famous Kermit Pizza. As a native of Florence, much of the chef’s Italian recipes stay true to the nonas of Italy. Some of his simple but mouth-watering recipes include the steak with Aglio Olio and their beloved brick-oven baked Margherita pizza. Besides being date-worthy, many families in BGC also recognize it as a family-friendly restaurant.

Treating mom out to a restaurant for a Mother’s Day date!

Many moms probably dream of living the metro lifestyle of fashion icons, dining often in restaurants that offer many brunch selections. So for a Mother’s Day date, why not try bringing her to a restaurant? The best part is, in Makati and BGC, most of these restaurants are within walking distance of each other and often are right next to a mall – making it easier for some to park or find a place to rest after exploring the city.