Offbeat, but deeply rooted

At this new Makati spot, familiar flavors— from pesang baboy to patis caramel—take on inventive, irresistible forms

- FELICIANO RODRIGUEZ III

In a city saturated with themed dining concepts and fleeting food trends, Offbeat Bistro stands out—not by being loud, but by striking a quiet, confident chord.

Located on the second floor of The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, Offbeat is a love letter to Filipino flavors, filtered through memory, art, and the camaraderie of long weekends. Its roots are deeply personal: What began as a casual Sunday ritual among friends Don Baldosano and Angelo Comsti has turned into a full-fledged restaurant concept. The two would gather with friends in Baldosano's backyard—eating, drinking, and swapping stories. Those weekends became the foundation of what Offbeat is now—a public invitation to something once intimate.

But don't mistake Offbeat for just another nostalgia-driven spot. Yes, it leans into memory, but it does so with creativity and a genuine respect for craft. Here, tradition is both honored and toyed with—never carelessly.

The moment you enter, it's clear that Offbeat isn't aiming to be just another pretty backdrop for social media. The interiors are bold yet thoughtful. Inspired by taka, the folk art of paper-maché from Paete, Laguna, the space bursts with vibrant reds and playful references to Filipino domestic life—wooden utensils line the shelves, and a sculptural wave wall reflects and softens sound.