Blackbird Makati — Restaurant in Makati

Place: 5/5 Staff: 5/5 Accessibility: 5/5 Price for food: 5/5 Overall: 5/5

The restaurant is situated in the former Nielson Tower, a historic landmark in the city, and offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and a stunning ambiance.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted with a sense of sophistication and elegance. The interiors are decorated with tasteful furnishings, including plush leather chairs, polished wooden floors, and high ceilings adorned with chandeliers. The atmosphere is both refined and cozy, providing the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or a business meeting.

The restaurant's menu is inspired by French cuisine, with a modern twist. Each dish is carefully crafted using only the freshest and finest ingredients, sourced from local farmers and suppliers. The menu features a variety of dishes, from appetizers to entrees, as well as an extensive wine list that complements the flavors of the food.

One of the signature dishes at BlackBird is the Foie Gras Torchon, a delicacy made from duck liver that is poached and then rolled in a cloth before being chilled. It's served with brioche, fig jam, and port wine reduction, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Another must-try dish is the Wagyu Beef Cheeks, which are braised for hours until they become tender and succulent. They're served with root vegetables and mashed potatoes, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.

The service at BlackBird is exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to assist and provide recommendations. The sommelier is particularly adept at suggesting wine pairings that complement the flavors of each dish.

The restaurant also features a bar area, where guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails and other beverages. The bar has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with comfortable seating and a selection of bar bites that are perfect for sharing.

While the prices at BlackBird are on the higher end, the quality of the food, the service, and the ambiance justify the cost. It's an ideal restaurant for special occasions or for anyone looking for an extraordinary dining experience in Makati City.

Overall, BlackBird is a gem in the city's culinary scene, offering an unforgettable dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and a stunning ambiance. It's definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to indulge in a fine dining experience in the...

🥇 Ambience & Setting: 9/10

Housed in the historic Nielson Tower, the setting immediately impresses. The restored Art Deco interiors, crisp white table linens, and subtle aviation touches give off a refined but not stuffy atmosphere. It's bright during the day and elegant by night—perfect for both romantic dates and elevated lunches.

🍽️ Food & Flavour: 8.5/10

🥚 Prawn Scotch Eggs on Betel Leaves

An absolute standout. Visually stunning and texturally dynamic, this dish balanced crispy coating, soft yolk, prawn mince, and earthy betel leaf surprisingly well. The added herbs and shaved shallots gave it both crunch and freshness. A creative twist on a British classic with Southeast Asian flair—playful yet refined. ⭐ Must-Try Appetizer.

🍳 Thai-Style Omelet with Rendang

A comforting main. The omelet was golden, fluffy, and nicely seasoned, served over jasmine rice on a banana leaf, which added a rustic charm. The rendang beef in the bowl was rich and tender, packing that signature sweet-spicy intensity. The sriracha-like sauce gave an optional hit of heat, allowing diners to modulate flavor. ✔ Great for a hearty lunch or local fusion cravings.

🐙 Salt & Pepper Calamari

This felt like a lighter, almost street-food-style contrast. The batter was thin and crisp, not greasy, allowing the squid to shine. The dipping sauce (with spring onion and soy-chili base) offered umami depth. It's not the most complex dish, but it’s well-executed and shareable. 👌 Crowd-pleaser for casual snacking or starters.

👥 Service: 9/10

Consistent with Blackbird’s reputation, service is expected to be warm yet professional. Dishes arrive plated like art, and the staff are usually attentive without hovering. Your table setup and presentation suggest a well-paced, considered experience.

💰 Value for Money: 7.5/10

Blackbird isn’t inexpensive but it’s not trying to be. You’re paying for an experience of culinary innovation in a historically rich setting. While some may feel portions lean modest, the quality of ingredients and presentation justify the price for a special occasion or elevated meal.

Blackbird Makati manages to offer more than just a meal—it delivers a narrative of heritage, style, and fusion cuisine.

✅ Highly recommended for those looking for a sophisticated but unpretentious dining experience in the...

I visited this restaurant recently and had quite a mixed experience.

To start with the positive: the welcome was genuinely nice – the hostess kindly arranged an outdoor table for me even though I didn’t have a reservation. That kind of accommodation is always appreciated. Service throughout the meal was okay, nothing exceptional, but polite and efficient.

I ordered the mushroom soup to begin, and while it wasn’t outstanding, it was a decent starter.

The main course was the Wagyu short ribs – the most expensive item on the menu at ₱2,800. The flavor was excellent, which I mostly attribute to the high quality of the meat itself. However, the portion was quite small for the price, and the presentation was disappointing. They served the accompaniments in small cups and containers placed directly on the plate – a presentation style you’d expect at a basic café, not at a restaurant positioning itself at this level. In the culinary world, plating is just as important as flavor, and this choice made the dish feel cheap and uninspired.

Then came the real disappointment – the panna cotta. I took just one spoonful and couldn’t go any further. The flavor was dominated by a strong milk taste, with no noticeable creaminess or delicate vanilla notes. It honestly tasted like warm milk set with gelatin. A proper panna cotta should be smooth, creamy, and elegant – this wasn’t even close.

What made it worse is that no one asked me about it. Not while I was still seated, not even when I was paying the bill. In establishments aiming for fine dining standards, this is unacceptable. Normally, if a guest doesn’t touch their dessert, someone would inquire if there was an issue and offer to change or at least acknowledge the situation. It’s a basic part of hospitality and growth.

As someone who works in the food and travel sector, I know how critical guest feedback is – especially when a dish is barely touched. It’s a missed opportunity to improve and shows a lack of attentiveness from the staff.

In summary: welcoming was great, service was fine, but the restaurant doesn’t seem open to feedback – and in this industry, that’s a big red flag. Add to that the overpriced menu and underwhelming dishes, and I can’t say I’d recommend...