Have you eaten yet, fellow foodies? Buckle up, because we’re heading straight into a gastronomic adventure right in the heart of Makati City. Welcome to Metronome, the fine-dining spot that has quietly (and deliciously) redefined what French cuisine means to Manila’s discerning palate. Located at The Grand Midori Makati, Metronome marries the sophistication of Parisian flavors with a distinctly warm Filipino welcome.
And in the name of culinary diplomacy, I decided to whisk my French partner to this celebrated French restaurant—because honestly, after weeks of dragging him through my Filipino comfort food tour (sorry, babe), it was time to give him a taste of “home.” The question was: would Metronome live up to his exacting, born-and-raised-in-France standards? Or would I have to endure another passionate French rant about “authenticity”?
Spoiler alert: he left with a satisfied grin, and I left with enough notes to write this love letter of a review.
So today, we’ll explore every nook of the Metronome experience—its ambiance, food, service, and pricing. I’ll share my personal recommendations for the best items to order at Metronome, give you pro tips for your first visit, guide you through its location and parking situation, and wrap it all up with my final verdict (based on solid metrics, not just my taste buds).
Ambiance at Metronome, Makati
Walking into Metronome feels like stepping into a Parisian daydream—but one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The interiors strike that elusive balance between sophistication and approachability. This is not the kind of fine dining that makes you sit stiffly and whisper; it’s the kind that invites you to relax, laugh, and savor the moment.
The palette leans toward warm neutrals accented with pops of color—subtle golds, soft grays, and deep jewel tones. Eclectic art pieces dot the walls, offering just enough visual intrigue without overwhelming the senses. The lighting is dim but not gloomy, the perfect backdrop for a romantic date or a long-overdue catch-up with friends.
What I appreciate most is how Metronome has avoided the trap of being “Instagrammable but uncomfortable.” Here, the chairs are actually comfortable, the tables are spaced generously, and there’s an unspoken permission to linger over dessert without feeling rushed. In other words: you can take your photos, but you can also genuinely enjoy your meal.
Food at Metronome, Makati
Now we get to the main event: the food. The menu at Metronome reads like a curated anthology of French classics, reimagined through the lens of creative culinary artistry. Chef Miko Calo and her team have managed to honor tradition while adding playful, modern touches that make each dish feel fresh and exciting.
We opted for the à la carte dinner menu, partly to mix and match according to mood, and partly to test how Metronome handled individual dishes rather than the flow of a set tasting menu. Here’s what stood out:
Foie-Gras-Parfait: A meticulously crafted dish featuring a pate brisee tartlet, complemented by the richness of foie gras. Tamarind and roasted hazelnuts add layers of flavor, creating a well-balanced and sophisticated palate.
Foie Gras: Indulge in the exquisite Foie Gras dish, showcasing pan-seared foie gras accompanied by apricot puree and kabayawa. This creation strikes a balance between decadence and subtle sweetness, appealing to those with a taste for sophisticated flavors.
Lobster Spaghettinni: A culinary masterpiece, the Lobster Spaghettinni showcases butter-poached Maine lobster atop a bed of delicate spaghettini. Accented with salmon roe and prawn beurre monte, this dish combines luxurious ingredients for a harmonious and indulgent dining experience.
Lobster: Presents steamed live marine lobster accompanied by a flavorful ensemble of rouille, calamansi, rice wine sauce, and coraline. This creation promises a fusion of marine flavors, offering a delightful exploration for seafood enthusiasts.
Pork Belly Confit: Featuring cerdo de castana presa, the Pork Belly Confit is a symphony of flavors. Sage, brown butter, endive, garlic-anchovy vinaigrette, and pork jus converge to elevate this dish, providing a savory and well-rounded gastronomic experience.
Halibut: A meticulously crafted ensemble featuring butter-roasted halibut as the star ingredient. Accompanied by onion confit, guanciale, and a flavorful onion broth, this creation promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, offering a well-rounded and sophisticated culinary experience.
L’Ultimate: A dessert extravaganza featuring Michel Cluizel La Laguna 70% dark chocolate ganache, mousse, hazelnut dacquoise, and salted caramel cream. The amalgamation of textures and flavors creates a dessert symphony that caters to the discerning palate.
Strawberry: Unfolds as a ciflorette strawberry timbale, accompanied by strawberry consomme and whipped Isigny Sainte-Mere fromage blanc. This creation promises a refreshing and vibrant exploration of strawberry flavors.
Pavlova: A delightful meringue cake, the Pavlova is a confection characterized by whipped egg whites and sugar. Its perfect balance of a light, crisp exterior and a slightly chewy, airy marshmallow-like interior makes it a textural delight for dessert enthusiasts.
Service at Metronome, Makati
At Metronome, the service is the quiet hero of the dining experience. The staff is warm and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. Our server knew the menu inside and out, offered thoughtful wine pairings, and answered my partner’s very French culinary questions with ease and confidence.
What stood out most was the pacing—dishes arrived at a comfortable rhythm, and our wine glasses were refilled with impeccable timing. Small touches, like discreetly replacing cutlery between courses, elevated the experience.
Price
Let’s be real—Metronome is not where you go for a casual Tuesday night dinner unless your budget is in the “blessed and unbothered” category. But for the quality of ingredients, the skill in execution, and the overall experience, the pricing is fair.
Expect to spend a bit more for the à la carte dinner, especially if you’re indulging in seafood and premium meats. Lunch options and certain lighter dishes offer more accessible entry points without sacrificing quality.
Think of it as an investment in culinary pleasure—you’re paying for craftsmanship, ambiance, and service, not just calories.
Best Items to Order at Metronome
If you’re visiting for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by the menu, start here:
- Foie-Gras Parfait – for that indulgent yet balanced bite.
- Lobster Spaghettini – a pasta experience worth every peso.
- Pork Belly Confit – rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
- Halibut – light yet flavorful, perfect for seafood lovers.
- L’Ultimate – a chocolate dessert that will ruin you for all others.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Reserve ahead – Metronome fills up quickly, especially for dinner service.
- Dress smart-casual – no need for black-tie, but a little effort suits the ambiance.
- Ask about wine pairing – the staff’s recommendations are spot-on.
- Leave room for dessert – skipping it would be a rookie mistake.
- Time your visit – weekday lunches tend to be quieter if you want a more intimate experience.
Location, Accessibility, and Parking
Metronome is located at The Grand Midori Makati along Legazpi Street, making it accessible to both Makati locals and visitors from surrounding cities.
- By car: Secure parking is available within The Grand Midori complex.
- By public transport: A short walk from major jeepney and bus routes, and a reasonable distance from the Ayala MRT station.
- Ridesharing: Drop-off is straightforward, with no awkward street crossings.
Final Verdict
Based on ambiance, food, service, and price—each scoring 4.5/5—Metronome earns a solid place in Makati’s fine-dining hall of fame. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels special without being intimidating, where each dish tells a story and every detail feels intentional.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, treating yourself after a big win, or (like me) trying to impress someone with impeccable taste in French cuisine, Metronome delivers.
Final Rating Breakdown
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
| Food | 4.5/5 |
| Service | 4.5/5 |
| Price | 4.5/5 |
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
Summary
Metronome at The Grand Midori Makati is a masterclass in modern French dining—sophisticated yet accessible, elegant yet warm. With a menu that balances tradition and innovation, service that feels personal, and an ambiance that invites you to linger, it’s worth every peso you’ll spend.
Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to let Metronome set the rhythm for an unforgettable meal.
Rating
METRONOME
CUISINE: European, French
ADDRESS: The Grand Midori Makati, 106 Bolanos Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
HOURS: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00PM – 11:00 PM (Tuesday – Saturday)
CONTACT NO.: 09171473776
FB PAGE: Metronome
MODE OF PAYMENT: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard)
LANGUAGE: Filipino, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Lunch, Dinner)
BUDGET: 2,000 PHP to 7,000 PHP (good for two or three persons)
OTHERS: Reservations, Parking Available (hotel/street parking), Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi
DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.
