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February 25, 2025
Toyo Eatery in Manila has just scooped up the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, marking a standout moment for this beloved Filipino restaurant. The award is a nod to the exceptional atmosphere and service provided by Jordy and May Navarra, the husband-wife duo behind the eatery.
Located in Manila, Toyo Eatery is celebrated for putting a modern spin on traditional Filipino ingredients. They use techniques like fermentation and preservation to whip up a palette of flavours. One of their unique offerings is the Kamayan menu, where diners are encouraged to forego utensils and eat directly with their hands from banana leaves, promoting a shared, joyous dining experience.
Jordy Navarra, Toyo’s head chef, shares his thoughts on this approach: “It makes your hands busy. This menu really brings us back to basics, where it’s no longer about what is trendy or what looks good on social media,” he explains. “We want to remind people that this is really about just having fun.”
Further elevating his profile, Jordy Navarra was featured in the first season of ‘Chefs Uncut’ on Netflix and SBS Australia. These appearances showcased his culinary philosophy and the innovative spirit behind Toyo Eatery, bringing his pioneering approach to a global audience and highlighting his commitment to Filipino culinary heritage.
Toyo Eatery has been a part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants scene since it captured the One To Watch Award in 2018. It officially entered the list in 2019 at number 43 and has held the title of The Best Restaurant in the Philippines for five consecutive years, alongside winning the Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2023.
Ranked number 24 in 2024, Toyo Eatery aims to provide a dining experience that feels like eating at the Navarras’ home, filled with personal touches and a deep respect for Filipino culinary traditions.
This latest award is a testament to their dedication to not just great food, but also to making every guest feel thoroughly welcome and cherished.
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