Makilala Filipino Restaurant in Toronto Opens This July
Filipino cuisine is about to get the spotlight it deserves. Opening downtown this Julydowntown, The Makilala Filipino Restaurant in Toronto is the newest venture from beloved culinary duo Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, joined by Jeff’s brother Joel Regular. You probably know them for their Thai restaurants, but now they’re shifting focus to the world of Filipino food.
Everything To Know About The New Filipino Restaurant in Toronto: Makilala
Makilala Restaurant Info
- Opening Date: Late July
- Website: https://www.makilala.ca
- Address: 105 Church Street, Toronto, ON
- Open 7 days a week, lunch served Tuesday to Sunday
- Late-night menu + entertainment: evenings with DJs, comedy, and karaoke
A Name That Means Something: Makilala
The word Makilala translates to “to get to know,” and the restaurant lives up to the name. This space is about getting to know the culture, the food, and the stories that shape both.
“Chef Nuit has been cooking and learning from my entire family for the past 20 years, and we’re so excited to share her love for learning and cooking our traditional recipes with the community,” said Joel Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “She has also taken regional cooking classes and spent time exploring local markets and traditions to learn more about the cuisine and culture.”
Walk Through a Filipino Marketplace in Downtown Toronto
You’ll step through a curated front market showcasing Filipino vendors bringing handmade and locally sourced goods to the space. It’s a unique entry that sets the tone for what Makilala is all about: celebration, creativity, and community.
The main dining space is inspired by a traditional barangay, complete with a stage for performances and a sari-sari-style bar. A private dining room offers a more intimate, family-style setup with special off-menu feasts like whole roasted pig.
Basketball, Karaoke, and That Classic Filipino Warmth
Inside, the vibe is casual, vibrant, and deeply rooted in Filipino culture woth a basketball court painted floor. “Basketball is such a big part of growing up in the Philippines,” said Jeff Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “We wanted to channel that energy and sense of community into the space—from the court-style layout to the laid-back, open vibe.”
There’s also a karaoke stage, a lineup of DJs and comedy nights, and thoughtful design elements everywhere, from raindrop soundscapes in the bathrooms to nods to Filipino architecture throughout.
Filipino Food That Feels Like Home
The menu is a heartfelt tribute to traditional Filipino dishes—classics like chicken adobo, sinigang, taho, and silog breakfast plates. There’s also the kamayan-style feast, a hands-on, communal experience served on banana leaves.
“Everything I’ve learned about Filipino cooking has come from spending time with Jeff and Joel’s family,” said Chef Nuit Regular, co-owner and chef of Makilala. “This menu is built on the tradition and love of their family recipes. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share these dishes and the stories behind them.”
A Drink Menu That Goes Beyond the Usual
Expect a mix of tradition and flair when it comes to drinks. Makilala will serve Filipino staples like Red Horse, San Miguel, and Tanduay, plus house-made ube cocktails and signature mixes like the Taal Volcano, a dramatic, smoky drink that pays tribute to the famed Philippine volcano. They’re even launching their own light beer, Makilola, and have been named the official provider of Don Papa Rum.
If you’re craving authentic Filipino flavours served with heart and a side of community spirit, the new Makilala Filipino Restaurant in Toronto is set to become your new go-to spot. Keep an eye out for their opening this July; you won’t want to miss this celebration of food and culture. If you’re looking to enjoy more of Filipino culture in Toronto, Celebrate Filipino Culture at The 2025 Mabuhay Festival.
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