Makati is often painted as a city of rooftop bars, fine dining spots, and chain restaurants inside malls. While that’s true, the real fun begins when you venture beyond the usual and stumble upon those hidden gem restaurants in Makati that don’t always make it to the headlines. These underrated eats often surprise you with authentic flavors, cozy atmospheres, and price points that won’t break the bank.
Related: Discover 6 Rooftop Bars in Makati City
If you’re looking for underrated restaurants in Makati that deserve a spot on your foodie checklist, we’ve rounded up some places you’ll wish you discovered sooner.
What’s Inside
- Good Problem
- Wagyu Ren
- Khiang
- Catalogue Manila
- Old Saigon
- Tips for Discovering Hidden Restaurants in Makati
- Final Thoughts: Discovering Underrated Restaurants in Makati
1. Good Problem
@michencar Just found this underrated gem in Makati — @Good Problem – Poblacion 🍣 no joke, it’s now one of my faves! Their tuna and seafood are freshly sourced from General Santos City, so you know you’re getting top-tier quality! 🤌 Here’s what we had: • Tuna Tostadas + Signature Sauce • Tuna Poke Bowl (my faveee!! highly reco) • Tuna Kare-Kare • Chili Garlic Tuna Pasta 📍 4554 Quintos St., Poblacion, Makati 🕰️ Tue-Sun | 4pm-12mn 🚗 Street Parking #goodproblem #makatifoodies #makatieats #seafoodlover #seafoodrestaurant #fyp #foryoupage #food #foodie #foodtiktok #poblacionmakati #makatifinds #dateideas #datenight #wheretoeatph ♬ original sound – Hidden R&B
Video Source: @michencar on TikTok
Good Problem is one of Makati’s underrated gems, serving up fresh tuna dishes like Grilled Tuna, Sashimi, and Garlic Tuna Pasta. But it’s not just for seafood lovers—they also offer Filipino favorites like Pork BBQ, Chicken Inasal, and Pork Belly. Cozy, laid-back, and still flying under the radar, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to keep to yourself.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Fresh, flavorful tuna dishes.
- Underrated vibe with no-fuss comfort.
Location: 4554 Quintos, Poblacion, Makati
2. Wagyu Ren
One of the must-try underrated restaurants in Metro Manila, Wagyu Ren is a hidden gem for Japanese yakiniku in Makati. Their specialty is A5 Kagoshima Wagyu, prized for its beautiful marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Aside from their popular yakiniku sets, Wagyu Ren also offers the Yaki Suki × Yaki Shabu Set — a premium combo featuring A5 Kagoshima Wagyu complete with classic Japanese sides.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Authentic Japanese yakiniku experience in the heart of Makati.
- Try high-grade Kagoshima Wagyu without leaving the metro.
Location: G/F Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez St., Poblacion, Makati City
3. Khiang
@foodtripnikuyaa THAI mo na ‘to! 🇹🇭 KHIANG is bringing the best Thai street food experience at SM Fairview! Grand Opening, kita-kits! #EverydayThaiFood #KhiangPhilippines ♬ original sound – KuyaA
Video Source: @foodtripnikuyaa on TikTok
Khiang brings the bold flavors of Thai street food right to Poblacion, Makati. Their menu has all the classics you’d expect — Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Rice Topped with Stir-Fried Squid and Thai Holy Basil, and more! Plus sweet endings like Mango Sticky Rice that hit the spot. It’s casual, flavorful, and still one of those spots not everyone knows about, making it a true underrated gem for foodies craving authentic street-style eats without leaving the city.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Street food favorites with authentic Thai flavors.
- Affordable, no-frills dining with big portions.
Location: 8300 Anza St, Makati Ave, Makati City
4. Catalogue Manila
Catalogue Manila in Legazpi Village is a versatile all-day café & bar that mixes comfort food, good coffee, and evening drinks in one cozy space. If you’re after somewhere that works whether you need a hearty lunch, casual dinner, or chill hangout, this is it. Their menu shines with standout items like Salted Vinegar Chicken Skin, Pappardelle Pork Ragu, Menchi Katsu Curry, Grilled Frenched Pork Chop, and dessert/treats like Citron Tart and Banana Koko Con Yelo.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Diverse menu that transitions well from breakfast through dinner, plus drinks.
- A nicer setting with modern décor and both indoor & outdoor seating — good for catching up, working, or just winding down.
- Affordably priced given the quality and variety; more people should know about this kind of all-rounder spot.
Location: 110 Benavidez Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
5. Old Saigon
For authentic Vietnamese flavors in Makati, Old Saigon is a hidden gem that’s easy to love. Their menu highlights hearty comfort food, from Vietnamese Broken Rice and Special Beef Noodle Soup to flavorful Banh Mi and fresh or fried spring rolls. Drinks like peach orange tea or black tea with jelly pearl make a refreshing match, while the crispy Vietnamese pancake is a must-try finish.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Authentic flavors that stay true to Vietnamese cuisine.
- Cozy, rustic space with a laid-back vibe.
- Great value for generous portions.
Tips for Discovering Hidden Restaurants in Makati
If you want to uncover more underrated restaurants in Makati, here are some tips:
- Walk around Poblacion or Salcedo Village: Some of the best hidden gems don’t even show up on Google Maps until you pass by.
- Follow local foodie groups: Facebook communities and food bloggers often post about underrated eats.
- Try weekday visits: Many underrated spots are packed on weekends but chill during weekdays.
Final Thoughts: Discovering Underrated Restaurants in Makati
Makati isn’t just about fancy rooftop bars or pricey fine dining. The real gems are often tucked in side streets, small corners, or neighborhood spots that most people overlook. These underrated restaurants in Makati may not always trend online, but they offer flavors, comfort, and experiences you’ll want to revisit.
