Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is renowned as the most modern and sophisticated district within Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Known for its safety, well-maintained green pedestrian pathways, and large shopping malls, it’s a bustling area frequented by local elites, long-term residents from around the world, and numerous tourists.
Philippine cuisine is typically characterized by rich flavors, often centered around pork and fried dishes. This can sometimes make restaurant selection challenging for those with dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, or halal, or for travelers who simply want to ‘give their stomach a break and eat something healthy.’ However, BGC, where diverse cultures converge, boasts an array of fantastic restaurants catering to health-conscious diners.
This time, we’ve carefully selected three must-visit restaurants in BGC, ranging from establishments dedicated to uncompromising organic ingredients to renowned eateries where vegans and non-vegans can share exquisite culinary experiences at the same table. We’ll provide tips for your stay, including the local buzz, genuine reviews, and insider tricks to ensure a successful visit.
The Wholesome Table BGC
📍 Address: 30th St, Bonifacio High Street Central, Corner 7th Ave, Makati City, 1635 Metro Manila, Philippines
‘The Wholesome Table’ is a pioneer in the Philippine organic restaurant scene, garnering immense support from health-conscious locals. Operating under the slogan ‘Eat Consciously. Live Consciously.,’ their commitment to ingredients is unwavering. They offer clean dishes, free from artificial hormones and antibiotics in their grass-fed beef, using free-range eggs and naturally derived sauces, meticulously excluding chemical seasonings and additives from every corner of their menu.
While not an entirely vegan restaurant, a wide array of plant-based options is available, making it a major draw for those who wish to avoid animal products. In a Philippine diet often rich in fried foods, an environment offering plenty of fresh, organic vegetables is a true urban oasis for long-term residents and students. Their fresh salads, in particular, are incredibly popular and sometimes sell out early in the day, so if you have your heart set on one, the trick is to aim for an earlier lunch slot.
Despite being in the heart of metropolitan BGC, the interior features a rustic yet modern farmhouse design, exuding the warmth of wood and lush greenery. The highly spacious terrace seating is popular with locals accompanied by their pets, making it ideal for a relaxed time people-watching. This is our top recommendation for anyone seeking a stylish space to enjoy a meal that detoxifies both mind and body.
Wildflour Restaurant – BGC
📍 Address: Ground Floor Six/NEO 4th Avenue, Corner 26th St, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
‘Wildflour Restaurant’ is an immensely popular cafe-restaurant that opens early in the morning and is consistently packed with BGC’s business professionals and weekend brunch enthusiasts. The aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air in its high-ceilinged, stylish interior, where a diverse clientele, from solo digital nomads working on their laptops to expats in business meetings, enjoys their time as they please.
While not exclusively a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, its appealing hospitality allows for flexible accommodations upon request. They offer a range of healthy, plant-based options to boost your nutrition, such as the hearty ‘Baby Mixed Green Salad’ tossed in a perfectly sweet mango dressing, and ‘Banana Chia’ smoothies, which are quite rare in Japan. Since the menu doesn’t include photos, it’s a good tip to check reviews on Google Maps beforehand for dishes you’d like to try, ensuring a smoother ordering process.
Furthermore, for those on a cheat day or companions, the ‘Brioche French Toast,’ made with thick-cut brioche generously soaked in egg batter, is overwhelmingly popular. It’s a signature dish that consistently receives rave reviews, with many describing it as ‘the most amazing French toast ever.’ While the terrace seating offers a pleasant breeze, be aware that due to the Philippine climate, mosquitoes and other insects may appear. If choosing the terrace, it’s advisable to bring insect repellent and take other precautions typical of a tropical environment for a more comfortable experience.
Bolero | BGC Restaurant
📍 Address: GF, Verve Tower 2, High street south, 26th 27th Street, Makati City, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines
For a special evening in a sophisticated setting during dinner, ‘Bolero’ is highly recommended. This modern European restaurant, led by a chef who honed their skills at a Michelin-selected establishment in Marbella, Spain, offers innovative and bold dishes that transcend conventional boundaries. Stepping inside, the rich aroma of paprika and spices immediately tantalizes the appetite.
What’s remarkable about this restaurant is the exceptional quality of its vegan and vegetarian options within a menu dedicated to gourmet cuisine. Dishes like the ‘Charcoal-grilled Umami Cabbage with Spicy Vegan Bolognese’ and ‘Vegan Mafaldine (ribbon pasta)’ with creamy almond paste are must-try creations, delivering profound richness and satisfaction using only plant-based ingredients. For companions who eat meat, signature beef empanadas and steaks are available, ensuring that groups with different dietary preferences can still share a superb dinner experience.
Outstanding hospitality is also synonymous with this establishment. Friendly and always-smiling staff provide meticulous support, from suggesting dishes to share to drink pairings. After your meal, be sure to try the ‘Basque Cheesecake,’ where the saltiness and creaminess of blue cheese create an exquisite balance. The lively interior, with slightly louder music, is perfect not for a quiet, intimate evening, but rather for enjoying an energetic night, chatting and laughing with friends or a partner.
[Column] Insider Tips for Choosing and Ordering at Restaurants in BGC
A significant advantage for travelers in the Philippines is that English is widely spoken, making it easy to make specific requests when ordering. If you’re vegan or have allergies and need certain ingredients omitted, simply say ‘No meat, no dairy, please’ or ‘Can you make this vegan?’, and most establishments will happily accommodate you.
As BGC is an area where business and residential zones intertwine, popular restaurants get exceptionally crowded during weekday lunch hours (around 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) and weekend brunch times (around 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM). To secure a good table (a cool indoor spot or a terrace with a view) without queuing, locals’ common wisdom for smart enjoyment is to visit about an hour outside these peak times. Additionally, many establishments have very strong air conditioning, so no matter how hot it is outside, don’t forget to bring a light jacket or cardigan.
