
Blackbird Makati
An elegant art deco restaurant in a historic airport tower, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a fusion of European and Asian flavors.

Highlights
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Blackbird Makati

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant art deco restaurant in a historic airport tower, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a fusion of European and Asian flavors.
"Blackbird Makati: a timeless classic with a romantic ambiance and exquisite desserts."
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor seating or the upper floor for an intimate experience.
Try the Desserts
Don't miss their popular in-house desserts like HaloHalo Eton Mess and Baked Alaska.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
European, Asian
Price
$$$
Phone
+63 2 8828 4888
Address
6752 1229 Makati Ave, Makati City, 1229 Metro Manila, Philippines
Website
blackbird.com.ph/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Art Deco Ambiance
Dine in a beautifully restored former airport control tower, boasting a chic Art Deco interior perfect for special occasions.

Renowned Desserts
Indulge in exquisite in-house desserts like the HaloHalo Eton Mess Pavlova Mess and Baked Alaska.

Signature Steak and Pasta
Savor well-prepared dishes, including tender wagyu steaks and flavorful pasta dishes, often praised by diners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor seating or the upper floor for an intimate experience.
Try the Desserts
Don't miss their popular in-house desserts like HaloHalo Eton Mess and Baked Alaska.
Consider Al Fresco
Outdoor seating is available and can offer a different ambiance, though be mindful of weather conditions.
Ideal for Dates
The romantic ambiance makes it a perfect spot for date nights, anniversaries, and special celebrations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor seating or the upper floor for an intimate experience.
Try the Desserts
Don't miss their popular in-house desserts like HaloHalo Eton Mess and Baked Alaska.
Consider Al Fresco
Outdoor seating is available and can offer a different ambiance, though be mindful of weather conditions.
Ideal for Dates
The romantic ambiance makes it a perfect spot for date nights, anniversaries, and special celebrations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Blackbird Makati offers a sophisticated dining experience in a unique historic setting, praised for its elegant ambiance and delectable desserts. While many dishes, particularly steaks and pasta, receive accolades, some diners note inconsistencies in main course tenderness and seasoning, as well as a less-than-ideal table spacing.
"I had an incredible dining experience! The beetroot salad was amazing—fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. The beef short ribs were unbelievably tender and delicious. Every dish, from the crispy squash flowers to the tenderloin and steak frites, was top-notch. The service was excellent—attentive and friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back again for sure!"
Saeed Almarar
"We went here for a special occasion and here’s our experience.
The ambiance at this restaurant is one of its strongest points, dim lighting and cozy atmosphere, it sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner date or a quiet evening out. Plus, the place is easy to reach, just in front of peninsula.
The dining tables are placed quite close to one another, making the space feel a bit cramped, not ideal if you're looking for a more private or relaxed dining experience.
As for the food, the experience was mixed. The appetizers - lamb kofta and mushroom with panini were divine. Unfortunately, the mains - SR wagyu steak and pork chop didn’t follow through. Both meat dishes we tried were tough, lacked the tenderness you’d expect as well as its seasoning given their price point. But, the sides: fries and mashed potatoes were well seasoned. We raised it to their staff and they shared with us that they will work it out with their supplier. Overall the quality of the 2 main dish didn’t compensate its price.
The restaurant has its own parking, probably can fit around 6-8 cars. Paid parking is also available just beside the restaurant.
The restroom is spacious, has high ceiling, mirrored walls which gave a clean and modern feel."
Meryll Secreto
"I had a terrible experience here. From the moment we walked in, not a single server greeted us. Even the guards are unwelcoming. They seated us in an uncomfortably hot area, and when we asked to be moved, they claimed the table was reserved—even though there was no sign indicating that. Strangely, even by the time we left, no one had taken the supposedly reserved table.
The ambiance inside the restaurant is nice, but the outdoor seating is hot and full of mosquitoes. If you plan on dining here, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid being seated outside.
I understand if they’re used to serving wealthy guests, but as far as I know, we were paying the same menu prices. It’s disappointing to see servers acting as if they belong to the same elite crowd they serve. The food was good, but the portions were too small for the price.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this place. It’s overpriced, and the service leaves a lot to be desired."
Apple Demandante-Murillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Blackbird is located in the historic Nielson Tower, which was Manila's first commercial airport, offering a unique dining ambiance.
Yes, its romantic ambiance, sophisticated decor, and dim lighting make it an ideal spot for date nights and special occasions.
Diners often recommend the wagyu beef croquettes, spinach soufflé, wagyu hanger steak, and their unique ice cream flavors and desserts.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially if you wish to secure indoor seating or a spot on the upper floor.
While some dishes can be adapted, reviews suggest the menu could benefit from more dedicated vegetarian options.
The restaurant has an upscale ambiance, so smart casual attire is generally recommended.
Yes, there is an al fresco dining area available, though it's advised to consider the weather.
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A timeless classic restaurant in Makati, the former Nielson’s Tower repackaged its name as Blackbird at Nielson’s Tower to encourage parents — both young and old — to date with a bit of romantic wine and dine. Nestled behind the greenery of Ayala Triangle, the restaurant became a beloved spot for anniversary dinners, quiet and classy family birthdays, and even graduation celebrations because of its style and high-end recipes. The restaurant’s interior pays tribute to a classic design with French windows and wrought iron-black and white colors, making any commemorative photo of the meal and date vibrantly and vividly pop with color and life.
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Chef Colin McKay and team have transformed The Nielson Tower—originally the control tower and passenger station of the country's first commercial airport—into the restaurant known today as Blackbird. Going by an Art Deco motif, the restaurant conveys a feel that’s at once tranquil, yet stylish and sophisticated, with Prussian blue chairs and a bouquet of flowers adding a pop of color to the mostly monochromatic interiors. It’s a great date place no matter what the hour: during the day, there’s just enough natural light from the windows; come nighttime, the venue transforms into a low-lit space that’s perfect for a memorable date.
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For those seeking an upscale and refined dining experience, Blackbird at the historic Nielson Tower offers an exquisite fusion of elegance, history, and diverse culinary influences. Once serving as the control tower for Manila’s first commercial airport, the Nielson Tower has been carefully restored and transformed into one of the city’s most iconic and stylish dining destinations. The unique setting of Blackbird adds a touch of nostalgia and grandeur to any meal, making it an attractive option for both locals and visitors looking for a sophisticated culinary journey.
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Located at the Nielson Tower in Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is an elegant spot where you and your loved ones can indulge in good food. The restaurant was actually an old airport that was transformed into a swanky and sophisticated dining spot while retaining the art deco style. Because of its history, owner Chef Collin Mackay decided to make traveling the inspiration for the dishes as well, so you’ll find yourself eating your way from Asia to Europe with Blackbird’s vast array of dishes.
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The historic Nielson Tower (the first commercial airport in the PH) that became Blackbird offers a perspective and approach to service that focuses on the warmth of Filipino hospitality. The menu is a combination of classics and Asian cooking. It has been redeveloped, but it maintained the integrity of the original design, which you can see in each part of the restaurant: Grill Room, Cabin, Garden and Terrace, and Lounge and Bar.
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Inspired by the concept of Aviation, Blackbird is situated in a site where the first-ever commercial airport in the Philippines stood. There’s no idea your Valentine’s date idea won’t fly when you can spend the night at this romantic restaurant that elicits a classy yet welcoming ambiance. The interplay between art deco style and Aviation theme is also worth noticing.
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If it’s fancy you want, Blackbird at the historic Nielson Tower is the way to go. It’s an upscale contemporary European and Asian restaurant spearheaded by Scottish Chef Colin Mackay of Sala Bistro and Thai restaurant People’s Palace. The structure where Blackbird is located was once an air control tower of the Nielson Airport, which was inaugurated in July 1937.
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Chef Colin McKay’s Blackbird possesses an atmosphere that manages to suit business lunches, casual brunches, and romantic dinners. Housed at the historic Nielson Tower in Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is the quintessential date night destination in the metro. Cozy and intimate areas are planted around the tower, from the garden and terrace to the cabin upstairs.
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If there’s one thing Blackbird will keep you coming back for—besides their grill menu, that is—it’s the ambiance. The structure, which sits on Ayala Triangle across The Peninsula Manila, was once a pre-World War II aviation tower. These are the remnants of Nielson Airport, which pre-dated the Villamor Airbase when Makati was nothing but fields and farmlands.
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This is one of the more known restaurants in Makati despite being low-key. Historically praised for their steaks, intimate atmosphere, and stellar service, Blackbird is an ideal venue for dates. Dine with a loved one and experience high-end flavors – even discover stories about the former airport tower turned restaurant.
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Blackbird is situated in the historic Neilson tower—originally a commercial airport, then the Manila Heritage Library. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most popular outdoor dining places, conserving the original art deco design. Their diverse menus are constantly changing.
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Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience?. Look no further than Blackbird at the Nielson Tower. Encounter different cultures without ever leaving the city and enjoy a unique dining experience in their eclectic menus and taste flavors from all over the world.
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It may be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for the romantic gesture, effort, and ambience. It’s in the middle of the Makati Business District, and a hop, skip, and a jump from Greenbelt Mall. It may be convenient if you plan to catch a whole last show or a nightcap with your date.
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The only restaurant to make it to Monocle’s 2019 list of the world’s 50 best restaurants, Blackbird has impeccable food and elegant interiors. But even before the list came out, it has already established itself as one of Manila’s best – in terms of food and in terms of ambiance
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Chic-casual is a great way to describe Blackbird, one of Manila’s most romantic restaurants. Infused with aviation themes and decor, Blackbird is the kind of place you’d go for a special date. It’s casual enough to help you relax but not so luxurious that it’s over the top.
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As one of the top restaurants with outdoor seating, Blackbird reopens to cater to dine-in customers during GCQ. From small plates to main dishes and desserts, they will not disappoint you with their newly updated menu fit for those who miss dining out.
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Image adapted from: Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, Blackbird at the Nielson Tower via Facebook. Blackbird in Makati has gotten a lot of buzz since it opened. Not only because of the creative dishes, but also because of its location.
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Location: Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati Ave., Makati. Type: Alfresco Dining, Grill, Contemporary Asian Cooking. Blackbird brings you a one-of-a-kind dining experience for you and your date.
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BlackBird Makati is a grand place nestled in Ayala Triangle. It is sought after for its world-class menu that can be enjoyed in a retro, glam styled interior reminiscent of old Manila.
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Another must-try restaurant is the Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, which serves modern European cuisine with elegant art deco architectural style. Image credit: salcedomarket
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Opened the year with a dinner in Blackbird. It is commonly categorized a date night spot with its romantic and elegant setting. The aviation theme is...
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit