7 New Date Spots To Check Off Your Bucket List In 2026

We know that 2025 was definitely a great year for foodies—for one, Michelin released their first-ever guide for the Philippines (and we've compiled some date-worthy, Michelin-awarded spots if you don't know where to get started!). We also saw a lot of new restaurants opening this year that have definitely made their way to our favorite date spots. The year 2025 may have already ended but it's not too late to check them out; who knows, you might just find a new favorite from our list!

Location: G/F Seven NEO, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

We've all been guilty of being indecisive when it comes to the dreaded question: “Saan tayo kakain?” That's why we love dining destinations that bring different food concepts under one roof like The Split. The Split brings together brands by the restaurant group Raintree Concepts in a bright and sunny space that makes it perfect for Sunday lunch dates.

There's comfort food and pastries from Providore, Filipino favorites from Family & Friends Upside Down, and classic katsu from Saboten Express. They transform into a moody cocktail bar at night, too, if you and your beau are in the mood for drinks–with izakaya Chotto Matte also at The Split, you're sure to have a good time.

Location: Greenbelt Hamilton, 149 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City

If you've been on the lookout for great tiramisu, then La Carinderia is sure to have been on your radar. If not, well, take this as your sign to finally have that romantic Italian date. La Carinderia in Makati is the "younger brother" of their namesake restaurant in Siargao, and they serve up a menu that's just as excellent in the Metro.

At La Carinderia, Chef Stefano Tomasiello uses only fresh, handmade pasta which immediately elevates classics like the Carbonara, made only the old-fashioned Italian way with egg yolk, Grana Padano, and guanciale, as well as Italian starters like a fresh burrata served with cherry tomatoes and Sicilian extra virgin olive oil. And of course, there's their classic Tiramisu that's as close to as Italian nonna’s recipe as you can get.

Location: 191 A. Mabini Street, San Juan City

Gaea was one of 2025's most anticipated restaurant openings in San Juan—after all, it's one of the newest ventures of barista and entrepreneur David Ong who's also behind award-winning The Curator in Makati. At Gaea, you can go from brunch dates to conversations over cocktails in a chic and moody setting that makes you want to dress up extra well.

The dishes are hearty comfort food like Steak and Eggs served with crispy steak-cut fries, and Risotto al Funghi Verde, their version of a rich risotto made with Acquerello rice instead of the usual Arborio. Of course, their cocktails are not to be missed like the refreshing Orange Julius, a gin-based cocktail made zestier with lemon and orange marmalade, and the gulab jamun-inspired Gulshan made with tequila, ghee, lemon, and honey. Pro tip: If you and your date want extra privacy, try to request for one of their secluded booths!

Location: Unit 1B West Gallery Place, 9th Avenue, corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City

Chef Jorge Mendez has had quite the 2025, winning awards and opening new restaurants, one of which is Makanai in Bonifacio Global City. Though not exactly a fine-dining restaurant, Makanai exudes quiet elegance and Japanese zen, thanks to light-wood fixtures, tastefully-placed foliage, and an art piece on the ceiling that mimics gentle drapes—this is the spot for impressing someone special. The food is just as impressive: Japanese but not quite (in a good way!).

Chef Jorge opened Makanai with CIBO (yes that CIBO by the late, great Chef Margarita Fores) so the Japanese-inspired pasta dishes are not to be missed, especially the Wagyu Bolognese Maze-Soba with buttery slices of A5 Wagyu on a bed of bolognese sauce-coated maze-soba noodles. The King Crab Claw donabe or Japanese claypot rice dishes is a feast for both the eyes and the belly with a generous topping of king crab and ikura over chahan that features a crispy, scorched bottom layer.

Location: 92 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City

Though they only opened in early 2025, Kumba has already earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2026, which lets you know how excellent this newcomer is. Kumba is sunny and cozy, making it the perfect spot for that quieter 'nth' monthsary date with your S.O.

The food is comforting Asian cuisine with the creative touch of Chef Tina Legarda (whose other restaurant, Bamba Bistro might ring a bell). Get started on your New Year's resolution to eat healthier with the Seared Eggplant and Seared Bananas, made punchier by a Pineapple Express sauce and crispy shallot chips—it's 100% vegan, too! Drop by on a weekend to have their hearty weekend special: medium-rare tapa with soft scrambled eggs, and garlic rice.

Location: 2/F The Finance Centre Building, 26th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Trust us: Every relationship needs a go-to steakhouse, and Smith & Wollensky may just be your new favorite. It pretty much looks like how you would imagine a New York steakhouse to be: plush red chairs, white linen, and bold light fixtures. After all, why mess with a classic?

The same can be said for their steaks like their signature USDA 28-day dry-aged steak which you can get as a rib-eye, a bone-in New York strip, or a porterhouse. Or you can steal the spotlight with a bone-in American Wagyu tomahawk that’s perfect for extra hungry couples. Don't forget to add sides—you, of course, can never go wrong with Whipped Potatoes and Creamed Spinach, but, if you can't live without rice, go for the Bone Marrow Dirty Rice or the even more indulgent Foie Gras Rice. BTW, Smith & Wollensky also has a jazz bar with live music for post steak-dinner drinks!

Location: 3/F Communa, 238 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Extension, Makati City

Tucked in art and food hub Communa, Celera is sure to earn you cool points with your date. It helps that Celera has already earned one Michelin Star for 2026 despite only opening in 2025. Executive Chef Nicco Santos and Sous Chef Quenee Villar have always explored Southeast Asian flavors in their cooking, and their menu in Celera, named after the Malay word for "appetite," is no exception.

While Celera offers an ala carte menu, their 10-course tasting dinner, The Discovery Menu, is the best way to get to know the restaurant. The menu changes constantly but they've previously offered dishes like a beef tartare mixed with fermented Byadgi chili, a BBQ course with hand-ground Peking duck and chicken served on a crisp rempeyek (an Indonesian-Javanese rice cracker) with Baguio strawberries and dainty yet flavorful tien obh-infused doughnuts by Pastry Chef Neesha Rodelas.