At Toka Wine, Thoughtful Plates Are Paired With Bottles Worth Savoring
Tucked away along Katipunan Avenue is Toka Wine, a hidden gem of Quezon City’s drinking and dining scene. Equal parts wine bar and boutique shop, this intimate 28-seater hideaway offers a rarefied yet relaxed atmosphere for those looking to savor a glass and indulge in an exceptional wine-pairing menu.
Since its founding in 2022, Toka—a nod to the Filipino word ‘toka,’ meaning assignment or contribution, particularly for a potluck—has established itself as a destination for those looking to nurture a more refined appreciation for wine. The brainchild of wine connoisseur Butz Tenchavez, the bijou space combines the casual elegance of Europe’s neighborhood wine bars and the eclectic spirit of the Filipino metro. Featuring light-wash wood finishes, black-and-white geometric tiling, and cheeky contemporary art, the bar has an ambiance that feels effortlessly elegant without pretension.
Wines Worth the Pour
Central to Toka is its meticulous selection of wine. With a focus on small-batch wines produced from across Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, it caters to an impressive range of preferences — from reds, whites, skin-contacts, champagnes, to rosés — without compromising on quality. The shop’s selection notably champions classic, natural, and organic bottles which can be enjoyed in a chilled glass amid the bar’s quiet glow, or brought home to be savored later. For those looking for some guidance on their pour of choice, Toka’s staff is also ready to answer any questions guests may have.
Signature Sips and Small Plates
More than a wine shop, Toka also offers its guests a menu of wine-tailored small plates, with servers prepared to recommend the perfect glass. Highlights include the Devilled Egg with Crab Fat Crema, an indulgent take on a classic bistro du vin dish; Truffle Gnocchi, for those looking for a hearty yet luxurious complement to their whites, and the Pan-Roast Chicken with Local Mushrooms, Grapes, and Sherry Glaze. For dessert, consider the Roasted Milk Ice Cream with Coconut Jelly and Ube Chocolate for an adventurous yet refined endnote.
The bar also boasts a modest yet polished cocktail menu for those who are seeking the stirred and shaken. Guests can try their Mezcal Sour, with its complex blend of citrusy and earthy notes, or opt for the locally-inspired Katipunan Old Fashioned, which is a playful nod to the bar’s neighborhood roots.
Beyond The Vine
No two visits to Toka are ever the same, compelling even the most fickle diners to return. On weekends, Toka presents its ‘Brunchie’ Menu, available from 11 AM to 3 PM. Think of the usual brunch fare, but with a sophisticated twist: scrambled eggs, but with truffle, local mushrooms, and grana padano, or white beans with poached egg, bonito, and salsa verde.
The bar also hosts a revolving chef residency called “Will Host.” Spotlighting celebrated Filipino chefs — with past guests including Patrick Keith Curitana of Los Tacos MNL, Japanese-trained Chris Lansang, and most recently, Hong Kong-based Jeston Chua — the bar offers exclusive wine-pairing menus from the metro’s most exciting culinary talents.
The East’s Best-Kept Secret
Discover the full pleasures of wine at Toka, an intimate space where each bottle is paired with tempting plates and offered with genuine care.
Toka Wine is located at 141 Katipunan Ave., Saint Ignatius, Quezon City, and is open daily from 2 PM to 11 PM from Monday to Wednesday, 2 PM to 12 AM on Thursday and Friday, 11:30 AM to 12 AM on Saturday, and 11:30 AM to 9 PM on Sunday. For reservations and more information, visit their website or official Facebook and Instagram pages. They may also be contacted via phone at 0927 065 7079 and email at [email protected].