2025 is giving us fresh flavors and new dining adventures — from Basque asadors to global food halls, here are Manila’s newest must-visit food spots this year.
Manila’s food scene never sleeps, and 2025 is already shaping up to be one of its boldest years yet. If you’ve been craving something new — a café you haven’t been to, a restaurant that just opened, or a fusion concept you didn’t expect in your neighborhood — this year has plenty of surprises in store.
Here are some of the new food spots and restaurant openings in Metro Manila that caught my eye (and appetite) — with reasons why I’m excited, and what you should try when you go:
🔥 Celera (Comuna, Makati)
One of the buzzed-about new spots is Celera, from chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar. They’re bringing what they describe as “mixed marriage cuisine” — blending their varied influences and styles. Expect creative plates, rotating menus, and a dining experience curated carefully.
🍖 Modern Teppanyaki Bar in BGC
Also under the radar: a modern teppanyaki bar from the BBK Group is slated to open in BGC mid-2025. If you love interactive dining where your food is cooked in front of you (flames, flip, flair!), this one’s for you.
🍽 Restaurant Idalia (Salcedo Village)
From the private-dining world to full restaurant life — Restaurant Idalia by chef Kevin David is opening soon in Salcedo Village. Expect warm, industrial interiors and bold food choices like dry-aged meats, seafood, fermentation work, and fresh pasta.
🌍 World Kitchens (Gateway Mall 2, QC)
A food hall concept with global kitchens — World Kitchens opened in Gateway Mall early 2025. It houses 15 show kitchens serving international cuisines under one roof, complete with AI QR code ordering and private rooms. Perfect when your cravings can’t decide which “world” to choose.
🥘 Goxo, La Chinesca, Butcher Boy & More
Tatler’s dining radar for January 2025 highlighted these new gems:
- Goxo, Salcedo Village: Basque-inspired small venue with a curated prix fixe menu.
- La Chinesca (BGC): A sushi-kappo + taquería hybrid that gives off retro-diner meets Mexican vibes.
- Butcher Boy in Salcedo: Asian cantina offering baos, dumplings, and share plates — comfy, casual, but thoughtfully composed. Tatler
What I love most about these new spots is how they bring variety and experimentation to Manila. You see boldness: fusion cuisines, show kitchens, chef-driven concepts, experiential dining. And for us food-loving moms, these are perfect destinations for weekend brunches, date nights, or simply exploring with friends.
If you ask me which I’m already eyeing, it’s Celera for its promise of chef’s DNA, and World Kitchens because who doesn’t want 15 cuisines under one ceiling? I can’t wait to try them and bring you along (virtually, of course).
Wrapping It Up:
2025 is shaping up to be a rich year for Manila’s food lovers. Between new restaurant concepts, experiential dining, and globally-inspired food halls, there’s always something new to try. Let’s keep exploring plate by plate, street by street — and may your next food trip be a delicious surprise.
