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Following a series of successful Thai-inspired restaurant openings, the idea for Makilala emerged from Chef Nuit’s desire to explore Jeff’s Filipino heritage more deeply. “Chef Nuit has been cooking and learning from my entire family for the past 20 years, and we’re so excited to share her love for learning and cooking our traditional recipes with the community,” said Joel Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “She has also taken regional cooking classes and spent time exploring local markets and traditions to learn more about the cuisine and culture.” The word Makilala means “to get to know,” and that spirit of openness and connection will define everything about the space.
Guests will enter through a curated front market filled with rotating Filipino artists and vendors offering handmade and locally sourced products. The main dining room will feature a design that is emblematic of a traditional barangay, featuring a large stage at the back. The bar has been designed to resemble a sari-sari store, named after Jeff and Joel’s parents, Nonoy and Myrna, which adds a nostalgic and personal touch to the space. At the back, a private dining room will offer family-style service for up to 14 guests, featuring off-menu feasts like whole roasted pig and chef-driven surprises.
Inside, long communal tables will set the stage for shared meals and lively conversations in the barangay-inspired space, complete with a painted basketball court on the floor, a nod to the sport's deep roots in everyday Filipino life. “Basketball is such a big part of growing up in the Philippines,” said Jeff Regular, co-owner of Makilala. “We wanted to channel that energy and sense of community into the space—from the court-style layout to the laid-back, open vibe.”
Makilala will serve a curated menu of traditional Filipino family recipes like chicken adobo, sinigang, taho, and breakfast silog plates, along with a special order kamayan-style menu—a communal feast served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. “Everything I’ve learned about Filipino cooking has come from spending time with Jeff and Joel’s family,” said Chef Nuit Regular, co-owner and chef of Makilala. “This menu is built on the tradition and love of their family recipes. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share these dishes and the stories behind them.”
The beverage menu will feature a mix of tradition and fun invention. Filipino staples like Red Horse, San Miguel, Tanduay, and ube cocktails will be served alongside signature creations like the Taal Volcano, a smoky nod to the Philippines. The team is also launching its own light beer called Makilola, and will be the official provider of Don Papa Rum.
Makilala will be open seven days a week, with lunch served Tuesday through Sunday, and a late-night menu that will carry the energy into the evening with DJs, stand-up comedy, and a dedicated karaoke stage. From traditional Filipino inspired décor and raindrop soundscapes in the bathrooms to a sari-sari style bar and rotating Filipino vendors in the front market, every detail is designed to honour the culture and community that inspired it.
For more information, visit www.makilala.ca.
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Connect with Makilala
Website: www.makilala.ca
Instagram: @makilala.ca
About Makilala
Makilala is a Filipino restaurant and cultural gathering space located at 105 Church Street in downtown Toronto. Founded by Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, and Jeff’s brother Joel Regular, Makilala draws inspiration from the spirit of the barangay, a traditional Filipino community where food, stories, and hospitality are shared openly. The restaurant will offer a fresh and contemporary approach to Filipino cuisine, rooted in heritage and shaped by a deep connection to family, community, and cultural pride. Open seven days a week, Makilala will serve lunch Tuesday through Sunday, dinner, weekend brunch, and late-night offerings in an inviting, communal setting. For more information, please visit www.makilala.ca.
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