MAKATI CITY — Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Legazpi Village, Po & Pilar has emerged as one of Makati's most compelling dining destinations. Since its soft opening in late 2024, this semi-hidden restaurant at 227 Salcedo Street has steadily built a more established presence in the city's vibrant dining scene. From the team behind the internationally acclaimed The Curator Coffee & Cocktails, it offers an intimate dining experience that feels like stepping into a cherished family home. The name itself is a tribute to chef-owner Jericson Co's grandmothers, Li Po Ty Co and Pilar Ng Fung, whose memories and recipes serve as the foundation for every dish served. Guiding the kitchen with technical precision is Executive Chef Louis Gesite, who brings the menu's ambitious vision to life.
A Menu Rooted in Memory and Technique
Po & Pilar's guiding philosophy is both heartfelt and ambitious: "Fun grandmother cooking!" imagining what grandmothers would create if they had boundless energy and could compete with Michelin chefs. The menu applies French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and broader Asian techniques to heirloom flavors that remain recognizably rooted in home cooking. Standout dishes include the Kilaw and Sisig (PHP870), a kilaw-style tuna that replaces traditional vinegar with pureed green mango, finished with crisp pork for textural contrast. The Stir Fry Steak Au Poivre (PHP1,600) recalls Chef Co's grandmother's visits to a now-closed Vancouver restaurant. This inventive dish creatively pairs the French au poivre (pepper-crusted) technique with a Vietnamese luc lac (shaking beef) style stir-fry, featuring Picanha stir-fried with youtiao (Chinese fried dough stick), peppers, and a Luc lac sauce. The Smoked Fish Caramel Donabe (PHP1,300), inspired by the Stone Soup folktale and Vietnamese fish-sauce caramel, brings together smoked fish, ginger, and cilantro in a comforting clay-pot presentation. (Prices are subject to change without prior notice.)
An Atmosphere of Warmth and Nostalgia
The restaurant's interior evokes the warmth of a Filipino family home, with its preserved Machuca-esque tiles, heavy use of wood, and balanced lighting. Photos of the grandparents who inspired the dishes line the walls, reinforcing the sense that you're dining in someone's cherished abode. The bar program, helmed by the Curator team, offers an excellent selection of creative cocktails and wine. Open Tuesday to Friday from 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM, Saturday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM, the restaurant provides a relaxed yet stylish setting for date nights or casual dinners with friends. For reservations, guests may call or message +63 962 909 1749.
