If there’s one dining destination in Metro Manila that we at KUBO often get asked about by balikbayans, it’s Bonifacio Global City or BGC in Taguig. That’s why after showcasing five trendy restaurants to try in BGC last week, we’re back with another five new restaurants to check out this week, all of which have just opened their doors within the past year. Enjoy!
1. Steak & Frice
Location: LG/F Central Square, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, BGC
Contact details: Online reservation
Price per head: Approximately PHP4,000 for their main steaks
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Steak & Frice came about as a love letter to the delicious steaks that owner Amado Fores, son of well-known and multi-awarded chef-restaurateur Margarita Fores, had tried from different restaurants around the world. While the restaurant has only been open for less than five months, it has already become popular—with international performer Ed Sheeran even dropping by for off-the-menu lechon and adobo.
While lechon and adobo aren’t regularly offered in the resto, Steak & Frice has options outside of steaks. They offer chicken dishes, such as their Chicken Confit. If you’re into really cheesy pasta, their Fusilli Mac & Cheese is a must-try.
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But if you’re visiting a place called Steak & Frice, then you might as well try their star dishes. Sure, the steak mains are not by any means cheap (what proper steak is, anyway?), but what we love about them is that you’re given a complimentary refill of the fries and rice that come with each slab of meat (thus the portmanteau “frice”). You can choose one from their selection of six sauces or opt for the sauce sampler, which is a good idea if it’s your first time in the resto. Don’t forget to end your meal with a nice and light Vanilla and Strawberry Millefeuille!
2. Kas & Poly
Location: W Global Center, 9th Avenue cor. 30th Street, BGC
Contact details: +63917-1405059 for reservations
Price per head: Approximately PHP1,500
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Kas & Poly is a new restaurant that pulled up their shutters this March. Inspired by Castor and Pollux of the Gemini constellation, the resto promises “stellar food” and “cosmic drinks” with their astronomy (or astrology?)-inspired menu. It’s a great place for a date if you plan to go on one while you’re visiting the Philippines.
You’ll want to try their Virgo Duck Confit, which is a blend of savory and sweet soft duck meat and its peach and apple coulis. When Pigs Can Fly is a medley of slow roasted pork with veggies and sultana fried rice, garnished with socarrat tuile.
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They also serve all-day breakfast and cocktails—they technically have something to offer you at any time of the day. As they are still on their soft opening (as of this writing), expect a few tweaks and updates, but now is a great time to reserve seats and watch a resto grow into its own.
3. Taupe
Location: The Meridien Tower 2, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City
Contact details: Taupe website, reserve at +63962-7189892
Price per head: Starts at PHP5,000
Taupe by Chef Francis Tolentino of Almacen fame is a fine dining restaurant that will greet you exactly with that—taupe, in varying shades and on different textures. This basic color, however, serves as the background for creative dishes that highlight local ingredients and innovate traditional techniques.
Taupe offers different tasting menu packages: An eight-course menu is at PHP5,000, while a 10-course menu is at PHP6,000. You can also get their optional cocktail pairing for an additional PHP1,900 per person.
Each plate is a well-thought-of interpretation of traditional Filipino dishes that highlight local, and sometimes rare, ingredients. One example is their Roxas tiger prawns in carabao’s milk ricotta, pickled katuray, and bisque, drizzled with Tibuok salt.
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Another is the kamias SRF kurobuta belly with batwan sauce, black garlic, and crispy kale, which will remind you of a deconstructed sinigang (sour soup with meat and vegetables).
You can check out their menu here and reserve at the following times:
• Wed/Thu/Sun – 7:30p.m. seating
• Fri/Sat – 6p.m. and 8:30p.m. seating
4. Mamou + Mamou MEATS
Location: UG5-UG6 One Uptown Residence, Bonifacio Global City
Contact details: +63917-5362668
Price per head: Upwards of PHP500
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Mamou is an old favorite with a new branch. Currently on their soft opening, Mamou + Mamou MEATS located in Uptown Residence is the latest home of this well-loved steak place that also serves fabulous seafood, pasta, and Filipino comfort food. They have a large menu that’s easy to get overwhelmed by, but of course, the first thing you should do is order their steak—that’s what they’re known for, after all.
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Dreaming of seafood? How about Maine lobster tails with your choice of Pia’s Garlic Noodles or Pia’s Shrimp Head Rice? You can also go all out by getting a platter of lobster or crab, but remember to call in your order 24 hours before your visit.
If it’s Filipino food that you want, tickle your taste buds with their duck adobo flakes paired with fluffy scrambled eggs.
Mamou + Mamou MEATS is open from 11a.m. to 10p.m.
5. Santouka Premier
Location: 2nd Floor, Mitsukoshi BGC, 8th Avenue cor. 36th Street, BGC
Contact details: +63916-6474306, Santouka.ph
Price per head: Approximately PHP500
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It’s always a good time for ramen, and the newest Santouka branch in upscale Japanese mall chain Mitsukoshi BGC can satisfy your cravings. Hailing from Hokkaido, Santouka is known for its flavorful soup that has become quite popular globally.
If this is your first time to visit, try their signature Shio ramen, which features a mild, creamy soup made of simple pork broth and salt. For a bit of a kick, go for their Spicy Miso ramen with ground pork and veggies.
Santouka has set meals as well, which will include a small serving of ramen, small bowl of rice, side dish, and a viand of meat, poultry, or seafood. They also have Japanese curry dishes and rice toppings. The best thing is they’ve got pretty good prices, and PHP500 can get you really stuffed.
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Watch this space for more BGC recos, including cafes, bars, and budget-friendly finds, coming soon to KUBO!
