Celera — Restaurant in Makati

I’m writing this review because I believe that it’s important to give honest feedback, so that the restaurant has the opportunity to improve and potential customers will know what they might be in for. But before getting to the food/wine, service, and atmosphere, I’ll note that upon arriving at 8:30 for our reserved table, we were told that it was still occupied by the previous guests because they had arrived late. The person who greeted us asked if we could wait outside and they’d call us when the table was ready. We weren’t offered a drink or anything and left to wonder how long it might take. The host did fetch us only ten minutes later, but we (two pax) were seated at a round table intended for at least four pax.

Food: we appreciated Celera’s effort to add to Manila’s fine dining scene with its locally sourced creations. That said, given the high price point and minimal quantity, the dishes were average, at best. The tartare (beef) lacked both freshness and flavor. The lamb ribs were tasty, but we found the portion to be inadequate after removing the substantial fatty bits. For over 3000p (nearly USD 60), we’d expect to get more. The most enjoyable item was the crudo, which combined homemade noodles and fish broth with cured tuna. If you dine here, I’d definitely recommend it.

Wine: having been dissuaded from bringing our own wine by the 2000p (nearly USD 40) corkage fee, we decided to try Celera’s offerings. The one red wine by the glass was chalky and nearly undrinkable, so we took our chances on a red Burgundy that cost over 4000p (nearly USD 80), noting that most bottles cost at least that amount. Given how long the wine interaction took, the bottle arrived after our first courses, was overly chilled, and tasted only slightly better than the one served by the glass.

Service: in addition to the above mentioned incident upon arrival, we found the service to be odd and distracting. To start, the host told us that he would check whether the tasting menu was still available and get back to us; he never returned. We proceeded to order a la carte from our server. After placing our order, the server encouraged us to order two each of our starters since they were bite size. That surprised us given that the dishes ranged from 400-550p (nearly USD 7-10 each). When the starters arrived; we were still waiting for the wine. Once we received it, the meal proceeded, but not without a constant shuffling of plates and cutlery and asking if we were finished when we were clearly still working on the “bite-sized” first courses. I’ve never had someone straighten my cutlery in the middle of trying to eat a dish, and I hope it never happens again.

Atmosphere: all said, Celera does offer a nice atmosphere. The open kitchen, which is reminiscent of the one in the film The Menu, is neatly arranged, beautiful, and definitely demonstrates that the team approaches the food artistically and with care. The shame is that the lived experience doesn’t stand up to the set. In other words, I’m sure that the restaurant does well in photoshoots and social media posts, but it’s difficult to imagine anyone returning for seconds. Fair enough if that’s what some customers are looking for, but I’d rather have kept by 10,000p (nearly USD 175) and done...

I absolutely love Celera! Their lobster laksa is nothing short of spectacular—cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. It's hands-down the star of the tasting menu, and one dish I keep coming back for.

Close behind is the duck liver mousse with caviar. It’s an indulgent favorite, I always order another serving to cap off the meal. Unconventional, I know, but it’s just that good.

I also enjoyed how the quail was prepared with varying textures, sauces, and techniques. Each bite offered something new, highlighting the versatility of this rarely featured poultry. The lamb and other starters (don’t get me started on the Brodo smoked quail bone broth and beef tartare) were equally memorable: rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Honestly, I could go on and list the everything on the menu. But it’s better to just go and experience it for yourself.

If you're looking to elevate the experience, opt for the wine pairing. It brings out new dimensions in each dish and makes you rediscover the flavors in a whole new light. Think of that scene from the movie Ratatouille when everything just clicks.

Celera is always on my list when we have family or friends visiting from abroad. On one visit, my husband and I brought our son, who is an aspiring chef, to help expand his palate and introduce him to more refined, thoughtfully prepared dishes. It turned into a meaningful dining experience—not just a meal, but a glimpse into what’s possible when passion, creativity, and technique come together on a plate. We hoped it would not only inspire him, but remind him that the world of food is full of wonder; and that one day, he could be the one creating moments like this for others.

Overall, a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience each and every single time. Highly...

Story time!

We've followed Chef Nicco and Quenee of Celera for many years across their various restaurants. The food has always been delicious and technically well-made; but, more than that, for us, it has always been the right food, at the right time.

Shiok was a budget-friendly, first foray into southeast Asian food for the newly-earning professionals that we were. Your Local, Hey Handsome, and Elephant Grounds expanded our appreciation for the cuisine, and showed us the possibilities for playfulness and sophistication. Sambar, which holds a special place in our hearts, brought us comfort at home through superb food during the toughest days of the Pandemic. Aurora then elevated the experience to fine and intimate dining, just as we were going back to post-pandemic normal.

Now, with Celera, it feels like all of these have come together: something entirely new, yet comfortingly familiar. Easily their best yet, the food doesn’t just impress. It tells a story. It warms the heart as much as the stomach. And paired with good wine and good friends, it becomes the kind of experience you carry with you.

Flavors, feelings, friends. Give Celera a try, I cannot make a more honest...