Food Trip: 5 Must-Try Restaurants In and Around Makati and Kalayaan Avenues

If you're booked at a hotel in Makati, Philippines you shouldn't miss out on the many culinary treats this city has to offer. Especially if you're staying at an accommodation in Makati or Kalayaan Avenue, home to some of the area's best dining establishments, including these 5 restaurants:

1. Ziggurat

Winner of the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant honors in the 2010 Manila's Best Kept Restaurant Secrets awards, this restaurant is truly not to be missed. With its extensive menu that spans India, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Ziggurat is truly a temple to good food along Makati Avenue.

2. Hossein's Persian Kabab

Another award-winning Middle Eastern restaurant is in this area, as well. Hossein's Persian Kabab, which is located on Makati Avenue, won the Best Specialty Restaurant plum in the 2008 Manila's Best Kept Restaurant Secrets awards. And once you've tasted its specialties, such as Kebab Kubideh and Chelou Shish Kebab, you'll surely agree.

3. The Woodman's Head

It may not be exactly a restaurant, but The Woodman's Head along P. Burgos Street is one of the most authentic English pubs in the city. And one of the testaments to its authenticity is the number of expats who go here for a taste of home. So, if you're looking for fine ales, good grub, and footy on the telly, skip the overpriced bar at your hotel in Makati and head here.

4. North Park

Located near the intersection of Makati and Kalayaan Avenue, only a few meters away from City Garden Hotel Makati, is a branch of this popular restaurant chain known for Filipino-Chinese cuisine. Their specialties include the deep-fried China Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and Boneless Honey Lemon Chicken. And if this branch is full, head to its sister restaurant—the appropriately-named Next Door—located at the corner of Makati Avenue and Dapo Street.

5. Alba

The main branch of one of the best Spanish restaurants in the entire metropolis is found on Polaris Street, a few blocks away from Makati Avenue. Famous for its Cochinillo Asado, a wide selection of paellas, and the most tender callos, it's no wonder why Alba has been in operation for 6 decades and counting.

These are just 5 of the best restaurants in the area, which is is also home to many other establishments featuring cuisines such as Korean and Japanese. With all these choices, the beginnings of a culinary adventure are just right outside your hotel in Makati, Philippines.