Makati is one of Metro Manila’s strongest dining districts for special nights out. Its restaurants range from Michelin-recognised tasting menus and elegant hotel dining rooms to intimate chef-led venues near Poblacion, Rockwell, Ayala Triangle, Greenbelt and Salcedo Village. Couples, business travellers and celebration groups will find polished settings for anniversaries, romantic dinners, client meals, birthdays and after-dinner drinks. This guide compares 9 fine dining restaurants in Makati by opening hours, location, signature dining style and the occasions each venue suits best.
Opening hours, menu items, tasting-menu prices and reservation policies change. Confirm the latest information directly with each restaurant before visiting.
Restaurant Name | Opening Hours | Address / Location | Signature Dishes | Best For |
Helm by Josh Boutwood | Tuesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: 11:30 AM–2 PM 6–10 PM. Closed on Mondays. | 3/F, The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati | Seasonal multi-course tasting menus | Culinary celebrations and chef-led tasting experiences |
Oak & Smoke | Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–10:30 PM; bar until midnight | G/F Pacquiao Mansion, H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village | Binchotan-grilled meats, skewers and sharing plates | Energetic dates and group dinners |
Blackbird at the Nielsen Tower | Daily, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM | Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati Avenue | Wagyu, seafood, modern European and Asian dishes | Client dinners and romantic occasions |
Old Manila | Tue–Sat, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM and from 6:00 PM; closed Sun–Mon | G/F Ayala Tower, The Peninsula Manila | French classics, steaks and refined seafood | Milestone anniversaries and formal dinners |
Sala Restaurant | Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM; Saturday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM (Closed Sundays & Mondays) | Podium Level, L.V. Locsin Building, Ayala Avenue | Modern European set menus | Quiet romantic dinners and private conversations |
Ember by Josh Boutwood | Daily, approximately 11:00 AM–10:00 PM | G/F Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center | Fire-led meats, seafood and house-made breads | Business lunches and contemporary dining |
Mamou Made Nice | Daily, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM | G/F Joya Lofts and Towers, Rockwell Center | Prime steak, truffle pasta and comfort dishes | Family celebrations and steak dinners |
Mirèio | Daily. Breakfast: 6:00 AM–10:30 AM (Weekdays) / 11:00 AM (Weekends); Lunch: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM; Dinner: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM. Sunday Brunch: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM. | 9/F Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive | Provençal and French-Mediterranean dishes | Skyline dates and hotel dining |
Osteria M at I’M Hotel | Daily, 12:00 PM–11:00 PM | Lobby Level, I’M Hotel, Poblacion | FilItalian pasta, seafood and desserts | Convenient date nights and pre-rooftop dining |
1. Helm by Josh Boutwood
- Address: 3rd Floor, Tower 2, The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: 11:30 AM–2 PM 6–10 PM. Closed on Mondays)
- Price Range: ₱6,800+ to ₱8,500+ per person
- Atmosphere: Playful, contemporary, cozy, and trendy restaurant environment.
- Highlight: The first and only restaurant in the Philippines to achieve Two Michelin Stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines
- Signature Dishes: Rotating thematic menus (e.g., the Monochromatic series featuring items like Tuna Akami with Miso and Wagyu with Beetroot).
- Best For: Italian-Filipino fusion dining, warm afternoon lunches, and intimate comfort-food date nights.
Helm by Josh Boutwood offers one of Makati’s most intimate chef-led dining experiences. The restaurant uses an open-kitchen counter format that places guests close to Chef Josh Boutwood and his team as they prepare and present each course. Rather than offering the Italian-Filipino dishes listed for Osteria M, Helm serves evolving themed tasting menus shaped by Boutwood’s British-Filipino heritage and Spanish influences. The menu explores personal memories, street food, cinema or another unifying theme, with each course designed as part of a complete narrative.
Helm received two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide’s first Philippine selection. The recognition makes it one of the strongest choices for diners seeking a formal degustation menu rather than an à la carte dinner. Reservations are important because the restaurant accommodates a limited number of diners.
2. Oak & Smoke
- Address: G/F, Pacquiao Mansion, 324 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM–10:30 PM (Bar open until 12:00 AM; Closed on Sundays)
- Price Range: ₱2,500–₱4,500 per person
- Atmosphere: Chic, lively, neighborhood-centric, and contemporary bistro vibe.
- Highlight: Open kitchen utilizing authentic Japanese binchotan charcoal grills and live flames.
- Signature Dishes: Smoked Pork Neck Toast, O/S Karaage with black pepper tamarind glaze, and Binchotan-grilled Wagyu.
- Best For: Energetic group dinners, casual yet high-end date nights, and sharing upscale small plates.
Oak & Smoke centres its menu on meats, seafood and vegetables cooked over Japanese binchotan charcoal. The open-kitchen format gives diners a direct view of the grilling process while smoke and live fire add depth to the restaurant’s most recognisable dishes. The Michelin-selected restaurant takes a flexible approach to premium dining. Guests can stop for cocktails and small plates or build a complete celebratory dinner around grilled meats, skewers, dumplings and seafood. Michelin inspectors specifically highlight its binchotan-grilled meats, globally influenced sharing dishes and generous flavours.
Oak & Smoke suits diners who want an upscale restaurant in Makati without a rigid or ceremonial atmosphere. Its lively Salcedo Village setting works equally well for a relaxed business dinner, a birthday meal or a date built around several dishes for the table.
3. Blackbird at the Nielson Tower
- Address: The Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati Avenue, Makati
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Price Range: ₱3,000–₱5,500 per person
- Atmosphere: Breathtaking, historic, elegant, and grand Art Deco ambiance.
- Highlight: Housed inside a beautifully preserved 1937 commercial airport control tower landmark.
- Signature Dishes: Prawn Scotch Eggs, Dry Rubbed Wagyu Hanger Steak, Rangers Valley Flat Iron, and the Blackbird Aviation Cocktail.
- Best For: Impressing business clients, high-profile romantic dinners, and timeless afternoon teas.
Blackbird occupies the restored Nielson Tower, a landmark connected to Manila’s early commercial aviation history. The building’s distinctive architecture gives the restaurant an immediate sense of occasion before guests reach the dining room. Chef Colin Mackay’s menu brings together European foundations and contemporary Asian influences. Different areas of the property create different experiences, from the formal dining rooms to the lounge and outdoor terrace. The bar also runs an early-evening aperitivo period, making Blackbird suitable for pre-dinner cocktails as well as full meals.
Blackbird remains one of the most dependable restaurants in Makati for special occasions because the setting feels polished without requiring an elaborate tasting-menu commitment. Couples reserve a quieter table for a romantic dinner, while business diners benefit from a central Makati CBD location and a menu broad enough for varied preferences.
4. Old Manila at The Peninsula Manila
- Address: Ground Floor, Ayala Tower, The Peninsula Manila, Corner of Ayala & Makati Avenues, Makati
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: Lunch (11:30 AM–2:30 PM), Dinner (6:30 PM–11:00 PM). Closed Sundays & Mondays.
- Price Range: ₱5,000–₱8,500+ per person
- Atmosphere: Lavish, sophisticated, formal, and deeply rooted in old-world luxury.
- Highlight: Impeccable 5-star hotel service accompanied by private dining spaces like the historic Magsaysay Room.
- Signature Dishes: Visayas Blue Crab Bisque, Maison Kaviari Oscietra Caviar, and prime beef cuts.
- Best For: Formal corporate events, milestone anniversary dinners, and white-tablecloth luxury dining.
Old Manila is The Peninsula Manila’s signature fine dining restaurant. The dining room combines Art Deco details, composed service and a modern interpretation of French fine dining. The menu highlights French classics alongside aged steaks and refined seafood. Guests select à la carte dishes or choose a structured multi-course experience, depending on the current menu. The restaurant is also Michelin-selected, with inspectors noting its gracious hospitality and suitability for important occasions.
Old Manila is a strong choice for guests who expect a traditional hotel dining experience. The smart-casual dress code requires gentlemen to wear long trousers and sleeved tops, and children must be at least six years old. These policies reinforce the restaurant’s formal atmosphere and should be considered when planning a family gathering.
5. Sala Restaurant
- Address: Podium Level, L.V. Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM; Saturday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM (Closed Sundays & Mondays)
- Price Range: ₱4,000–₱6,500 per person
- Atmosphere: Quietly confident, intimate, understated, and classically charming with crisp linen tablecloths.
- Highlight: A highly curated, flexible set menu where your choice of main course determines the final price.
- Signature Dishes: Celeriac Velouté with Seared Hokkaido Scallop and Caviar, Venison Ragout, and French Pigeon Breast
- Best For: Intimate, private romantic dates, quiet business deal dinners, and lovers of classical French technique.
Sala Restaurant takes a restrained approach to fine dining. Crisp table settings, a compact dining room and attentive service create a calm environment that feels removed from the traffic and activity of the surrounding business district. Chef Colin Mackay’s menu focuses on modern European cooking grounded in classical technique. The format typically allows diners to choose from a small number of carefully composed courses, with premium meat, seafood and seasonal produce leading the menu.
Sala suits couples and business diners who value privacy over spectacle. The restaurant does not rely on dramatic views, theatrical presentations or loud entertainment. Instead, it builds the experience around precise cooking, controlled pacing and a room where conversation remains easy.
6. Ember by Josh Boutwood
- Address: G/F, Greenbelt 3, 3 Greenbelt Drive, Ayala Center, Makati
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Price Range: ₱2,500–₱4,500 per person
- Atmosphere: Modernist, sleek, warm, and sophisticated without feeling stuffy or unpretentious.
- Highlight: Culinary exploration focused heavily on smoking, embers, hearths, and delicate fire-craft.
- Signature Dishes: Mushroom Comté Hazelnut, Steaks cooked on glowing embers, and Salmon with Watercress.
- Best For: High-end business lunches, premium steak dinners, and approachable contemporary European dining.
Ember presents Josh Boutwood’s interest in smoke, heat and fire through a more flexible à la carte restaurant than Helm. The kitchen uses embers, smokers and controlled heat to build flavour into meat, seafood, vegetables and breads. The Greenbelt 3 location makes Ember convenient for business lunches, post-shopping dinners and celebrations in the heart of the Makati CBD. Guests receive the benefits of chef-led dining without committing to the fixed pacing of a full degustation menu.
Ember also works for groups with different dining preferences. One guest focuses on steak or grilled seafood while others share bread, vegetables and smaller plates. The result is premium dining that feels polished but not overly ceremonial.
7. Mamou Made Nice
- Address: G/F 122, Joya Lofts & Towers, Plaza Drive corner Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Price Range: ₱3,000–₱5,000 per person
- Atmosphere: Upscale, cozy, warm, and bustling high-end neighborhood steakhouse venue.
- Highlight: A unique collaborative powerhouse atmosphere combining the steak legacy of Mamou with modern bistro flair.
- Signature Dishes: Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream Pasta and USDA Prime Angus Ribeye (from the Mamou Menu); Wagyu Shortrib Donabe and Octopus Teriyaki Salad (from the Made Nice Menu)
- Best For: Hearty family celebration dinners, premium comfort-food dates, and world-class steak nights.
Mamou Made Nice combines the generous portions and familiar favourites associated with Mamou with a polished Rockwell dining setting. The menu is best known for premium steak, rich pasta, seafood and desserts designed for sharing. The restaurant feels more energetic than a formal hotel dining room, making it well suited to birthdays and family occasions. Couples seeking a lively atmosphere and generous comfort food will find Mamou Made Nice a strong fit.
Its Rockwell location also gives guests easy access to cafés, shops and bars before or after dinner. Reservations remain advisable for weekend evenings and major celebration dates.
8. Mirèio at Raffles Makati
- Address: 9th Floor, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati
- Opening Hours: Daily. Breakfast: 6:00 AM–10:30 AM (Weekdays) / 11:00 AM (Weekends); Lunch: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM; Dinner: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM. Sunday Brunch: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM.
- Price Range: ₱3,500–₱6,000 per person (The popular Sunday Brunch Society package is priced at ₱4,500++ per person).
- Atmosphere: Elegant, airy, sun-lit brasserie by day, turning romantic and dramatic by night.
- Highlight: Striking views from the 9th floor of Raffles Makati, transitioning into the Mistral Rooftop Bar.
- Signature Dishes: Tartare de Tautruche (Ostrich Tartare), Pan-seared Foie Gras, Glacier 51 Toothfish, Herb-crusted Lamb Rack, and Grand Marnier Soufflé.
- Best For: Elegant multi-generational family brunches, romantic dates, and French countryside cuisine enthusiasts.
Mirèio is an upscale French brasserie inside Raffles Makati. Large windows and an elevated location give the dining room broad city views, while the menu draws on Provençal and French-Mediterranean traditions. The restaurant works well for both daytime and evening occasions. Lunch offers natural light and a polished setting for corporate meals, while dinner creates a more romantic atmosphere for couples. Guests also continue to an upper-level terrace or hotel bar for after-dinner drinks, subject to current operations.
Mirèio suits diners who want the service standards of a luxury hotel in Makati without the more formal tone of a traditional white-tablecloth restaurant.
9. Osteria M at I’M Hotel
- Address: Lobby Level, I’M Hotel, 7862 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati
- Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Price Range: ₱1,000–₱1,500 per person
- Atmosphere: Polished, contemporary, intimate, and sophisticated hotel dining room environment.
- Highlight: Elevated culinary execution featuring exclusive gourmet experiences like curated Unlimited Truffle Thursdays.
- Signature Dishes: Artisanal Truffle Pasta with Sous Vide Egg, Seafood Marinara Bagoong, Roasted Pumpkin Velvet Soup, and Deconstructed Tiramisu.
- Best For: Upscale Italian-Filipino fusion gastronomy, high-end business luncheons, and refined comfort date nights.
Osteria M at I’M Hotel blends Filipino and Italian influences in a modern lobby-level restaurant. The concept was developed under Chef Melissa Lim, a finalist from the second season of MasterChef Singapore, and was introduced as a playful Filipino-Italian dining destination. The menu has included dishes such as truffle pasta with sous-vide egg, Seafood Marinara Bagoong, pumpkin soup and tiramisu. The restaurant has also promoted themed dining experiences, including Unlimited Truffle Thursdays offers, although availability and inclusions should be checked before booking.
Osteria M provides a more accessible alternative to Makati’s long tasting menus and formal hotel restaurants. Couples enjoy lunch or dinner, move upstairs for rooftop cocktails and stay overnight without arranging another journey across the city.
Guests planning a broader dining itinerary can review the restaurants and bars at I’M Hotel before visiting.
Where to Head Next: Curate a Romantic Night at I’M Hotel
A successful date night involves more than choosing a romantic restaurant in Makati. Travel time, parking, after-dinner plans and the journey home all affect how relaxed the evening feels. I’M Hotel brings the complete romantic getaway with dining, drinks, wellness and accommodation together at one Poblacion address.
Stay Close to Makati’s Dining and Nightlife
I’M Hotel stands at the corner of Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue, close to Poblacion’s restaurants, cocktail bars and late-night venues. I’M Hotel’s location provides a practical base for couples who want to explore Makati without travelling between distant districts.
Begin with Dinner at Osteria M
Starting the night at Osteria M removes the need to arrange transport between dinner and the hotel. The lobby-level location allows couples to arrive, settle in and enjoy Italian-inspired dishes with Filipino touches before continuing upstairs or returning to their room.
Continue with Rooftop Drinks
After dinner, couples head to Antidote Gastropub for cocktails and city views. The rooftop venue combines skyline scenery, tapas and a striking illuminated jellyfish aquarium. Keeping dinner, drinks and accommodation in the same building solves one of the main challenges of a night out in Metro Manila: arranging another ride after drinking. It also gives couples more flexibility over how long they stay.
Wellness Retreat for Two
A romantic staycation does not need to revolve entirely around food and drinks. Couples can include time at I’M Onsen Spa before dinner or the following day. The hotel’s wellness facilities create a slower counterpoint to Poblacion nightlife and allow guests to turn a single dinner reservation into a more complete city break.
Stay-the-Night Comfort
Booking one of the hotel’s rooms and suites in Makati gives couples privacy, comfort, and more time together. You can remove the pressure of travelling home immediately after dinner or cocktails. I’M Hotel also promotes flexible stay arrangements under selected offers. Guests review the latest Makati hotel offers for current inclusions, availability and booking conditions.
Book your stay at I’M Hotel Makati.
Contact Number: +63 2 7755 7888
Email: reservations@imhotel.com
The best fine dining restaurants in Makati cover a wide range of occasions. Helm offers a highly structured Michelin-starred tasting experience, Old Manila and Mirèio provide polished hotel dining, while Oak & Smoke, Ember and Mamou Made Nice deliver livelier contemporary meals. Couples seeking convenience can begin at Osteria M, continue with rooftop cocktails at Antidote and stay overnight at I’M Hotel. Whatever the occasion, reserve early, confirm current menus and choose a restaurant whose atmosphere matches the type of celebration you have planned.
FAQs about Fine Dining Restaurants in Makati
Which fine dining restaurant in Makati is best for a romantic date?
Sala, Blackbird, Old Manila and Mirèio all offer strong settings for romantic dinners. Sala provides privacy and quiet conversation, Blackbird combines history with an elegant atmosphere, Old Manila suits formal anniversaries, and Mirèio adds elevated skyline views.
Which Makati restaurant has Michelin stars?
Helm by Josh Boutwood received two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide’s inaugural Philippine selection. Oak & Smoke and Old Manila appear in the wider Michelin selection but do not hold Michelin stars.
Where should business travellers dine in Makati?
Blackbird, Old Manila, Sala, Ember and Mirèio all suit business meals. Blackbird and Ember work well for polished but approachable client dinners, while Old Manila and Sala provide quieter, more formal environments for important discussions.
Is Osteria M the same restaurant as Helm by Josh Boutwood?
No. Osteria M is the lobby-level FilItalian restaurant at I’M Hotel in Poblacion. Helm is Josh Boutwood’s separate two-Michelin-starred tasting-menu restaurant at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Where can couples have dinner and rooftop drinks in one location?
Couples can dine at Osteria M and continue to Antidote Gastropub on the rooftop of I’M Hotel. They can also book a room or suite in the same building, avoiding another late-night journey after drinks.
