Toyo Eatery

Manila

The Best Restaurant in Philippines 2024

The Filipino restaurant that puts people and the planet first

On the Pass

Jordy Navarra and Patch Marce

Pastry Chef

Bettina Tañedo

What’s the hype? Having attracted attention as the One To Watch in 2018, Toyo Eatery has continued its rise, joining the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking itself in 2019. Run by husband-and-wife team Jordy and May Navarra, the restaurant prioritises Filipino produce and people, fostering long-term relationships with local farmers and artisans. In 2024 the eatery is named The Best Restaurant in Philippines for a fifth time.

Getting hands dirty: Toyo, the Filipino word for soy sauce, presents local ingredients in modern ways, playing with fermentation and preservation techniques to create a bold palate of flavours. The restaurant serves both a Kamayan and tasting menu. With the unique Kamayan menu, guests are encouraged to ditch the cutlery and use their hands to enjoy a feast set out on banana leaves.

Who’s the chef? Jordy Navarra worked at the former World’s Best Restaurant, The Fat Duck in Bray, UK, as well as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants regular Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, before opening Toyo Eatery in 2016 with his partner. He developed the concept and menu around his own memories and heritage, as well as that of the Filipino people.

Planet-first approach: Toyo Eatery was named winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023 for its combination of commitments to the environment and to the cultural heritage of the Philippines, which it helps to preserve through fostering relationships with local farmers and artisans. The restaurant removed beef from its menus in 2022, and half of its dishes are now vegetarian or vegan.