New Date-Worthy Restaurants in Makati for Valentine’s 2024
As a lifestyle hub, Makati never has a shortage of new, date-worthy restaurants!
As a home to many corporations, shopping centers, and activity centers, Makati has transformed itself into a lifestyle hub with many new restaurants hidden in its alleys and streets. While some of these restaurants popped out a few months ago, others were former food commissaries and home kitchens that turned into restaurants. Here are some of the new restaurants in Makati we found date-worthy!
1. Saigi Ramen
Owned by Chef Atsushi Yoshida — a former chef from Okada Hotel and opened last May 2023, Saigi Ramen is a restaurant for more intimate meetings. But what they lack in seating capacity, they make up with quality. Their selective menu offers both classic and heartwarming dishes like the juicy, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyuu Beef Katsu Curry, his signature rich and spicy Tantan Ramen, and the cold and clean-tasting Hiyashi Chuka.
Did we forget to mention that they also have salad all you can there for an additional PHP100.00 for dine-in customers?
Saigi Ramen is at G/F Vernida IV Bldg., Leviste St, Salcedo Village, Makati.
2. Kodawari
Originally an Instagram store that just sold “Gyudon Sushi Bake,” the owners took a risk and opened their new restaurant in Makati for those who want a modern-fusion approach to Japanese cuisine to classic rice bowl (or Donburi) combinations. Kodawari‘s Gyuudon is one of their best-sellers coming in both mild flavor and mala spicy (or tingling spice). And for those who can’t eat beef, they have their Shroomdon and their smoky Salmon Mentai Don.
Don’t forget to get their sweet and fluffy Fuji Apple Cloud for dessert!
Kodawari Restaurant is currently at Salcedo Village, 121 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila.
3. Kangen Rasa
This one opened last October 2023. It’s rare to find an Indonesian restaurant that serves recipes in its authentic flavors and Kangen Rasa is one of them! Although the place doesn’t have parking, the brightly lit restaurant charms couples with its rustic Asian interior while serving beloved Indonesian dishes such as the meaty Beef Char Kuey Tiaw and their crispy Nasi Ayam Goreng.
They also serve coffee and various Indonesian desserts too!
Kangen Rasa is along Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila.
4. Rumba
A new restaurant in Makati that enchants couples with its Mediterranean flavors, Rumba has selections that create a traditional and romantic four-course meal. They serve two kinds of appetizers (or tapas) — cold or hot — which set up the stage for their pasta, risotto, or arroces del carbon like their creamy and tart Lobster Bogovante, the treat from the sea Risotto de Mariscos, and their smoky Negra Con Gambas.
They also take pride in cooking all their mains — both meat and fish — over charcoal like the rich and velvety Confit de Pato and their Pargo.
Rumba is currently Ground Floor of The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati, Metro Manila.
5. The Fat Seed Café + Roastery
Looking for a date spot that already serves artisan coffee creations? Fat Seed Café + Roastery serves both! Originally from BGC, the café opened its new spot at One Ayala where continental meals from breakfast to dinner. It’s also known for being an Instagram-worthy spot with its many rustic and industrial interiors.
And after taking a lot of pictures to commemorate the date, indulge in their creamy and toasty Affogato while taking a bite out of their version of Adobo and their Portugese Seafood Rice Casserole.
The Fat Seed Café + Roastery is currently at One Ayala, East St, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila.
6. Phoenix Resto and Bar
Poblacion in Makati never runs out of new restaurants to try out and Phoenix Resto and Bar stands out with its authentic African cuisine, serving not just delicious meals but drinks too from the bar. Their signatures include the tasty and mildly spicy Jollof Rice and smoky grilled chicken. They also have their crispy Akara Fritters which make a fantastic starter to any of their meals.
The Phoenix Resto and Bar is at 5673 Doña Carmen St. Poblacion Makati.
7. Japonesa
This Peruvian-Japanese restaurant may have been open for quite some time in Makati but it’s unveiled its “final form” and expanded its menu with more fusion dishes. Besides their melt-in-the-mouth Lengua Katsu, their Japonesa Roll is a must for a starter. Their juicy Lomo Saltado is also a must-try and goes well with their Sakura cocktail.
Japonesa is at 5658 Don Pedro St, Corner Jacobo, Makati, Metro Manila.
Different restaurants for different couples!
While most people assume dates are a fine-dining affair, there are some who love the excitement of finding new restaurants to try out. Many of these restaurants may be difficult to access at first but trust us when we say it’s worth a bit of the struggle. Besides, going beyond the malls of Makati once in awhile doesn’t hurt when finding new restaurants to have a date in.
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