When we think of Makati, we often think of bustling work opportunities, corporate offices, and a concrete jungle where dreams are made. But in a more laid-back corner of Makati, Legazpi Village is a place where you can let time slow down over a cup of coffee, a plate filled with delicious food, or simply find a space to unwind before heading back to the office, or de-stress with friends after a long and hectic day.
Photo: Chang Thai, Mom & Tina’s Bakery Cafe/Instagram
Indeed, there’s so much more to discover (and give well-deserved applause to) within Makati’s Legazpi Village. While there are plenty of established names that are already worth checking out, these underrated destinations deserve a spot on your list if you’re in need of an hour (or two) for yourself or looking to enjoy a conversation with a friend or loved one.
If you’re growing tired of the same old cafés and restaurants, this is the only guide you’ll need to find the next underrated dining gems in Legazpi Village, spanning different cuisines that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Chang Thai
You don’t need to book that trip to Thailand whenever you’re craving authentic and premium-quality Thai dishes; you can just head straight to Chang Thai in Legazpi Village. Serving Thai classics like Chef Aof’s Signature Crispy Catfish with Green Mango Salad (yum pla duk foo), Stir Fried Ground Pork with Hot Basil (pad kaprao moo sab), and Coconut Curry Noodle Soup (khao soi), their dishes bring out that harmonious balance of sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and umami flavors that you’ll love. End that satisfying meal with their beloved mango sticky rice, and you’ll find yourself daydreaming about it the next day.
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Chang Thai is located at 108 Benavidez Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Green Bar
Let’s face it: our meals get repetitive whenever we get slammed with life’s responsibilities. If you’re around Legazpi Village and you’re looking for a healthy bite, Green Bar is the way to go! Their Quinoa Bowl, Falafel Tabbouleh, or Breakfast Burrito are filling and satisfying dishes that will let you power through busy days.
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Green Bar is located at 106 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Fu Yuan
For those in the mood for authentic Sichuan flavors, Fu Yuan is right up your alley. Its rich and aromatic dishes deliver that signature spicy and numbing sensation from the mala, making every bite an adventure for your taste buds.
Fu Yuan is located at 104 Gamboa, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
HIRO
If Japanese cuisine speaks to you, Hiro is the food destination where you can bring your family, friends, and loved ones! Their Special Moriawase is a premium and curated meat platter that will let you enjoy a variety of textures, marbling, and flavors. It is sure to make your mouth water while you enjoy other comforting Japanese dishes that they serve.
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HIRO is located inside the OPL Building. 1D Palanca St, cor Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Mom & Tina’s Bakery Cafe
Whether you’re in the mood for brunch with mom or a cutesy hangout with a friend over coffee, Mom & Tina’s Bakery Cafe along Perea is the place to be! After walking around sprawling buildings and boutiques in the area, you can enjoy their extensive menu that ranges from comfort meals, pastries, breads, and drinks.
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Mom & Tina’s is located at 14, Tropical Palms Condominium, Perea, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Nakaji
If you want to explore more Japanese flavors, Nakaji is a lowkey spot that will definitely get your money’s worth, thanks to their dishes like the Niku-Niku Udon, Sweet Shrimp Zanmai, and Anago Don, among others.
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Nakaji is located on the ground floor of Gervasia Hotel at 152 Adelantado Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Oden House
Another Japanese recommendation in Legazpi Village because we just can’t get enough of it! Located at Dela Rosa Carpark 1, Oden House offers simple and heartwarming Japanese flavors with generous servings that are best shared with family and friends.
Oden House is located at Dela Rosa Car Park, 1 Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Po and Pilar
Nothing beats the nostalgic and heartwarming dishes that our grandmothers cook for us when we’re kids. However, if you find yourself craving those familiar flavor notes, you can enjoy your stay at Po and Pilar! They reimagine classic comfort meals into more elevated dishes that will still remind us of home with every bite.
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Po and Pilar is located at 227 Salcedo, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Sourdough Cafe
If you’re looking for a premium cafe experience along Legazpi Village, Sourdough Cafe specializes in things that are not just coffee and usual cafe bites. From their name itself, they make handcrafted sourdough that has a crisp exterior with a soft and light interior that goes well with cheese, dips, or spreads. Moreover, they also have unlimited wine and sangria, ideal for chill nights with friends or intimate celebrations with loved ones.
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Sourdough Cafe is located on the ground floor of Mayfair Mansion at 116 Perea Street, Makati City.
Spotted Pig
Originally a Siargao favorite, Spotted Pig has now captivated the hearts of locals in the Metro! Serving specialty coffee, all-day brunch and bowls, and homemade goods, this restaurant continues to retain its laid-back and exceptional island charm in the city. If you have extra hours in the morning before heading to the office or you just want to spend the morning entirely to yourself, their fresh and handcrafted pastries will immediately make your day.
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Spotted Pig is located at 109 Esteban, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Tasty Panda
Sometimes, all we need is good fried rice! Thankfully, Tasty Panda delivers that smoky, stir-fried, wok flavor that brings out the aromatic flavor of the rice and other ingredients. Their Egg Fried Rice with Sweet Chili Chicken is simple and straightforward, yet it’s everything you’d ask for if you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal in the city. They also accept bulk orders, which makes it even better for work events or special celebrations.
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Tasty Panda is located at Unit 8, Ground Floor, Dela Rosa Carpark 1, Dela Rosa Access Road 1, Makati City.
Tatatito
Finally, we’re ending this Legazpi Village food guide with the hearty and familiar flavors of Filipino cuisine! Whether you want something filling or something that will remind you of home, their meals bring comfort to the table! As we anticipate more rainy days, their Sinigang na Salmon, Breakfast Lomi, or Champorado will not only fill your stomach but make your heart bloom with warmth!
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Tatatito is located on the ground floor of OPL Building, 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
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