Toyo Eatery has been recognized for its outstanding hospitality, winning the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2025 as part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. The announcement was made today by the Instagram accounts of both The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Toyo Eatery. The accolade celebrates the Manila-based restaurant’s immersive dining experience, which highlights Filipino ingredients and traditions in a modern yet deeply rooted approach.
The restaurant first gained international attention in 2018 when it was named the One To Watch at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Since opening in 2016, it has steadily accumulated accolades, including being crowned The Best Restaurant in the Philippines five times. It remains the only restaurant in the country on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In 2023, Toyo Eatery was also honored with the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its dedication to eco-friendly practices and cultural preservation.
Led by husband-and-wife team Jordy and May Navarra, Toyo Eatery has earned a reputation for its innovative use of local ingredients, incorporating fermentation and preservation techniques to create bold and distinct flavors. The restaurant’s signature Kamayan menu invites diners to forgo cutlery and eat with their hands, fostering a sense of togetherness and encouraging guests to fully engage with the meal.
“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,” said head chef Jordy Navarra in the Instagram post. “We want to remind people that this is really about just having fun.”
Toyo Eatery’s recognition underscores its commitment to redefining Filipino dining through an approach that is both forward-thinking and deeply connected to the country’s culinary heritage. As the only Philippine restaurant to receive this year’s Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, it continues to elevate the nation’s presence on the global gastronomic stage.
This announcement comes on the heels of the recent news that the Michelin Guide is now officially in the Philippines, marking an exciting time for the Filipino food industry. With increasing global recognition, the country’s dining scene continues to solidify its place on the world culinary map.