Explore the latest restaurants in BGC that fit your taste and style.
09.29.2024 by Samantha San
Imagine yourself sitting down in your favorite restaurant, surrounded by the lively rattle of silverware and the clinks of crystal glasses. You hear the hums and chatter of friendly strangers, the laughter and giddiness from different tables. But what do you see on the plate served to you? An impeccably assembled amuse-bouche that signals the beginning of your 10-course menu, a creamy burrata made fresh with the juiciest cherry tomato wedges, perhaps a beef main course inspired by the galaxies and the stars, or a perfectly roasted duck seasoned with Asian flavors that taste as good as the music around you? Visualize it.
“You are what you eat,” they say, and your dining preferences reveal more about you than you might think. In a city like Metro Manila, where the food and beverage scene is thriving and dynamic, one sees established hospitality groups, well-known industry names, and passionate entrepreneurs who dare to bring their culinary dreams to life. They are constantly and consistently innovating and reimagining to broaden the horizons for gastronomic adventurers, offering a wide array of options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, making every dining experience a reflection of one’s identity.
Bonifacio Global City is no stranger to what is new and exciting. As a space of congregation, it is a top location of choice for restaurateurs to open their promising ventures. Here are four restaurants that opened earlier this year that you may want to try and not miss out on.
Inspired by a deep fascination with the cosmos, this zodiac-themed restaurant boasts rich set and a la carte menus and a welcoming ambiance that celebrates the Mediterranean tastes of the constellations. Kas & Poly blends Turkish, Italian, Spanish, and Greek culinary profiles to create its distinct offering. The star of the show is a 12-course Zodiac tasting menu wherein each course corresponds to a specific astrological sign. The restaurant also offers a 5-course menu aptly named the Big 3 (Sun, Moon, Rising), which, if you’re familiar with astrology, provides a succinct telling of your personality. They also have the Cosmos Plant-Based 5-Course menu with energizing starters and refreshing beverages for those with dietary preferences. An à la carte menu that caters to varying cravings is also worth exploring.
In addition to their dining space, Kas & Poly features the Gemini Lounge on the Mezzanine Level, which can serve small and intimate functions or host larger events by booking the entire second floor. When the moon has risen, guests are invited to partake in their “Stellar Booze + Cosmic Booze” segment, with a DJ playing curated music every Wednesday to Saturday starting at 9:00 p.m.
The master behind the Mexican-Filipino tavern Almacen in Poblacion, Makati, Chef Francis Tolentino is a well-known name in the industry. Taupe celebrates Filipino flavors and ingredients, brought to life by his global approach to presenting and creating dishes. Located in The Meridien Tower 2 of BGC, you are welcomed by lofty ceilings and a sleek color palette that plays with its namesake hue — taupe — accented by delicately warm and sensual lighting that puts Chef Tolentino’s eye for detail front and center.
The restaurant offers a signature tasting menu that highlights much of Filipino culture, from Luzon to Mindanao, creating an incredible roster of creations that draw you and your tastebuds in. For a more complex taste experience, his menu also comes with cocktail pairings if you choose.
From the sandy beaches and waves of Siargao, Grifoni’s of Kermit presents a casual Italian concept that’s authentic and high-quality, minus the intimidation that usually comes with anything Italian. City-focused, the restaurant is a juxtaposition of its island flagship and exudes the fast-paced and exciting energy that a metropolis is proud of. The menu has been tweaked to adapt to Metro Manila tastes and lifestyle — a blend of Italian and American favorites much loved by Filipinos — without losing the identity and integrity of the outlet’s culinary vision.
One can savor an extensive pasta lineup that’s been updated but stays true to traditional tastes or relive memories of surfing at the crack of dawn with a list of Neapolitan-style pizzas from Kermit’s in Siargao. The restaurant caters to city dwellers, offering a space where guests — new or part-time island residents — can relax, remind themselves to slow down and enjoy the fantastic food and well-crafted cocktails Grifoni’s has to offer.
Touted as the younger sister of another much-loved restaurant, Red Lotus by Modern Shang is chic, edgy, dramatic, and utterly cosmopolitan, much like Shanghai. The space features updated traditional Chinese motifs, and if you look up, you’ll find a creative interpretation of the iconic city’s skyline seemingly descending toward you. The interiors are moody, sultry, and alluring. It is not casual, nor is the space formal. It’s fun but not boisterous; it’s restrained but not confined. Its offerings are Chinese but with a blanket of newness. You can still find Chinese cuisine staples from different regions, such as the tung-bor peachy glazed pork, roast duck, and their signature xiao long bao.
The bar is a visual spectacle. Intimate and subdued, it lends an air of secrecy despite being a step away from diners. It highlights an extensive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, such as the Sichuan Sour and Dragon’s Potion. Mocktails are also on the menu for those staying sober, or you can challenge the bartenders to create a beverage made just for you.
