Toyo Eatery

We had an excellent meal at Toyo Eatery. I booked exactly when dinner spots opened up 3 weeks in advance. The 22 dishes over 8 courses came out at an excellent pace and our dinner was over in a little over 2 hours. Most of the dishes were excellent and there were many more hits than misses. For example, the lumpia starter with 18 vegetables was wonderful, the blue crab was great, the mains were a very interesting take on familiar dishes. But, the okra soup was a little lacking. Service was informal but personable. The look of the restaurant was modern and has a lovely open kitchen. However, the music was a little loud at times. I really hope this restaurant gets recognition when the Michelin Guide comes to the Philippines next year. It is definitely on par, if not better than some one-starred restaurants we've tried.

People have been saying it’s the best tasting menu they’ve tried. Maybe the menu has changed but I was not at all impressed with the food. It felt like they were trying too hard to elevate the food—pushing for something highfalutin and refined, but in the end, it just muddled the actual flavors. The ambition was there, but the execution failed. The okra saluyot soup was slimey (ofc, given that it’s okra) so it didn’t land well as a good dish. The grilled oyster mushrooms over kamias sauce and soy milk pudding’s flavors didn’t marry well, either. The palette cleanser of lemongrass kefir tea just tasted nasty. The main dish of free range chicken was plain, the fried fish scales dish was not my type and the flavor of the rice clashed with the main dish flavors. However, the dish with the fried shallots was good! Just wished they served white rice with it. It would’ve hit the spot. The halabos was my favorite, it was cooked to perfection. Literally the plainest dish but the most well done. Some of desserts were good too, like the leche flan ice cream and tsokolate bonbons with patis filling (although there was too much caramel, came out too sweet). The sorbete with idk, seaweed on top (?) was just weird. The flavor was disjointed and I think they were trying to go for some toasted rice thing but it felt like multiple random ingredients in the cup. Overall, the food wasn’t great. Sad cause I’ve been wanting to eat here for about 4 years now and I finally have, and I’ve been disappointed. Never meet your heroes, they say.

We have heard about Toyo from social media and recently when it was featured in Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. I am very thankful to have a chance to try their tasting menu in a recent visit to the Philippines. To the Team: Congratulations on such an impressive menu. It is Filipino dining at its best as it highlights ingredients from across the archipelago and cooking techniques developed in different provinces. As someone who now lives abroad I feel proud of what you have achieved. To Miguel: Our most gracious host. Thank for sharing your knowledge and the stories behind every dish. It got me curious and will look up some of the ingredients you mentioned. Thank you for bearing with our questions like you wear being job interviewed. To the Barangay that night: Thank you for catering to my wife’s dietary requirements and Thank you for allowing us to record our visit with a photo with the team. My 50th Birthday celebration will be one for the books. Until our next visit, Salamat Toyo Eatery!!!

It's been a good 3-4 years since we last ate in Toyo Eatery. Now 3 years married, we were fortunate enough to have celebrated our Anniversary in a place we truly enjoyed. Being new parents we rarely had the time to do long tasting menu dinners. We've missed eating in Toyo and its great to be back :). We enjoyed the new menu in both food and cocktails. The new alfresco dining is fantastic and airy. Everything just fits perfectly.

Having tried Toyo twice when they had collabs in Singapore, trying it in the Philippines feels like a proper welcome home. We even brought our niece (Yeppeo the Alaskan malamute) with us who enjoyed the biggest welcome. But anyway, about the food. Starters are always my favourite from them, a stream of creativity flowing. Ingredients authentic to their roots, but with a twist. With every dish coming out, an inspiration here, an umami there. Personal favourite is the dish resembling a lumpiang sariwa. This tasted like earth - in the best possible way I swear. Nutty, crunchy, layers of flavour - bomb. Another highlight is the fried prawn. In itself, it's the perfectly seasoned, and to dip it in vinegar pushed it higher. Let's not forget the skewers, tender and charred to perfection. Only thing that didn't work for me is the okra, I get the whole embracing the sliminess intent, but it's just off-putting. By the time the mains arrived, I'll be honest, already slowing down, tummy approaching capacity. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the spread. My favourite is the rice pot, such a humble component, amazing when done right. Went really well with the proteins, especially the fried fish, which was fried to perfection. Dessert proved to be a beast of its own. We had not one, not two, but six plates of desserts! Enjoyed the leche flan topped with asin tibuok, the sweet and salty combination is just perfection when done right. But my favourite is the ube, this haunts me. Somehow they got the right sweetness level with the meringue, the right consistency, the right texture - bottle this up and I will be stocking up! Impeccable service - to both humans and our not-so-little furry dog. She brought her own food but the team has a food bowl ready (complete with Toyo logo). At some point, I stood up, placed my napkin on the chair, someone immediately picked it up, folded it and placed it on the side of my plate - a level of attention you would see in Michelin-starred restaurants. And oh, the complimentary bicho-bicho that they gave for takeaway, delicious! Overall, thoroughly enjoyed our meal there. Such a good representation of modern Filipino cuisines and a wonderful gastronomic journey.

We were warmly welcomed by the staff. The servers were very knowledgeable about all the dishes they served. The food was excellent—they sourced ingredients from different regions of the Philippines, creating sophisticated and well-crafted dishes.

We had the Kamayan experience @toyoeatery , truly a heartfelt celebration of Filipino culture—where tradition meets creativity in the most delicious way. Chef Jordy Navarra doesn’t just serve food; he brings people together. Laid out on banana leaves and meant to be eaten with your hands, the meal feels like a warm gathering of friends or family, not just a night out. Every dish tells a story, each bite rooted in Filipino heritage but reimagined with modern flair. It’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about sharing, laughing, and reconnecting with what makes food truly meaningful. P.S Avo ice cream is ❤️ Kudos to the whole team of @toyoeatery 👏 ☘️Toyo Eatery has been recognized in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and received the 2025 Art of Hospitality Award

Well deserved accolades 🔵The Food: Balanced Portions My husband and I left perfectly full, a testament to how well the chefs design their tasting menu. It's a fine balance to strike, and they nailed it. If you're looking for that gut-busting "money's worth" feeling, this isn't that kind of place. 🔵The Spirit Pairing: Splurge Worthy The beverage menu is incredibly well-thought-out. If you enjoy a drink, splurge on the spirit pairing. My husband opted for the wine pairing, and I went for the cocktails, allowing us to sample both. The wine selection was diverse, featuring excellent choices from Spain, Chile, and New Zealand, to name a few. The cocktails were bespoke, crafted with local spirits, and truly worked synergistically with the food, enhancing every flavor. A special shout-out to the servers: I noticed they were attentive in reading our body language. I'm sure they developed an "eye" for tolerances. They kept us at the ideal level of tipsy throughout the evening. Again, if your goal is to get wasted from the beverage pairing, this isn't the spot for you. 🔵Local Sourcing and Storytelling My husband and I often celebrate special occasions with tasting menus around Manila, and a common thread we deeply appreciate is the local sourcing of ingredients. We have immense respect for establishments that responsibly source their raw ingredients, directly supporting Filipino farmers. There's a wonderful story behind transforming humble, local ingredients into elevated works of art, and Toyo Eatery tells it beautifully. 🔵The Staff: Warm, Proud and Engaging This brings me to my final point: The staff is chatty (in a good way). They are warm, and incredibly proud of what they do. Dinner is definitely longer than most tasting menus we have been to because they take the time to make "kwento" or share stories about the origins behind each dish/drink. You're not just paying to be fed; you're embarking on a culinary experience. So with this being said, if you're an introvert, this isn't for you... or may not be your ideal setting. To sum up my review that nobody asked for....Perfect For: * Date nights * Celebrating special life events * Impressing foreign guests with a classy taste of Filipino excellence *The only thing I didn't like was the palate cleanser

Tagay! Which means cheers :) The staff greeted us warmly and started the meal with a welcoming herbal drink. The table was covered beautifully with the banana leaves. The meal started off with steamed peanuts with welcome drinks and small bites including the black rice empanada, stuffed baby squid and nigiri. We moved on to the rice and various dried fishes and anchovy. Then came the entrees, skewers, shrimp and crispy pata along with dipping sauces and side dishes. Lastly, we got to try 3 desserts: avocado ice cream, purple sticky rice and delicious churro like bread pastry to go. The staff were so fun and sent us off with some distilled coconut shots. To commemorate the occasion, they helped us take a group photo and one with the whole staff! We loved the minimalist atmosphere and how welcoming everyone was. Toyo is the best restaurant to try in Manila no doubt. We had a great time at Toyo and left feeling satisfied and stuffed!

Day 3. Tasting menu #3 This time around I was with my cousin who I had just spent the whole day with. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I ended up at the other side of town to run an important errand instead of doing city activities. We were starving by the end of the day. We got there a little early, but they let us sit down to get started. I don't know how many courses that journey was, but by god it was a LOT of food. The food never stopped coming. It was plate after plate getting dropped off. My highlights: The salt presentation. I was the documentary about it so seeing it in person was certainly a treat Soup/kamote combo Shrimp - so simple and yet whoa. The fried option was equally mind blowing. Dish wrapped in banana leaf - I was a fan of the hot pepper they used Rice and fish combo. This was probably my personal favorite. That fish was so good. I honestly could've eaten the whole piece Lemon ice cream or I think calamansi - so refreshing The vibe here was way more casual. Even the staff uniform was a dead giveaway. They definitely catered to a much younger crowd. We got way more than we bargained for. I lost count of how many plates ended up making it to our table. 10/10 for their bathroom facilities. They have a Toto toilet. That's basically the holy grail of toilets.

Toyo Eatery isn't your typical Filipino restaurant, but it truly celebrates the essence of Filipino cuisine. The service feels like a well-coordinated orchestra--attentive and seamless. We opted for the "Kamayan" feast, which means eating with your hands, and it was a fun experience. The table was beautifully lined with banana leaves, setting the stage for an incredible meal. The flavors were outstanding! If you find yourself in Manila, make sure to eat here; it's a culinary gem!

What an amazing experience! Eight course meal brought out 22 dishes. I ordered the cocktail pairing although fearful of how many drinks would come out since I'm not a big drinker. But the wait staff assured me I was overthinking it, and he was right. A drink for every few plates. "A tour around the Philippines" through cuisine, is what it was. From the first steps into the exterior of the restaurant, to the short wait after checking in, to being seated at our two top, the ambiance was chill, the service kind. I let them know I only speak English and they were fine accommodating me, thankfully. With each plate's description and explanation, we were in awe of the beautiful plating and engulfed in the rich Filipino flavors. Some nostalgic of my late grandma's cooking inspiring me to learn to her gulay (vegetable) dishes. I cannot describe the whole meal because really, you need to experience this for yourselves. Overall, the dinner experience was excellent. I cannot just say that the food was amazing bc the food does not work alone, it's the experience. I cannot say that the service alone was great because it was an experience. I cannot say that the ambiance alone was welcoming and chill because it was overall, an experience.

This place was ranked within the top 50 places to eat in Asia. I was totally excited to eat here with my niece, who is a total foodie. I started writing down everything that was being served to us, but I was told that they would email me all the information regarding the menu. Unfortunately, I never received the email. I have awesome pictures and delicious memories of all the dishes that had me wanting to come back to this restaurant. This place is by reservation only. Everyone is seated at about the same time so that we could experience the prix fixe menu together. There were numerous beverages or cocktail choices. I apologize for not knowing the names of all the dishes that were served, but they tasted even better than the pictures that I took. I'm hoping that you'll like the pictures as much as I enjoyed eating here.

I had never been to the Philippines before and we decided to eat our way through some of the best restaurants in Manila. I have to say the ten course tasting menu was worth every penny. The food was delicious and a unique twist on traditional Filipino dishes. Each dish came with a story from the waitstaff that was very professional and passionate about their jobs. Most unique dish I'd say was the dinosaur salt, which was shaved over fresh ice cream. The salt wasn't too strong and had a smoky flavor, which paired well with the ice cream. Highly recommend going and I'll absolutely be back!

Having experienced the first Michelin star Filipino restaurant in Chicago, Kasama, my second visit to Toyo reaffirms its Michelin-worthy status. The comforting yet sophisticated ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The food, truly outstanding, showcases local Filipino ingredients elevated to fine dining heights. Opting for the cocktail pairing, each concoction carefully crafted with local ingredients, added another layer of excellence. Toyo's flawless service, coupled with articulate dish descriptions, enhances the overall experience. The standout, undoubtedly, is their leche flan ice cream with Asin tibuok--a testament to Toyo's culinary artistry. If the Michelin guide ever graces Manila, Toyo is undoubtedly in contention for a star.

What I like most about Toyo is how it creatively uses locally-sourced ingredients in showcasing Filipino cuisine. Not fusion, but elevation, Toyo's tasting menu is filled with dishes that are a nuanced, delicate, and artistic expression of the Filipino tastebud. Which I think is also my biggest struggle with Toyo. I appreciate the creative way the different chefs have come up with to put together and present Filipino dishes in this elevated manner. But in doing so, Toyo might have robbed you of experiencing what I love most about Filipino cuisine: how over-the-top bold it is to the senses. The delicacy and artistry is refreshing, but it also made me miss the Filipino flamboyance. Anyway, favourites from the tasting menu were the corn (soooo sweet; the specific location in Quezon where this is sourced is under lock and key), scallops (slurpy, cheesy, though would have liked more of the seaweed), roasted squash soup with sea urchin (such a unique combination of flavours), and dulche de leche bonbon (the hint of patis and the dark chocolate balanced the caramel-y sweetness very well). Service was outstanding (patient and thorough in explanations). The space was artsy. The price, while relatively expensive, was worth a one-time experience. While I wouldn't no-brainer come back, I enjoyed Toyo. Different and creative, it's worth a try.

All in all, Toyo eatery deserves to be the best restaurant in the Philippines and in the top 50 in Asia. The play on local ingredients and cooking techniques were highlighted in each and every dish that was served. Modern contemporary Filipino food has arrived in the Philippines and I can't wait to see it flourish outside as well! The artistry, balance and intention is a testament that they care. The experience here is distinguished and an acclamation to the 7000 + islands of the Philippines. While it is contemporary, they find joy in excavating ancient cooking style and sourcing forgotten ingredients; it is synchronously avant garde and nostalgic, something only at toyo eatery you will observe! Experience it for yourself whenever you're in Manila or nearby the Philippines! 12/10 would recommend!

My wife and I were gifted to the most wondrous 2023 Christmas present from our children. A tasting session at Toyo Eatery! We visited the restaurant yesterday evening, to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The entire experience was magnificient. 22 wonderful, superbly thought out and crafted courses. All the courses were delectable and delicious. Will attach a few photos of our favorites. I want to emphasize that our experience was enhanced greatly by our server, Hannah. She was fantastic! She took the time to explain the numerous ingredients and moreover, the dedicated preparation process(es). She allowed us to thoroughly enjoy a given course before proceeding to the next course. The entire wait staff, chefs, sous chefs, and sommelier were all friendly, professional, and customer oriented. However, what we noticed right away was the unbridled enthusiasm and focus on creativity and detailed knowledge of the tasting courses, with the much appreciated focus on locally sourced ingredients. This common thread was exhibited by everyone on staff, which super enhanced our tasting experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our extraordinary experience. We chose not to opt for the drink pairing option, instead ordering a la carte from the extensive drink list. Four hours and fifteen minutes from arrival to finishing and allowing us to thank the chefs and staff! Seems like the time went by in a flash! Thanks to the entire staff and in particular, Hannah! Also, thanks for personalizing our dessert to memorialize our wedding anniversary!

I booked a group reservation which required a deposit. Their credit card link did not work and customer service was not able to find a solution. I offered to pay over the phone or come in person to make the deposit. After all my efforts, they cancelled my reservation and gave it to another party. Although I am unable to rate the food, this restaurant is not deserving of being named a top restaurant based on customer service alone.

How do you accurately describe Toyo Eatery? It is not a place to go for a hearty meal. It is an artistic gastronomic encounter that will leave you wondering, "what did I just eat, but it was DAMN good"?! Because it's hard to describe each dish, other than it was an amazing flavor explosion in my mouth that I really cannot relate to anything I've ever experienced before in my life. To describe it as contemporary Filipino cuisine would be a disservice to the artistic care, attention, and creativity that the Toyo team is trying to create. Toyo is located off the beaten path in Makati, well hidden in a strip mall and deep within a food court that you'd never know was there other than because you were looking for this place. From the outside you'd think you were lost, but once inside you will realize you've just entered an establishment of artistic genuis. Ambient lighting, fine wood carved tables, and seating available in the kitchen where the huge staff of culinary genuises are hard at work. If you're a foodie, then you will know you've found the motherlode inside this place. I can't describe what I ate at Toyo Eatery. We had the "sampling menu?" that had something like 16 courses. Of course, we also had 5 flights of wine, which made our food encounter here just that much more enjoyable. For each dish, our waiter carefully explained to us what each one was, and more importantly - HOW to eat it. For example, in one dish you set the morsel on your tongue, wait for the flakes to melt in your mouth, and then when half of the morsel is soft then you can bite into it for the rest of the flavor capsules to spill onto your palate. Unfreakingbelievable! If you're a Manila foodie and haven't yet experienced this, then you are in for a TREAT. We had other stuff that was based on traditional Pinoy dishes, but quite honestly I think it's a disservice to call them Pinoy. Chef has created something truly wonderful and unique with his creations at Toyo, and I would say that it's like nothing else I've ever sampled in any other country. So BRAVO to the culinary genius at Toyo Eatery. Something truly special and unique not only to the Philippines but to the entire Foodie Nation.

This review is 3 years too late but I still dream about the "bahay kubo" dish which was my favorite! Definitely worth it!

In for a treat of filipino cuisine degustation with a modern upscale twist. The food by no surprise, was delish. The menu matches the warm ambiance. We are seated at the second level of the restaurant, making it an intimate dinner. Toyo is an ideal spot for date nights and significant occasions. Plating is served in moderation. We preferred the Ala Carte. It was an memorable dining experience I completely forgot about the traffic of QC to Makati!

Overall, Toyo Eatery was like being part of a renaissance of Filipino cuisine moving forward. It is still in the process, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it and be able to taste it, but I believe this is not how it should end. The execution is not good enough and the flavours should be further enhanced and thought over while still thinking about how to make the dishes more original and innovated in the Filipino food scene. I am willing to go back for the tasting menu so I really have a taste of every dish Toyo Eatery has to offer, and afterwards if it still has not reached my expectations, I will have to say I would not go back. I do sincerely hope and believe that Toyo will improve their dishes as time goes by. Read my full review at www.thefoodi.com

This is a eatery well publicized in local press and rated in the best 50 restaurants in Asia 2018/19. It certainly is a good joint for a good local Filipino fusion food experience. Chef is visually creative with his preparations yet reasonably priced for the gastronomy offering. You can choose a la carte or go with the set menu. Set menu is a better option. Chef's claim to fame is his garden salad, which is offered under a la cart. The restaurant has a bar, most cocktails are liqueur based. It's located in one of the most crowded areas of makati, recommend add time to what gps will indicate to wade through traffic. Finding parking will be challenging on busy days. The servers don't do justice to the chef and his quality of cooking. Most of the wait staff is young kids and don't really pay much attention to tables nor can answer any questions related to menu. Chef is certainly and bold with his creations. You will not go wrong despite of few challenges and distractions because food at Toyo will make you happy.

Amazing flavors presented in equally amazing forms and textures. This makes me so proud of Filipino cuisine and is a great place to take balikbayan friends and family. Actually it's a great place to take anyone! My favorite will always be the famous (chef jordy signature?) vegetable garden but everything else I've tried from their menu in the two times I've visited are very good. Barbecue was tender; the bangus fillet was also quite good! Oh and their version of cassava cake deserves room in your tummy and is definitely worth the carbs! Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. And I love the furniture too! Check out the big table made of one piece of gorgeous wood they sourced from somewhere in pampanga (its so nice I had to ask).

Awesome food, excellent service, cool atmosphere! If that is modern Filipino cuisine then it deserves a place in the spotlight! For tourists a great way to learn the Filipino flavors with a great value for money! We all had the tasting menu which was great, but definitely too much food for one person!

Fantastic tasting menu with excellent cocktail/beverage pairing (wine pairing unavailable). All members of staff uniformly knowledgeable, friendly and exuberant. Truly special to experience flavors of Filipino cuisine in this format, with these wonderful people, in such a sophisticated but welcoming setting.

Been hearing great reviews on this place, it's Located at The Alley, a new compound at Karrivin Plaza along Chino Roces, near white space. Find it on Waze. This place puts a twist of Filipino food, Opened by Chef Jordy Navarra the guy behind Blacksheep.You can order ala Carte or they have two type of offerings : its seven-course tasting menu (P2,900 per person) - Tomato Meringue + Talakitok, Basi and Lime + Burnt Kalabaza with Sea Urchin and Orange Kamote + Garden Vegetables + Mayura Onglet and Toyo Eatery Silog + Coconut, Lychee, Rose + Sweets or or its three-course set menu (P1,000 per person). :Garden Vegetables or Lightly Battered Espada with Semi-Ripe Guava and Kamias Broth or Burnt Kalabaza Soup with Sea Urchin and Orange Kamote + Toyo Eatery Three-Cut Pork BBQ with Toyo Eatery Silog or Grilled Belly and Loin of Bangus with Toyo Eatery Silog + Sweets. We were four so we all decided to get the Set Menu. To start of they served us bread.The tocino bread and the Sour bread with their special butter were really yummy. To Start off was the Tomato Meringue which melted in your mouth. Then the Burnt kalabasa was delicious, a twist to the usual pumpkin soup and the sea urchin was interesting. And we got to try the Grilled loin and belly of bangus with sticky rice that came with an egg which you mix,there was also fish skin and dried tuna roe for the umami flavor. We also got the Three-Cut Pork BBQ, was had a coconut cider vinegar. Lastly we tried grilled mackarel, my least favorite but my friends liked it. For dessert, we had cassava cake & pralines made of caramel and chocolate with patis. As for the Ambience, I loved it, lovely accents of Wood and Steel. The Acacia Tables were beautiful. The open kitchen is at the end of the room and the bar by the door is beautiful. This place would also be perfect for private parties.

Innovative and delicious. The tasting menu with the bangus was just lovely. The open kitchen was interesting to watch. The ambience was great. Can't wait to see what's to come!

We were a group of four and all ordered the tasting menu which consists of several dishes. At the beginning, when the dishes were coming I thought I was never going to be full bc they were quite small. But boy was I wrong - after around 15 small, delicious and amazing looking dishes I was super full and satisfied. Great interior and waiters as well! Highly recommended!