A dramatic glow awaits those who enter Matador in the evening. The newest bar and dining destination in the Scout area transforms after dark into a striking space where deep shadows meet warm orange lighting, casting an amber halo over intimate tables and a commanding bar that beckons guests to settle in with a drink—or a few.

Matador is not your typical wine bar. There are no stiff sommeliers or hushed tones here. Instead, this new concept from the team behind ReCraft and Bar Flora invites diners to loosen up and explore its boldly curated menu of New World wines and artisanal sake alongside modern tapas that are equal parts Japanese and Spanish in spirit.

The interiors set the tone: rich hues reminiscent of aged wine, burnished orange to deep red, anchored by dark wood. It’s an intentionally dramatic setup that becomes especially atmospheric at night. The bar itself is a focal point—a place to dine or drink solo or with friends, making it ideal for both planned dates and spontaneous nights out.

Matador’s unique point of view extends to its drinks list. Wines from regions like South Africa, Japan, and Chile sit side by side with premium sake sourced from different Japanese prefectures. These two categories, rarely seen together, are united here by their emphasis on craft and character.

Its food menu is just as adventurous. Modern tapas take cues from Japanese izakaya fare and Spanish classics: Brie Tempura Toast, Boquerones Fry, Negra Temaki, and the standout Patatas Fritas Finas—shoestring potatoes topped with garlic potato foam, egg, parmesan, wasabi, and Jamon Serrano. A signature dish, the Tebasaki, features chicken wings stuffed with chorizo paella, glazed in tare, and served with cured egg yolk.

For those willing to break from the usual, Matador offers surprises like Miso Chashu Paella, where ramen flavors meet the rice dish of Valencia. Each plate is designed to play with expectations, in both flavor and format.

With its moody interiors, distinctive pairing of sake and wine, and a menu that delights in fusion without gimmickry, Matador is a novel addition to Quezon City’s dining scene. It’s a cozy, intimate space perfect for locals, and compelling enough for anyone farther out to make the trip north.