Taquería Franco — Restaurant in Makati

Visited in October 2024. Philippines. Makati.

We stumbled upon this charming little eatery and were immediately captivated by its diverse selection of tacos, a personal favorite of ours. Though small, the restaurant boasts a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a dark, loft-style interior.

Food:

This is a Mexican cuisine, but with a more contemporary interpretation and European influences. It features an array of tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, and a handful of delectable desserts. We sampled nearly every taco on offer and quickly identified our favorites. The Shrimp Taco was a symphony of textures and flavors. The shrimp, perfectly cooked, offered a delightful crunch, while the crisp cabbage and harmonizing sauces provided the perfect balance. The Foie Gras Taco was another standout, showcasing beautifully seared foie gras with a rich, dense texture that paired beautifully with the slightly sweet chipotle sauce. The Fish Taco and the Soft-Shell Crab Taco were equally well-executed, boasting perfectly cooked protein and vibrant flavor profiles. The Lamb Bourguignon Birria Taco was a hearty choice, substantial enough for a full meal. The tender, pulled lamb was incredibly flavorful. You won't be left wanting for more filling, as it's packed generously from edge to edge. However, the Cordon Bleu Quesadilla fell slightly flat. It felt a bit dry and lacking in vibrant sauces or fresh vegetables to add zest an juicy.

Service:

The service was excellent, with friendly staff providing quick and efficient service.

Conclusion: This is a truly exceptional place to discover innovative and flavorful tacos. It strays from traditional Mexican cuisine, incorporating a touch of sophistication, a move I would consider a significant plus.

P.S. While the food was undeniably delicious and the atmosphere inviting, the restaurant's owner unfortunately demonstrates a blatant disregard for patrons. His penchant for parking his oversized vehicle directly in front of the entrance, blocking the walkway, makes entry a frustrating obstacle course. The owner's lack of respect for patrons, however, is a substantial drawback that dampens the otherwise...

Taquería Franco in Salcedo Village is a hidden gem that combines inventive flavors with a casual yet stylish vibe. Chef Miko Calo has flawlessly reimagined the taquería with a cheeky French twist that is both innovative and delicious, making it a go-to spot for anyone who appreciates bold, well-thought-out dishes.

I’ve visited several times now, and what stands out is the consistency—every dish is spot-on, and the service is warm and attentive. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual lunch or winding down after work with cocktails, it’s a versatile place to hang out. Their recent addition of rice bowls has made it an even better lunch option, and the evolving menu keeps things fresh, so there’s always something new to look forward to.

I had the pleasure of trying a variety of their dishes, and each one was an explosion of flavor! The Eggs & Caviar Tostado was an elegant combination that had me savoring every bite, while the Raclette & Bacon Quesadilla was the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and just perfect.

For seafood lovers, the Japanese Oyster Taco and Soft Shell Crab Taco are a dream. But if you're after a real treat, the Fish Taco—butter-roasted cobbler with sauce meunière and garlic béchamel—is the pièce de résistance. I can see why it's a crowd favorite!

The Steak Frites Taco stole my heart. Seared hanging tender paired with béarnaise sauce and shoestring potatoes in a taco? Absolutely genius! It was hearty, flavorful, and perfectly executed.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between fun and refined, making it a great spot for a quick meal, a lingering hangout, or even a celebration. Plus, the top-notch cocktail program ensures you’ll want to stay a little longer. Taquería Franco has quickly become one of my favorite spots, and I highly recommend...

My friends and I had dinner at Taqueria Franco on a Tuesday night last October. For this, we made a reservation beforehand. However, it might not have been necessary as the restaurant wasn't too full and was able to accommodate walk-ins.

The dining area had a modern and clean look. The seats were comfortable.

For appetizer, we had Le Bon Junk. Despite my misgivings (since I didn't really like Granny Goose Tortillos), Le Bon Junk tasted great, perhaps because the fresh ingredients complemented the chips well.

For tacos, we had Fish Tacos, Prawns Tacos, French Horn Mushroom Tacos, BBQ Chicken Tacos, and Steak Frites Tacos. Besides the distinct taste of the main ingredient, each came with a unique and interesting flavor of sauce and toppings.

For Tostadas, we had Octopus Tostada. It had bits of pleasant-tasting burnt octopus bits but had a mainly pineapple flavor.

For Quesadillas, we had Creamed Spinach Quesadilla. It was reminiscent of all the creamy spinach pizzas I had lately. 😁

For dessert, we had Pineapple & Lime Cheesecake and Horchata Bread Pudding. As usual, desserts were my favorite! 😋 The cheesecake was mostly tart (with just the right amount of tartness) while the bread pudding was milky and not too sweet (with just the right amount of sweetness).

The service was excellent: accommodating and...