Even the country’s most acclaimed chefs know that luxury doesn’t always have to come with a white tablecloth. Many of Manila’s fine-dining luminaries have expanded their culinary worlds to include more casual offshoots—places where the food is just as well-thought-out, but the atmosphere is looser, warmer, and more accessible. For diners, these spin-offs provide an approachable entry point to flavors and philosophies that otherwise belong to tasting menus and multi-course dinners. Here’s where to experience some of the Philippines’ best chefs in their more relaxed moods. Juniper by Josh Boutwood Best known for Helm, a fine-dining restaurant with a tightly-presented tasting menu, Josh Boutwood loosens his collar at Juniper. This restaurant highlights modern cooking in a casual setting, with an impressive gin-and-tonic program at its core. Expect dishes that echo the inventiveness of Helm but in a more shareable, laid-back format—think small plates with big flavors, perfect for pairing with..
