In my home, going out to eat at restaurants is sort of an affair (after all, you don’t get to eat out every day). And when that happens, I have to be honest—Filipino restaurants rarely are top-of-mind. Personally, my favorites are tita brunch places and Japanese restaurants. Although this doesn’t mean I don’t like Filipino food. I do. But eating it almost every day at home growing up, it can start to feel a little bit less special.
But I can’t say I still feel that way, not since I got to try this new Filipino restaurant in Makati called Tatatito. I say that because I now think about eating there at least once a week (lol). I’ve been curious since they opened in Legazpi Village back in February 2022. I’m in the neighborhood often, and on noons I can see the place packed with groups in office attires on their lunch break, and on weekends replaced with families, oftentimes in celebration. Tatatito has already hosted many christening receptions since they opened, they told me, and it’s only been four months since.
I can see it being a place of Filipino family celebrations. After all, that’s the vibe Tatatito simply exudes, through its food and interiors: comfort and familiarity.
So, one day, when my family came to visit, I finally saw the opportunity to try Tatatito. We went, and I’m happy to share we were not disappointed. Honestly—and trying my best not to oversell it—it exceeded expectations. It was just good Filipino food. Plain and simple. I’ve been back again since (to try more dishes to share with you all, of course), and next visits only solidified what I already knew: Tatatito is a Filipino restaurant to love.
Tatatito blew us away. The dishes were familiar yet new, offering modern takes on classics without trying too hard. Sometimes restaurants can go overboard with the “modern twists,” noh? But not Tatatito.
Here are some of the dishes we’ve tried and loved very much:
Shrimp Okoy
P280
A perfect appetizer. Unlike the traditional okoy that’s made of small shrimp in batter, this take is a mix of shrimp and vegetables. It’s light, crispy, and savory. Comes with vinegar to dip it in.
Adobong Baby Pusit
P385 for regular, P650 for sharing
We loved this one. A take on “adobong tuyo,” this dish consisted of tender baby squid sautéd with a generous amount of aromatics—garlic, baby onion, bay leaves, cherry tomatoes—just the way we like it.
Tuna Belly Inasal
P360 for regular, P680 for sharing
Inasal but tuna belly? Yes and it’s so delicious. One of our favorites here. The tuna is tender, made even more flavorful with the toasted garlic and spring onion sprinkled on top. And don’t forget the calamansi!
Tatatito Crispy Grilled Sisig
P310 for regular, P420 for sharing
Sisig is such a huge Filipino favorite, that there’s plenty of good sisig to be found. But hear me out: Tatatito Crispy Grilled Sisig might be the best sisig out there right now. It’s that good. This sisig is super crispy, with flavors that are so balanced and simply delectable. My words can’t give justice, so I won’t say any more. Just go try it, please.
10-Hour Beef Kansi
P585 for regular, P1,080 for sharing
Not kidding, but everything we’ve tried at Tatatito so far has impressed us. And this 10-Hour Beef Kansi is no exception. We loved the perfect sweet-sourness of this dish. So comforting!
U.S. Short Ribs Pares Style
P620 for regular, P980 for sharing
I love a good pares, especially when the meat is tender. Tatatito’s take on pares is made with super tender U.S. short ribs, making it possibly the best pares you’ll have. It’s a must-try for any pares lover.
Father’s Day Menu
Just in time for Father’s Day, Tatatito also released a special menu, featuring these three new dishes:
Squid Ink Bamboo Rice
P425 for sharing
Love squid ink anything? Then you’ll love this squid ink rice with juicy cherry tomatoes, baby squid, and lemon wedges to squeeze on top.
Ginataang Salmon
P465 for regular, P780 for sharing
This dish features a salmon fillet cooked in coconut sauce, mixed with vegetables, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and green chili pepper.
USDA Black Angus Steak
P3,750
Nothing says special celebration like a good steak. Treat dad to this 480-gram char-grilled premium black Angus ribeye that’s tender, juicy, and all-around delectable. It comes served on a huge platter with a side of potatoes, green beans, garlic, and button mushrooms.
If you’re ever around the neighborhood (it’s located at Carlos Palanca st., Legazpi Village), do drop by Tatatito. We promise you won’t be disappointed, and might even want to come back for more.
Tatatito
OPL Building, 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 11 pm
Reservations: (02) 8809-8055
Facebook: Tatatito
Instagram: @tatatito.ph
