Makati is a bustling city and at its heart is the country’s primary business center. The trouble is, being the hub of so much activity means that the city’s streets have become notorious for traffic congestion that lasts for hours. That said, passing the time somewhere comfortable while enjoying excellent food sounds infinitely better than stranding yourself in the middle of Carmageddon.
We’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Makati so you can order in, eat, drink, and chill out until rush hour simmers down:
101 Hawker Food House
101 Urban Avenue | Our rating: 4.6/5
Are you looking for hearty food enough to feed you and your teammates after a hard day’s work? 101 Hawker Food House offers generous servings of authentic Singaporean dishes to satisfy your cravings for P300 or less.
Their menu includes Mee Goreng (stir-fried noodles), Prawn Laksa, and their best seller—a massive serving of Nasi Goreng, which can feed two to three people.
101 Hawker Food House is also popular with their two sets of sampler plates: the Hainanese Combination (roasted + Hainanese chicken) and Platter Combination (pork belly + Asado + Lechon + soy chicken). Your mates will thank you later with their stomachs full—trust us!
Pastarrifico
Ayala North Exchange, Legaspi Village | Our rating: 4/5
Nothing beats a pasta treat while you wait for the roads to decongest. Pastarrifico has all the pasta you’ll need to pass the time in the comfort of your office pantry; even as bumper-to-bumper conditions outside crawl to a halt.
The menu includes traditional pasta dishes like Spaghetti Meatballs, Fettuccine Bolognese—and their best-seller—Tagliolini Sardines, that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Little Persia
3F Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza | Our rating: 4.3/5
Mediterranean cuisine has always been considered as go-to comfort food because of its flavorful aroma and appetizing looks. Lucky for you, Little Persia offers specialty Middle Eastern dishes to help you get through all the hustle and bustle of city life.
We’re talking about authentic Mediterranean dishes like savory Mutabal, charbroiled kebab, and mouth-watering shawarma to excite all your senses.
Señor Pollo
5767 Ebro Street, Poblacion | Our rating: 4.3/5
Now if it’s chicken you’re craving for, Señor Pollo is one of the best options available within the city. Whether roasted or fried, their chicken completely takes the spotlight with their signature marinade.
Their menu also includes the delectable Fried Chicken Burger and their Nachos Pequeno. Don’t forget to try their Hangover Fries (because traffic is not the only thing that should keep you off the road)—golden thick-cut fries, graciously drizzled with cheese, sprinkled with paprika, peppers and a generous amount of crispy chicken tenders. Need we say more?
There you have it! Our top picks should be enough to entice you to spend your time in the company of great food instead of braving horrendous traffic only to waste away on the road.
So next time you spy the bright red lights signaling the beginnings of a long and exhausting crawl on the highway (which, most likely will be later this afternoon), look back to this list and consider ordering in instead.
Featured image by Eldon Vince Isidro via Unsplash.
RUSSEL ALBA | Contributing Editor
Russel is a writer by profession and a foodie at heart. He’s also the father of two unbelievably adorable kids and the husband of a gorgeous, independent, and incredibly smart woman! When he’s not writing, he’s out there exploring the world for tasty food (mostly on his couch watching the Food Channel).