Helm by Josh Boutwood — Restaurant in Makati

A 12-course experience with wine pairings was an ambitious feat but well worth it. It’s an intimate space—maybe 30 seats, if that—and the service was delightful, with a special treat of having Chef Josh there that evening.

I really enjoyed the very open layout, with a chef’s table experience for the two counter-height tables where the platings were done.

The food was lovely and I especially liked that there was balance in the textures in each of the dishes. My favorite was the foie with cauliflower three ways, because foie. My least favorite was the halibut, zucchini, and roe because while I love caviar, the broth was too fishy for my liking. They accommodated my shellfish allergy though it would’ve been a nice touch had they confirmed it when I checked in and had printed customized menu (instead of the standard one), so I didn’t have to double-check.

If you’re into wine, I’d go for the wine pairings, too. There was an Italian rose that was especially nice. Sommeliers, Val and Roxanne, were judicious with the initial pours—there were 12 courses (plus the amuse bouche snacks) after all—but they were also generous with refills such that early on, I had to govern myself and request,...

Such an enjoyable dining experience!! Met, if not exceeded, my expectation from all the good feedback I heard about the restaurant. First time dining here and will most definitely be coming back to try their tasting menu, every season/time it changes :) during our visit, Helm is offering the Magellan menu.

Place is also comfortable, nice, and neat. I like how it has an intimate feel as it only seats 10. I think it may accommodate more though since there was a group (prolly seven to eight persons) who were dining outside in the al fresco area in front of the restaurant, with the same tasting menu.

Super appreciate a place that's able to make or prepare fresh ingredient/s that is/are otherwise either not palatable to me nor something I would normally order, into something that I would request for another serving of (if I can!). I also love how there is variety in the dishes and the ingredients used to make them (not repetitive!). Also, all the different types of bread served (part of the menu) are moist, fresh, and tasty :)

Looking forward to the...

We celebrated our third year anniversary here. Availed their 8-course meal with wine pairing.

Personally, this is my first time in a fine dining setting and I can say it was worth the try. The experience really is unique. We were a bit shy at first because we don't know how to "properly act" in a fine dining setup and we were kind of introverts but the staff and chefs really are comfortably conversing and assisting us in our dining experience

It was a Starwars theme that time, and the chefs explained the dishes. The food were phenomenal! I also discovered what wine I like/best pairs with meals because of the wine tasting and the sommelier explaining. There were so many ingredients they keep saying that I don't know and so many new ways of how food were prepared that ignited our curiosities on food science/gastronomy.

Nice ambiance inside, with intimate seating (can accomodate 4 in a table). They also gave us an anniversary greeting card. It was a very nice experience!

This was the first for us and we'll definitely give it another try for...