Makanai

Makanai is chef Jorge Mendez's Japanese room on the ground floor of West Gallery Place, opened in September 2025 with the Cibo Group, led by Amado and Mercedes Forés. He planned it with his late mentor Margarita Forés, and the name means the staff meal a kitchen cooks for itself. Tatler gave it a Best 2026 spotlight. The menu is shared plates and donabe rice pots: the wagyu short rib truffle chahan, the unagi fish and chips (₱1,250 small, ₱1,850 medium) and a crab aglio olio. The sommelier Ian Santos designed the drinks. Studio Ong's room is cream and quiet, with folded fabric overhead and a deep green bar. Walk-ins are welcome, dinner tables go by WhatsApp.