The Ultimate Poblacion (Makati City) Food Guide: Restaurants, Eateries, and Cafes You Should Visit in Makati City’s Nightlife District

I’ve been living in Poblacion (Makati City) for nearly a decade, but I haven’t written a food guide about it. Truth be told, I’m still exploring my neighborhood.

To the uninitiated, Poblacion is oldest barangay (the smallest government unit in the Philippines) in Makati. As its name suggests, it has been the administrative center of the city (the Makati City Hall is located in the barangay). Today, it is one of the premier nightlife districts in Metro Manila.

Poblacion isn’t just home to bars but also to amazing food spots. In fact, I consider it as the “testing ground” of many successful food concepts. Some examples are Crosta Pizza, the #1 pizzeria in the Philippines and #2 in the world according to the 50 Top Pizza in 2024, and Krapow, my favorite Thai restaurant that specializes in pad krapow or holy basil stir-fry.

So now, I decided to finally write The Ultimate Poblacion Food Guide. Because the food scene in Poblacion is always evolving, I will continually update this guide from time to time.

Take note that I will not include chains in the list, unless it originated in Poblacion or is really worth mentioning. Also, I will not include food spots located in Rockwell; the high-end district deserves another article or food guide. Finally, there will be some spots that are technically in Bel-Air, which is a village/barangay beside Poblacion.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINES

Alba Restaurante Español (Spanish Food)

Alba Restaurante Español is one of the household names when it comes to Spanish food. Founded by Señor Anastacio de Alba who is from Avila, Spain, Alba is now a chain of Spanish restaurants, offering traditional Castilian cuisine.

While Alba didn’t originate in Poblacion, its branch in the barangay is part of the its rich history. The Poblacion branch used to be called Casa Colas, and it’s been in the there since the late 70s.

Dirty Hands (Chicken Shawarma and Mediterranean Food)

Dirty Hands is a Mediterranean restaurant that specializes in customizable Chicken Shawarma. It is the brainchild of Chef Hüseyin Turan, a MICHELIN-trained German-Turkish chef.

Dirty Hands doesn’t try to be authentic. Rather, they have a creative and modern approach to Mediterranean food.

Left: Chicken Shawarma in Tombik; Upper Right: Mezze Platter; Lower Right: *Flammkuchen* (Flatbread)

Address: 4558 Quintos St., Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5PM-12AM | Contact No.: 0939-9347891 | Facebook | Instagram

Filling Station Bar Restaurant (American 50s Diner)

Filling Station is a 50s diner that was started by a former Navy chef back 1989. His dream was to bring traditional and home-cooked meals to Filipinos and tourists in the heart of Makati.

What Filling Station is known and has gone viral for is their retro memorabilia. It’s truly a feast for the eyes and perfect for your Instagram fix.

But is Filling Station another trendy spot with mediocre food? Far from it! They have good food that even my American friend approves. Check out our experience by clicking the link below.

Address: 5012 P. Burgos St., Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 24 Hours | Contact No.: 0917-8337837 | Facebook | Instagram

Krapow (Thai Food)

Krapow is my favorite Thai restaurant in the entire Philippines. It originated in Poblacion and now has branches in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and in SM Mall of Asia (MOA).

While Krapow specializes on their namesake dish, Pad Krapow (holy basil stir-fry), they also offer other Thai dishes, which are delicious!

*Pad Krapow Moo Sub* (Spicy Holy Basil Stir-Fry with Minced Pork)

Address: 5648 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-10:30PM | Contact No: 0956-2517150 | Facebook | Instagram

Onlypans Taqueria (Tacos)

Opened since April 2022, Onlypans Taqueria are one of the few establishments that make Birria Tacos. It started in Poblacion and has branched out to Alabang and La Union.

The taqueria was once controversial when some customers criticized them for setting their prices too high, and they responded with this post.

But is it really overpriced? Check what I found out by reading my review (click the link below)!

Address: 5663 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM-2AM; Friday-Sunday, 11AM-3AM | Contact No.: 0995-2174326 | Facebook | Instagram

Puyo Puyo Japanese Snack Corner

A fairly new player in the Poblacion scene, Puyo Puyo Japanese Snack Corner specializes on Japanese crepes, tonkatsu (pork cutlet) sandwiches, and dorayaki (Japanese pancake with filling).

So far, my favorites here are the Nutella Banana Special crepe and the Giant Tonkatsu Sandwich.

Left: Nutella Banana Special; Right: Giant *Tonkatsu* Sandwich

Address: 5673 Dona Carmen St., Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 4:30PM-12AM; Friday & Saturday, 4:30PM-1AM | Facebook | Instagram

Scratch (Smash Burgers and Sandwiches)

Scratch specializes in burgers and sandwiches. As its name suggests, they make their burgers from scratch, even their potato buns. It’s my favorite spot for smash burgers!

So why do I love their smash burgers? First, its patties are beefy and super juicy. Since it’s smashed, it also has crisp edges.

Also, its buns are pillowy and buttery, the cheese is mild, its bacon is crisp, and its dressing is creamy and tangy. I think it’s the perfect burger for me!

Address: Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-2AM; Friday & Saturday, 11AM-3AM | Instagram

Wantusawa Oyster Bar

Wantusawa has oysters flown all the way from Panay, an island in the Western Visayas region where the provinces of Aklan (where Boracay is) and Iloilo are located. They serve live oysters in four ways: Baked, Grilled, Fresh, and Fried.

Related Article: Wantusawa Oyster Bar: Serving Farm-to-Table Oysters

Address: 5811 Jacobo St., Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 3PM-12AM | Contact No.: 0977-8138989 | Facebook | Instagram

FILIPINO EATERIES

Friends and Neighbors Restaurant

Friends and Neighbors Restaurant is a carinderia (eatery) that was founded in the 70s (so this is the oldest restaurant in the list).

Since it began, it has always maintained a reputation for serving home-cooked food at reasonable prices. Even as of this time of writing and considering inflation, their prices are still affordable and reasonable.

Filipino Food at Friends and Neighbors Restaurant

As I’ve mentioned, I will continually update this food guide. So stay tuned for other spots to be listed.

What Poblacion spot should I try next? Comment below!