Makati is one of the busiest business districts in the metro. Restaurants can easily be crammed with famished people, particularly during special occasions. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you should have already booked a table by now if you are looking to dine in the country’s financial hub.

Aside from getting reservations, probably one of the hardest decisions to make and what you should consider a top priority is the restaurant in which you want to celebrate with your significant other. Since Makati is home to multinational corporations and small- to medium-sized businesses, it also provides an eclectic mix of restaurants that offer a wide array of cuisines. These can either be found in upscale shopping malls or the neighborhoods of Legazpi and Salcedo Village. Some may be a bit pricey, but you need not break the bank to pull off the most romantic date. Nevertheless, we have narrowed down the best ones to save you the trouble.

Blackbird

Located in the heart of Makati, Blackbird prides itself as a restaurant of simplicity and sophistication. Its high-end interiors, exceptional service, and East-meets-West dishes are what make it a perfect choice. Headed by Chef Colin Mackay of Sala Bistro and People’s Palace, Blackbird stands on the previous location of the Manila International Air Terminal that was built in 1937, thus the original structure becoming an inspiration behind the restaurant’s aviation-themed design. If it is possible, request for an al fresco table and dine amidst the greenery of the Ayala Triangle.

What hit the spot: The Blackbird Burger, Twice Cooked Beef Short Rib, Blackbird Fish Pie Salmon

Location: The Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati

© CNN Philippines

Romulo Café

If you and your partner are fascinated by historic memorabilia, old photos, and artifacts from the most iconic and influential Filipino families, then you should not miss this restaurant. Romulo Café got its name from the family patriarch, Carlos P. Romulo, who is seen as one of the most important figures in international relations for the country. Not only is it famous for its elegant interiors and delicious home-cooked dishes, its mini-museum also complements your Filipino dining experience, taking you to a trip down memory lane with the nostalgia it brings.

What hit the spot: Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan

Location: 148 Jupiter St. cor. Comet St., Bel-Air, Makati

© Romulo Café

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Craving delicious Japanese dishes and Instagrammable food presentations? If so, this izakaya-inspired restaurant can satisfy your palate and eyes at once. This drinking joint by Thea de Rivera and Gab Bustos features a customize-your-own degustation in which there is a multi-course meal served in small meticulously prepared portions for a richer dining experience.

What hit the spot: Tori Onigiri, Chicken Wing Karaage, Salmon Kushiyaki

Location: 7635 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati

© Booky

Restoran Garuda

It all started with their love for food and the desire to bring authentic Indonesian cuisine to the Philippines. Brothers Ashwin and Kamlesh Budhrani realized the opportunity of spreading Indonesia’s flavors and spices to locals right when other Asian restaurants sprung to life in one of the busiest districts in the metro. Restoran Garuda has a laid back, modern vibe, with colorful murals painted on the walls that make up for an awesome selfie spot. Indonesian cuisine is best known for its mix of heat and spices that are found in every bite, thus making it a very interesting choice if you want to expand your palate.

What hit the spot: Beef Rendang, Chicken Satey Ayem, Pandan Cake

Location: G/F Beneficial Life Bldg., 166 Salcedo St., Legazpi Village, Makati

© Spot.ph

Metronome

Considered by many as the best French restaurant in the country, Metronome was inspired by the guiding instrument used by a musician to practice with a pre-determined beat/minute. To cook the food with precision and tastiness, Chef Miko Calo uses French cooking techniques like her own version of a metronome. The interiors are a mix of Filipino wood and French colors, which kind of emit a warm, cozy ambiance. Metronome offers dishes with flavors that can overwhelm you with simplicity, and the way they present their food is very stylish, giving you the urge to not really munch on it.

What hit the spot: Foie Gras Tart, Spaghettini, Seared Duck Magret

Location: G/F The Grand Midori Makati, Bolanos St., Legazpi Village, Makati

© Esquire Philippines

Top of the Citi by Chef Jessie

There is nothing more romantic than dining with your partner atop a towering structure with panoramic views of the Makati skyline. With its gastronomic delights and classic pastries, this rooftop restaurant offers quality dishes that will surely leave you wanting more. Whether you choose to eat al fresco or at the main dining area, you will be served only the best dishes that range from traditional European all the way to classic Filipino cuisine, all of which prepared over the watchful eye of the award-winning and the first Filipina pastry chef, Jessie Sincioco. Basking in the glows of the evening sunset while sharing a sumptuous meal with your other half complements the perfect ambiance of the restaurant. You can even cap off that romantic date with a glass of wine.

What hit the spot: Angus Beef Tenderloin, Lamb Chop with Adobo Sauce, Seabass with Goose Liver

Location: 34/F Citibank Tower, Paseo De Roxas, Salcedo Village, Makati

© Coconuts.co

When it comes to date nights, picking out the best restaurant puts you in a tough spot. There are places that offer different kinds of cuisines that cater to unique palates. Once you do, making a reservation is not even guaranteed. There is an overwhelming number of amazing dining spots in Makati alone, which makes it difficult for couples to select one where they can spend Valentine’s Day in. In the end, what really matters is knowing that you will have someone to celebrate this lovely occasion with. Spending quality time with your loved ones is the most important thing and you should cherish every moment together.