Manila’s Toyo Eatery has once again proven that Filipino hospitality is more than just a warm welcome—it’s an immersive experience. The restaurant has been awarded the prestigious Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2025, as part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. This honor, voted on by over 350 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, recognizes the one restaurant that has delivered the best hospitality experience over the last 18 months.
A Celebration of Filipino Culture and Heritage
Toyo Eatery is no stranger to the spotlight. It first made waves in 2018 as the recipient of the One To Watch Award and later secured a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019. Over the years, it has remained a culinary powerhouse, consistently recognized as The Best Restaurant in the Philippines for five years. In 2023, Toyo Eatery also won the Sustainable Restaurant Award, a testament to its commitment to eco-conscious practices.
At the heart of Toyo Eatery is the husband-and-wife duo, Jordy and May Navarra, whose vision extends beyond food. Their restaurant is an authentic dive into Filipino culinary culture, where every detail—from the interiors to the plating—reflects local artistry. “To be welcomed into a Filipino home is to experience genuine warmth and care,” says Chef Jordy Navarra. “We aim to convey the Filipino experience, not just through the dishes we serve, but also by creating genuine connections with our guests.”
Sustainability Meets Fine Dining
Beyond its deep-rooted appreciation for heritage, Toyo Eatery integrates sustainability and mindful sourcing into its identity. Its vegetable-forward menu, emphasis on local ingredients, and dedication to fermentation and preservation techniques all contribute to a fine dining experience that remains approachable and meaningful.
According to William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Toyo Eatery creates an atmosphere that blends education and experience. “At Toyo Eatery, each guest is warmly immersed in Filipino food culture,” Drew shares. “Genuine hospitality is also evident in the personal touches from Jordy and May – from the seamless integration of interiors, floral and vegetable displays, and wall art to local craftsmanship and in the way they educate diners about their food.”
With this latest award, Toyo Eatery is redefining what it means to dine in the Philippines, proving that great food and hospitality go hand in hand. As the restaurant continues to showcase the depth and warmth of Filipino hospitality, this win is a moment of pride for the entire country.
Cover image credit: Toyo Eatery
