(SPOT.ph) For many Makati residents, Power Plant Mall has become a go-to spot for retail therapy. Though smaller than the bigger shopping complexes in the city, Power Plant has almost everything, from trendy fashion brands and shops to restaurants of every cuisine. Power Plant Mall recently underwent a renovation and added a new wing, which means that aside from your original favorites, there are lots of new dining destinations to check out, too. Here’s a handy guide to the best ones.
Check out these Rockwell restaurants:
Mamou Too!
For indulgent, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, you can count on Mamou Too!. Even those new to Mamou know that the Angus Ribeye USDA Prime Grade Steak (P1,990/single, P3,590/twin) is a must-order; the steak is served sliced and on a tilted plate so that all the savory juices run down and coat the beef, keeping it tender and flavorful. Pair your rib-eye with Lorenzo's Truffle Cream (P395), considered one of the first and best truffle cream-based pasta dishes around. Though it looks deceptively simple, this plate has the perfect balance of rich cream and decadent truffle down pat, without making the dish too cloying or overpowering. Call in advance, and you can feast on fresh Maine Lobsters (P2,900/below one and 3/4 lbs, P3,500/one and 3/4 lbs and above), too.
Mamou Too! is at Level R1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao Bar
Xiao long bao fans are in for a treat at Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao Bar, the first in the world for the Taiwanese chain. At the beautifully designed restaurant, both Din Tai Fung regulars and newcomers can sample xiao long bao flavors they won’t be able to find at other branches, like the Uni and Pork Xiaolongbao (P345/five pieces, P685/10 pieces), which blends velvety uni with the classic pork broth. Pair your dim sum with the Jasmine and Rose Milk Tea (P130), their unique take on the classic Taiwanese beverage.
Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao Bar is at Level R1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Corner Tree Café
After almost ten years, Corner Tree Café finally opened a second branch at Power Plant Mall. The café focuses solely on vegetarian fare, but with their extensive menu that spans hearty and tasty Asian, Middle Eastern, African, American, and European vegetarian dishes, even the most stubborn meat-eater is spoiled for choice. The Baked Tofu Walnut Burger (P345) comes highly recommended by regulars—the hefty tofu-walnut patty which comes either between whole wheat buns or on top of organic red rice is so juicy and flavorful, beef would be the last thing on your mind. They also plan to introduce snacks for moviegoers soon.
Corner Tree Café is at 3/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Milky Way Café
With an almost 60-year history, Milky Way Café is easily one of Makati’s beloved institutions and a reliable option for hearty Kapampangan meals. Today, the eatery still serves the same recipes from 1962, like the Milky Way Kare Kare (P625) with tender U.S. oxtail in a rich and nutty sauce. No MilkyWay visit is also complete without having their Milky Way Halo-Halo (P175), a tall sweet glass that’s one-third housemade ice cream, one-third ice and milk, and one-third sangkap—a mix that consistently tops our top 10 halo-halo lists.
Milky Way Café is at  Level P1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Roti Shop
This vibrant, hawker center-inspired restaurant makes some of the best roti in Manila. Even on its own, Roti Shop’s roti is perfectly flaky and has a strong, buttery flavor that makes it highly addictive. Pair your flatbread with chicken curry, the aromatic spiciness of the latter pairing well with the rich butteriness of the former. Aside from roti, Roti Shop also offers other Singaporean and Malaysian dishes like the Hainanese Roasted Chicken Rice (P495), which has the familiar gingery flavor profile of a classic Hainanese chicken, but with an extra layer of smokiness and crispness from being roasted.
Roti Shop is at Level P1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Wooden Spoon
For homecooked Filipino meals, you can rely on Wooden Spoon. Their location at Power Plant Mall, a familiar joint for regular mallgoers, has the coziness of a Pinoy house, the perfect match to their menu of comfort food the way your mama or lola would make it—though with a few twists here and there. The Crab Pancit (P195), fried vermicelli noodles topped with a decadent egg-and-crab mixture, is a must-order, as well as their Dinakdak na Lechon (P265), which combines dinakdakan and lechon kawali for a truly sinful dish.
Wooden Spoon is at LG/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Shawa Wama
With their ultra-saturated color scheme, it’s hard not to be drawn towards Shawa Wama. And with The Moment Group behind this takeout-forward Mediterranean concept, you know you’re only getting the good stuff. If you’re in a rush and need a quick, to-go meal, get any of their Pita Pockets (P165 to P245), with pillow-soft pita that comes stuffed with your choice of protein (we recommend the peppery Beef) and pickled cabbage and onions. For those in the mood for something heavier, get their generous Over Rice (P190 to P325) platters—the Primo Beef is a treat, with melt-in-your-mouth succulent beef paired with flavorful yellow Basmati rice and pickled vegetables. Don’t forget to top off your meal with any of their housemade sauces: Hot Chili, Mild Chili, White Garlic, and Lemon Garlic.
Shawa Wama is at Level P1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Elbert’s Sandwich Shop
After several moves and name changes, Elbert’s Sandwich Shop returns to its first home at Power Plant Mall. They’ve pared down their menu but their cheesesteaks are still amazingly delicious: The Cheddar Cheesesteak (P410/classic, P320/hoagie or five-inch roll with lettuce and tomato) features a white-bread roll buttered liberally and stuffed with a savory mix of tender roast beef strips and grilled onions. They also carry other sandwiches, like the Tuna Melt, stuffed with yellowfin tuna from General Santos City and your choice between Cheddar (P250) or Provolone (P280), and a mean House Burger (P250) with a messily juicy beef patty.
Elbert’s Sandwich Shop is at Level R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
The Café Mediterranean
While we luckily have lots of options now when it comes to Mediterranean food, The Café Mediterranean (fondly nicknamed by regulars as Café Med) was one of the first to offer the cuisine when they opened in the mid ‘90s. Today, they continue to be a reliable pick for your gyro and kebab cravings, plus lots more from their extensive menu. For starters, have their Lentil Soup (P170/cup, P320/bowl), then follow it up with a hefty and flavorful Kofta Burger (P325) with a patty that’s a mix of beef and lamb, or any of their Gyro Pizzas (P465 to P595).
The Café Mediterranean is at LG/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
The Grid
Power Plant’s resident food hall boasts a sleek, uniformly minimalist aesthetic amongst all its food stalls, which puts the focus on the food. And rightfully so: The Grid houses concepts by some of Manila up-and-coming chefs, and a few weekend-market favorites, too. Don’t know where to start? La Chinesca, Chef Bruce Ricketts’ crowd-favorite taqueria in the South of the Metro has an outpost here. Bun Appetit also continues to make waves with their indulgent Lobster Buns (P695), or buttery buns stuffed to the brim with sweet, tender lobster chunks—a sandwich worth every buck you pay for it. Finish your meal with sweets and pastries from The Workshop—their 17-Layer Chocolate and Salted Caramel Cake is a scene-stealer.
The Grid is at Level R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
