📍Makilala – 105 Church St, Toronto, ON M5C 2G3
🌍Country: Philippines  
🔥Must-try dish: Ginatang Hipon
🪑Seating: Indoor seating only
👍 The High: That family photo wall. Nothing warms my heart (or stomach) more than seeing the faces behind the recipes.
👎 The Low: The cocktail list is basically liquid candy. Cute for one round, but I was craving something a little less sweet.

Toronto just scored a brand-new Filipino spot, and it’s from the same dream team behind PAI and Sukhothai, Nuit and Jeff Regular. Only this time, they’ve parked the Northern Thai and are showing off Jeff’s Filipino side of the family. The space itself? Think Manila street market meets karaoke night: bright flags, big tables, family photos, and yes, a karaoke machine that dares you to belt out “My Heart Will Go On” between bites.

They’re in soft-opening mode, but the doors are open, the walk-in list moves fairly quickly (at least on a Wednesday), and if you time it right, you can scope out the all-night karaoke marathons that weekends are destined to bring.

Food-wise, it’s Filipino greatest hits with a few plot twists. Right now, it’s dinner only, but brunch and lunch are on the horizon (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want Halo Halo for brunch?).

We dove straight into mains because restraint isn’t really the vibe here. First up: Pancit with pork belly. Colourful, loaded with noodles, crispy pork, and veggies, it was as fun to look at as it was to eat. Big enough to share, but also delicious enough to consider hoarding. A gentle spice kick, nothing scary, and the kitchen will happily tweak it to your liking.

Then came the Ginataang Hipon, shrimp lounging in a coconut milk bath, served with rice. Rich, creamy, cozy. Less spice, more comfort. Honestly? This one stole the show.

And of course, dessert meant Halo Halo. If you’re unfamiliar, just imagine every texture and colour known to humankind layered into a glass: ube ice cream, coconut gel, jackfruit, beans (yes, beans), macapuno, leche flan, you name it. Sounds chaotic, but once you mix it up, it’s magic.

Makilala isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a party. Big plates, shareable dishes, long tables, and strangers becoming backup singers at the karaoke mic. Come with four to ten people, order everything, and get ready to pass plates and laugh through a chorus or two.

Nights out don’t get much better.

Eat with you soon!