Black Book 2021
As the world begins to recover from the onslaught of the pandemic, and establishments—retailers, restaurants, accommodations, etc—are reopening their doors to patrons, we put together our list of go-to places and destinations for this year. This is the second edition of Tatler Philippines’ Black Book, a brief compendium of some of the best places to eat, stay, shop and avail yourself of various services and utilities on and offline. When we came out with the first Black Book late last year, we considered how things changed because of the pandemic: many restaurants and retailers pivoted from brick-and-mortar stores to an online presence. Health and wellness, particularly access to clinics at a time when many people were afraid to go anywhere near hospitals and medical centres, gained a following through telemedicine, social media channels dedicated to staying well and healthy; even workouts developed by fitness experts were broadcast via the Internet. Likewise, on-call services for housekeeping and pet care made life bearable for many people who were marooned in their homes throughout extended quarantine periods. This year’s Black Book offers much of the same information—but, of course, with a big difference now. Establishments are reopening their doors to diners and shoppers. Admittedly, this remains a partial list of all the best places to go to not only here in the capital, but in several key provinces, as well. Nevertheless, we hope that this list will be a great help as it offers comfort and convenience so that you can live a life extraordinary even in these significantly changed times.
RESTAURANTS
A MANO
Fine Dining – Italian
“Fresh and faithful Italian” is what Amado Forès offers diners at this establishment. Familiar favourites are given a delightful twist as in the case of the Garganelli bianco with prosciutto and truffle butter. R1 Power Plant Mall, Lopez Dr, Rockwell Center, Makati City | +63917.552.6266 | FB @amano.ph | IG @amano.ph
ANTONIO’S RESTAURANT
Fine Dining – French, Mediterranean, Italian, American
This southern favourite reopens its doors to eager diners who cannot get enough of chef Tony Boy Escalante’s cooking. Purok 138, Neogan, Tagaytay City | +63918.899.2866 | +63917.899.2866 | Web www. antoniosrestaurant.ph | FB @antoniostagaytay | IG @antoniostagaytay
BENJARONG
Casual – Thai
Royal Thai Cuisine takes centre stage here under the deft hand and watchful eye of chef Ja Yongbanthom who brings a contemporary touch to a bevy of authentic dishes. G/F Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City | +632.7238.8888 | Web www.dusit.com/dusitthani-manila/dining/benjarong/| FB @benjarongmanila | IG @benjarong _manila
BLACKBIRD AT THE NIELSON TOWER
Fine Dining – Continental
Resplendent and resilient, chef Colin MacKay’s Nielson Tower restaurant offers a delectable mix of East and West in its menu. 6752 Makati Avenue, Makati City | +632.8828.4888 | Web www.blackbird.com.ph
BUENO TAPAS AND WINE RESTAURANT
Casual – Spanish
Convivial comfort comida is the name of the game at Bueno where you can share platters of Spanish classics with family and friends. Retail Row – The Grove by Rockwell, E Rodriguez Ave, Ugong, Pasig City | +632.8637.5081 | IG @buenotapaswine
CASA BUENAS
Fine Dining – Filipino
Chef Godfrey Laforteza serves up a contemporary take on traditional favourites in a gorgeous location that calls to mind the best aesthetic elements of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. G/F Newport Grand Wing, Portwood St, Newport City, Pasay City | +632.7908.8988 | FB @casabuenas.rwmanila
FARMER’S TABLE
Casual – Farm-to-Table
Farm-to-table dining is at its best at this Tagaytay restaurant. Fresh produce in season is highlighted in the menu which features deliciously virtuous salads and gloriously decadent mains. Nurture Wellness Village, 7310 Pulong Sangingan Maitim 2nd West, Tagaytay City | +63905.387.7993 | IG @farmerstabletagaytay
FINESTRA
Fine Dining – Italian, Grill
Solaire’s Finestra has an extensive array of wagyu cuts ranging from Omi to Snake Farms, which, in the masterful hands of chef Alan Marchetti turns into a gustatory experience not to be missed. G/F Solaire Resort and Casino, 1 ASEAN Ave, Entertainment City, Tambo, Parañaque City | +632.8888.8888 | Web solaireresort.com/dining/finestra| FB @finestraatsolaire
GALLERY BY CHELE
Casual – Asian-European Fusion
Culinary maestro Chele Gonzalez continues his journey of discovering traditional cooking methods and endemic ingredients, bringing the best of the Philippines to every plate he serves up. 5/F Clipp Centre, 11th Avenue cor 39th St, BGC, Taguig City | +63917.546.1673 | Web www.gallerybychele.com | FB @gallerybychele | IG @gallerybychele
GRACE PARK
Casual – Italian / Filipino Fusion
Award-winning chef Margarita Forès continues to please diners with her extensive menu with an intriguing mix of Filipino ingredients and Italian gastronomy with dishes. Rockwell Center, Makati City | +632.8843.7275 | FB @graceparkdining
HOLA BOMBÓN
Casual – Spanish
Whimsically festive interiors make diners feel like each meal is their own personal fiesta at this Poblacion establishment. With an array of pintxos and tapas paired with glasses of vino, it is the perfect place for casual get-togethers. 5887 Fermina cor Enriquez Sts, Makati City| +632917.520.1880 | IG @hola.bombonph
LA PICARA
Casual – Spanish Fusion
It’s a restaurant that brings international flavours into Spanish classics: croquetas are filled with Bicolano laing or Korean kimchi and wine-braised beef cheeks are stuffed into dim sum. 2/F Exchange Stock Market Mall, 5th Ave, BGC, Taguig City |
