In the Philippines, especially Manila, where meat dishes dominate and eating out frequently can lead to a lack of vegetables, the Makati area—the heart of business and commerce—is home to a surprising concentration of high-quality vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
This article carefully selects 5 ‘truly delicious vegan spots’ that are not only havens for long-term residents and students seeking to balance their diets, but also popular among travelers looking for vegan or halal options, and local youth. From vegan adaptations of traditional Filipino dishes to chill cafes hosting music events, we’ll provide an in-depth guide with real reviews and the latest information.
iVegan Cafe Restaurant
📍 Address: Unit No. 106 Plaza 100 VA Rufino, Corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tucked away in the basement of Legazpi Village, Makati’s business district, lies this hidden gem of a vegan restaurant. It offers a quiet and peaceful oasis amidst the concrete jungle.
The menu is incredibly diverse, ranging from Filipino to Japanese, Italian, and Vietnamese cuisines. Highly praised dishes include the ‘gyoza and fried rice,’ ‘grilled mushroom basil sauce potage,’ and the beauty-boosting ‘goji berry smoothie.’ The satisfaction level is so high, it’s hard to believe no meat is used, leading long-term residents seeking healthy meals to laud it for ‘elevating Manila’s vegan scene.’
Being underground, it provides an escape from the hustle and bustle, making it a perfect spot for enjoying a meal quietly alone or giving your stomach a rest during your travels.
Cosmic Poblacion, Makati – A Vegan Restaurant & Cafe
📍 Address: 4F, 4980 P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati City, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Located on the 4th floor of a multi-tenant building in the Poblacion area, famous for its nightlife, this acclaimed vegan Filipino restaurant boasts stylish, cave-like interiors. The entrance can be a bit tricky to find, but once you step inside, a cool and tranquil space unfolds.
Its greatest appeal lies in its brilliant, plant-based renditions of traditional Filipino meat dishes. From ‘Sisig’ (pork sizzling plate style) and ‘Kare-Kare’ (peanut sauce stew) to ‘Pancit’ (Filipino stir-fried noodles) and ‘Bagnet’ (crispy pork belly style), each dish boasts rich and robust flavors, so delicious that even meat-loving locals are impressed. The creamy, coconut milk-based laksa noodles are also a popular menu item.
On the same floor, you’ll find its sister establishment, the non-alcoholic bar ‘Gnostic,’ which serves exquisite mocktails made with homemade kombucha (SCOBY). Please note that phone signal can be weak inside, and there’s no Wi-Fi, so embrace a digital detox moment and focus on your meal and conversation.
Greenery Kitchen
📍 Address: 2078 E Pascua, Makati City, 1204 Metro Manila, Philippines
Located slightly outside Makati’s city center, this is a cozy and intimate, home-style restaurant. It perfectly expresses the unique sourness and umami of Filipino cuisine through vegan dishes, earning endless praise from travelers and residents who call it ‘the best vegetarian food in Manila.’
Recommended local foods include ‘Sisig,’ ‘Dinakdakan,’ ‘Dinuguan’ (a dish mimicking pork blood stew), and ‘Caldereta.’ Furthermore, a significant feature is that it uses no pungent vegetables (gokun) like green onions or garlic, making it safe for Oriental vegans (devout vegetarians) to enjoy.
Owner Edil’s warm and friendly service is also one of the main reasons for the restaurant’s large fanbase. Due to its very local setting, if it’s difficult to visit the restaurant directly, we highly recommend using food delivery services (e.g., Grab Food, Foodpanda) during your stay in Manila.
Green Bar
📍 Address: 106 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
Located in Legazpi Village, this popular cafe and bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere and hearty vegan comfort food. It’s known for its love of animals, once even having a resident cat.
Their famous ‘Vegan Donuts’ feature daily changing flavors and are extremely popular for takeout. For main meals, the menu offers healthy yet satisfying options that curb your junk food cravings, such as the spicy ‘Dynamite’ with minced ‘meat’ and green chili, the Japanese-style ‘Miso Mushroom Bowl’ with quinoa, brown rice, and tofu, and hearty burritos and burgers. The ‘Popcorn Chickun’ made from soy ‘meat’ is also a must-try.
Opening at 8 AM, it’s supported by digital nomads and locals who enjoy morning activities, with coffee deals available during breakfast hours. In the evening, the happy hour cocktails paired with kebabs are highly recommended.
WILD Café & Bar
📍 Address: 5903 Matilde, Poblacion, Makati City, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
This noteworthy establishment gained popularity as a food truck in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) and has now opened its long-awaited physical store in Makati’s Poblacion. More than just a vegan cafe, it’s also a cultural hub that frequently hosts live music, DJ events, and quiz nights.
In addition to unique drinks like seafoam matcha latte, salted caramel latte, and horchata, the menu offers a wide range of casual cafe fare, including ‘Bang Bang Chickun Burger,’ tacos, and grilled cheese. Its high level of hospitality, with flexible adjustments for sweetness and allergies, is also a major draw.
The cafe features excellent background music and is pet-friendly. During events (especially in the 2nd-floor VIP section), it can get crowded, and seating management might be chaotic, so if you prefer a quiet meal, aiming for a weekday afternoon is key. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to connect with local creators and music lovers.
Tips for Enjoying Vegan Restaurants in Makati
Here are a few tips for enjoying vegan and vegetarian cuisine in Makati.
First, ‘prepare your communication environment.’ Hidden gem establishments located in multi-tenant buildings or basements (like Cosmic and iVegan) might have poor phone signal and no free Wi-Fi. When meeting someone or needing to use a translation app on-site, it’s best to make calls or download necessary content near the entrance beforehand.
Second, ‘utilize delivery services.’ During the rainy season when going out is a hassle, or for establishments in slightly more local and harder-to-reach areas (like Greenery Kitchen), using delivery apps like Grab Food or Foodpanda is common practice for long-term residents. You can comfortably enjoy exquisite vegan Filipino dishes at your hotel or condominium.
Although Filipino cuisine is often rich in meat and fried dishes, Manila’s vegan scene has undergone remarkable evolution in recent years. We encourage you to explore and find your favorite dishes that suit your lifestyle and preferences.
