We all have heard it – Filipinos are known as the most hospitable people in the world. The latest feat of Makati-based restaurant Toyo Eatery as the recipient of the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2025 serves as proof of this reality.
As part of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, the award was voted on by over 350 culinary experts, honoring establishments that provide outstanding hospitality experiences.
It came ahead of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Ceremony to be held on March 25 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, South Korea.
In their social media post, Toyo Eatery said the award serves as a reminder of their deep connection to their customers stating, “It’s a reflection of the warmth and care that define Filipino hospitality…This win isn’t just ours. It’s for every Filipino who has shown that hospitality is not just an act, but a way of being.”
Founded in 2016 by husband-wife duo Chef Jordy and May Navarra, Toyo Eatery has become known for its heartfelt approach to Filipino cuisine and hospitality. Their team, Barangay Toyo, reflects the warmth and sincerity of Filipino culture, creating an experience that feels like dining in a Filipino home.
“To dine at Toyo Eatery is to feel at home. It feels like home because the people make it feel like a home,” Chef Jordy said on 50 Best Restaurants TV. “I want to thank the team. The team has been amazing. They’ve been pushing everyday.”
For May Navarra, the award is a validation of the distinct Filipino style of hospitality, which is often more relaxed yet deeply personal. “Showcasing the best that our country has to offer is part of how we approach hospitality.”
William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, praised Toyo Eatery for its immersive take on Filipino dining, from tasting menus to kamayan-style meals served on banana leaves.
The restaurant also champions locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, working closely with Filipino farmers and artisans.
Toyo Eatery first gained international attention in 2018, winning the One to Watch Award, and has since become a regular on the list.
It has held the title “The Best Restaurant in the Philippines” for five consecutive years and won the Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2023, securing the No. 24 spot on last year’s list.
With another global accolade to its name, Toyo Eatery continues to elevate Filipino gastronomy and hospitality on the world stage. This achievement is not just a win for the restaurant but for the entire country, proving once again that Filipino talent, culture, and hospitality can shine on the international stage.
This serves as an inspiration for Filipinos everywhere, showing that our unique traditions and values have a place among the best in the world.
