Our Story — Toyo Eatery

Where It Began

From The Fat Duck to Manila

Chef Jordy Navarra trained at The Fat Duck in the United Kingdom and Bo Innovation in Hong Kong — two of the world's most celebrated kitchens. But when he returned to the Philippines in 2016, he brought with him a singular intention: to cook something that was entirely, unapologetically Filipino.

Toyo Eatery opened as a small, focused space with a name that translates simply to soy sauce — a humble, essential Filipino condiment that became the symbol of a larger ambition: to find greatness in the ordinary ingredients of home.

Over the past decade, that ambition has grown into four-time recognition as Best Restaurant in the Philippines, and a place among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. But the mission has never changed — to put the Philippines on a plate, one dish at a time.

Explore the Menu

Cultural objects that inspire Toyo Eatery's menus

How We Cook

The Philosophy

Terroir

Every ingredient is sourced locally — from highland vegetables to coastal catch. The Philippines provides everything we need. Our task is to listen.

Memory

Our menus draw from the songs, the streets, and the kitchen tables of Filipino life. Flavor is memory — and we cook to remind you of something you already know.

Craft

Precision, technique, and patience. We elevate the familiar without erasing it — pork barbecue skewers, lumpia, sinigang — reimagined with the hands of a world-trained kitchen.

What We Stand For

Our Values

Local Sourcing

We work directly with Filipino farmers, fishermen, and foragers to bring the country's ingredients to the table at their finest.

Cultural Pride

Filipino cuisine deserves a place at the world's highest tables. We cook with the conviction that our food is worthy of celebration, not apology.

Community

#BarangayToyo — our guests, partners, farmers, and team — are the heart of everything we do. We cook for a community, not just a room.

Storytelling

Each dish has a story — of a region, a folk song, a childhood street corner. Attentive service ensures that story is told and received with care.

A Decade

Milestones

2016

Toyo Eatery Opens

Chef Jordy Navarra opens Toyo Eatery in Makati — a small, focused restaurant dedicated to modern Filipino cuisine with local ingredients.

2019

Best Restaurant in the Philippines

First recognition as the Philippines' top restaurant by Asia's 50 Best — a milestone for Filipino fine dining.

2021

Philippines No. 1 — Again

Toyo Eatery retains its position as best in the Philippines, reinforcing the restaurant's sustained excellence through challenging times.

2023

Back on Top

Third recognition as Best Restaurant in the Philippines by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. Chef Navarra continues to deepen the menu's roots in Philippine culture.

2024

Four-Peat

Toyo Eatery earns its fourth title as Best Restaurant in the Philippines — an unprecedented record in the Asia's 50 Best program.

2025

No. 42 in Asia

Toyo Eatery enters Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list at No. 42 — the highest ranking ever for a Filipino restaurant in the program's history.

2026

Tatler Best — Restaurant of the Year

Tatler Dining Philippines awards Toyo Eatery as Restaurant of the Year, celebrating a decade of excellence and the Pamukaw-Sigla exhibition.

Join Us

Reserve Your Table

Toyo Eatery serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday, opening at 6:00 PM. Reservations are required and can be made through toyoeatery.com. For special occasions and private dining inquiries, please reach out directly.

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A Decade of Philippine Terroir