Seven Restaurants in Makati You Can Visit on Christmas Day Christmas Day is always an exciting and important day for every Filipino. We get to see relatives and even old friends that we haven’t seen in a long while, plus we get gifts, too! It’s a special occasion all around, so this coming Christmas Day, instead of staying indoors and eating reheated noche buena (traditional Filipino Christmas eve dinner), why not eat out with your family or friends? Since Makati City houses some of the best dining spots in the Metro, we listed down seven restaurants in the area that will be open on Christmas Day. Read on and check where you can best hold your Yuletide celebration.
1. BLACKBIRD
Price range: PhP3,100 for two
Enjoy Blackbird’s The Blackbird Burger on Christmas Day. (Images: L, Blackbird’s Facebook Page; R, @urbanfoodstops) Located at the Nielson Tower in Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is an elegant spot where you and your loved ones can indulge in good food. The restaurant was actually an old airport which was transformed into a swanky and sophisticated dining spot while retaining the art deco style. Because of its history, owner Chef Collin Mackay decided to make traveling the inspiration for the dishes as well, so you’ll find yourself eating your way from Asia to Europe with Blackbird’s wide array of dishes. Some must-tries include the Prawn Scotch Egg (PhP280), The Blackbird Burger (PhP680), and Dry Rubbed Wagyu Hanger Steak (PhP980). How to get there: From MRT Ayala station, ride a jeepney with a “Makati Loop” sign and ask to be dropped off at Manila Peninsula. Then, walk towards Nielson Tower. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM Parking: The restaurant has its own parking space but it can only accommodate eight vehicles. If there’s no more space, you can also park your car at Gabriela Silang Carpark.
2. MENDOKORO RAMENBA
Price range: PhP1,000 for two
Heat up the holiday season with Mendokoro Ramenba’s select choice of ramen. (Images: L, Mendokoro Ramenba’s Facebook Page; R, Patricia Ngo) To warm up on Christmas Day, why not eat at Mendokoro Ramenba? It is a favorite place of ramen lovers because of its unique dining setup and menu. The restaurant only serves 21 diners at a time at its U-shaped ramen bar and offers only a choice of ramen and a couple of other items like gyoza (dumpling filled with minced stuffing) and tamago(Japanese omelette), and nothing more. It is recommended to visit early as lines tend to form. Choose among choices of Shio (PhP380), Shoyu (PhP410), Tantanmen (PhP440), or Miso (PhP460) ramen. Mendokoro Ramenba also offers soba (buckwheat noodles) and tsukumen (dipping ramen).
How to get there: From MRT Buendia station, walk towards McDonald’s and ride a jeepney with a “Washington – Bel-Air” sign. Get off at Makati Avenue at Petron gasoline station and walk towards Pacific Star Building. Walk straight ahead until you see Banco de Oro (BDO) along Dela Costa Street. From there, walk towards V. Corporate Building until you see Mendokoro Ramenba. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Parking: Mendokoro Ramenba has its own parking space in front. Read: Why Ramen Is Perfect for Your Soup-and-Noodle Cravings
3. CARUSO RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Price range: PhP2,500 for two
End your Italian experience at Caruso Ristorante Italiano with their signature pana cotta. (Images: Caruso Ristorante Italiano’s Facebook Page)
After feasting on Filipino food for noche buena, why not transport to Italy on Christmas Day? Caruso Ristorante Italiano in Makati is known as the home of authentic Italian cooking. How authentic? Well, just ask the two Italian owners, Emilio Mina and Dario Gardini, how authentic it is. To truly experience an Italian feast at Caruso, try the Bucatini Alla Amatriciana (PhP580) or the Lasagna All Emiliana (PhP680). Make sure to end your meal with Caruso’s signature Panna Cotta (PhP360). How to get there: From LRT Gil Puyat station, ride a jeepney going to Guadalupe. Get off at Mapua University, walk towards Reposo Street, and cross Jupiter Street. Walk until you reach Caruso Ristorante Italiano. If riding the MRT, drop off at Buendia Station, walk towards McDonald’s and ride a jeepney with a “Washington – Bel-Air” sign. Get off at Reposo Street and follow the same directions above until you reach Caruso. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 11:30 AM –2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM Parking: Caruso Ristorante Italiano has its own parking space in front.
4. TWG TEA SALON & BOUTIQUE
Price range: PhP1,600 for two
Pair your favorite tea at TWG with their sweet macarons or savory eggs Benedict. (Images: L, Mon Abrea; R, @lndzyp) Originally from Singapore, TWG Tea Salon and Boutique in Greenbelt is home to some of the finest choices of tea from all over the world. You can choose from hundreds of tea options and pair it with TWG’s macarons (PhP55 each). To make it easier, you can choose a country and the staff will make recommendations based on that. Aside from teas, they also have various food offerings. You can try their Eggs Benedict (PhP420) for a light meal to partner with your tea or their Wagyu Burger (PhP770) to fill your belly. How to get there: From MRT Ayala station, walk towards Greenbelt 5. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Parking: Parking spaces inside the mall are available.
5. RAMBLA
Price range: PhP1,800
Peek at the open kitchen and see Rambla’s chef prepare delicate dishes such as the Spherical Olive. (Images: Rambla’s Facebook Page) Craving for something Spanish? Rambla in Rockwell will take care of your hankering. Named after a street in Barcelona, Rambla serves a mix of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines that will please those who want to taste something different. One of the bestsellers is the Ricotta Gnudis (PhP325), rounded pasta filled with ricotta cheese sitting in a bed of mushroom sauce. The Spherical Olives (PhP45)—a ball of pureed olives served in a jar of extra virgin olive oil—is also a favorite appetizer due to its unique presentation. How to get there: From MRT Guadalupe Station, ride the jeepney going to L. Guinto and drop off at Rockwell Mall, where Rambla is located. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 11:30AM–3PM, 6PM–1AM Parking: Parking spaces inside the mall are available.
6. HOGS & CATTLE STEAKHOUSE
Price range: PhP2,000 for two
Steaks will keep on coming even if it isn’t Christmas at Hogs & Cattle Steakhouse. (Images: L, Hogs & Cattle Steakhouse’s Facebook Page; R, @eatsyouandme_) What else can match the excitement of Christmas Day other than the idea of unlimited wagyu steak? For PhP899, Hogs & Cattle Steakhouse will treat you to unlimited wagyu steak plus various kinds of sides according to your liking. But the best part is that their unlimited wagyu steak promo is available throughout the year, even when it’s not Christmas anymore. If you’re not into unlimited meats, the restaurant also has à la carte items on its menu. Veer away from beef and try the Country Chicken Quarter (PhP250) or Pan-seared Salmon (PhP399).
How to get there: From MRT Buendia station, walk towards McDonald’s and ride a jeep with a “Washington – Bel-Air” sign. Get off at Makati Avenue at the Petron gasoline station and walk towards A. Venue Hotel until you reach Century City Mall. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 11AM to 10PM Parking: Parking spaces inside the mall are available. Read: Newly Opened Buffet Restaurants in Metro Manila
7. CHATEAU 1771
Price range: PhP3,000 for two
Chateau 1771’s Vanilla Brick Spring Chicken makes for a great Christmas meal. (Images: The Chateau 1771’s Facebook Page)
An old favorite, Chateau 1771 is a popular destination for those who hunger for a taste of French cuisine. Its intimate setup makes for a comfortable place to reminisce and catch up with your family or friends. On Christmas, the place will not be open until 12 noon, thus giving you ample time to sleep in and afterwards enjoy afternoon tea or a late Christmas dinner. Chateau 1771 also offers a selection of good wine, perfect for those who want to indulge on the holidays. For the full experience, order Chateau’s bestsellers, Vanilla Brick Spring Chicken (PhP690) or Parmigiano Ravioli(starting at PhP400). How to get there: Follow the directions previously given for TWG Tea Salon & Boutique. Operating hours on Christmas Day: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM Parking: Parking areas inside the mall are available. Check out our list of restaurants in Makati or browse the Dining & Leisure category in the Shoppersguide Directory. This Christmas, spend more time with your family and friends and less time prepping food in the kitchen. So go on, explore these restaurants and make memories! Tell us on the comments below which of these restaurants you will be celebrating in. Click the restaurant names to view their exact location and contact details. Prices may change without notice.