Ayala Triangle: Makati's Premier Urban Oasis and Culinary Hub

Nestled at the intersection of Makati Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Ayala Avenue, Ayala Triangle stands as a vibrant urban oasis in the heart of Metro Manila's business district. This 2-hectare landscaped park seamlessly blends nature with urban sophistication, offering world-class dining at award-winning restaurants like Helm, a curated selection of shops and boutiques at The Shops Ayala Triangle, and a newly revamped playground that's becoming the go-to destination for families. Whether you're a food enthusiast hunting for the Philippines' only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, a professional seeking a green respite during lunch breaks, or a family looking for quality outdoor recreation, Ayala Triangle delivers a uniquely Makati experience.

Ayala Triangle Gardens with lush greenery and modern architecture in Makati

An Urban Oasis in the Business District

Ayala Triangle emerged from what was once a forgotten green space between Manila's busiest business corridors. Today, this carefully curated 2-hectare park serves as a refuge from the surrounding commercial energy while remaining intimately connected to the pulse of Makati's Central Business District. Open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, the park welcomes office workers, residents, tourists, and families seeking moments of tranquility or quality time together.

The park's strategic location makes it highly accessible from any point in Makati. The Paseo-Villar underpass connects it to surrounding business towers, reducing the disconnect between the park and the district's commercial centers. This accessibility has transformed Ayala Triangle from a hidden corner into a vibrant neighborhood hub.

Award-Winning Dining: Helm and Beyond

Ayala Triangle has cemented its status as a world-class dining destination with the arrival of Helm by Chef Josh Boutwood, which received the Philippines' first and only two Michelin stars at the inaugural 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony for Manila and Environs. This intimate 24-seat restaurant on Tower 2's third floor represents a pinnacle of fine dining that rivals establishments in major international cities.

Chef Josh Boutwood's half-British, half-Filipino heritage with Spanish influences manifests in a refined tasting menu experience. The restaurant offers two options: an eight-course and a 12-course seasonal menu, both built around locally-sourced ingredients that shift with the Philippines' micro seasons. The menus, which rotate every four months, take on playful themes--from street food to cinema--while maintaining the precision and sophistication that earned Helm its prestigious distinction. Reservations are recommended at (+63 (915) 909 8647 or helm@bistro.com.ph, and the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Helm by Chef Josh Boutwood represents a pinnacle of fine dining that rivals establishments in major international cities, bringing the Philippines its first and only two-Michelin-starred restaurant experience.

Contemporary Filipino Dining at Offbeat Bistro

For those seeking contemporary Filipino cuisine with nostalgic charm, Offbeat Bistro delivers modern retro Filipino fare in a warm, approachable setting. Co-founded by chefs Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano, Offbeat spotlights obscure, forgotten, or hard-to-find Filipino dishes from the 1960s through 1990s. The restaurant transforms classic recipes into refined presentations without losing their soul--think nostalgic comfort food elevated to restaurant quality.

Open Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM, Offbeat Bistro has quickly become a gathering place for Filipinos and international visitors alike who want to reconnect with culinary traditions. The restaurant's concept celebrates the depth of Filipino cuisine beyond the typical tourist offerings, presenting dishes that many Manilenyos haven't encountered in years.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Beyond Helm and Offbeat, Ayala Triangle hosts an impressive collection of restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. Quality Filipino dining comes via Manam, celebrating the breadth of Philippine regional cuisine with expertly prepared traditional dishes. Kazu Cafe brings refined Japanese-Filipino fusion to the space, while Blackbird delivers sophisticated contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting. These establishments represent the neighborhood's commitment to quality dining across diverse culinary traditions.

Kanin Club celebrates Filipino cuisine in a beautifully designed space with authentic Filipino interior design, local paintings, and art that creates a homey atmosphere. The menu showcases classics like Crispy Liempo, Seafood Kare-Kare, Crispy Pork Binagoongan, Crispy Pata, Adobo, and traditional regional dishes that demonstrate the breadth of Filipino gastronomy.

International options round out the dining scene with Nanyang offering authentic Singaporean comfort food (famous for Kaya Toast and Laksa), and Rumba serving Mediterranean tapas, ensaladas, pastas, and risottos. Banapple provides bakery favorites, while The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf serves reliable coffee and light meals for working professionals.

Family-Friendly Entertainment and Play

Ayala Triangle's newly revamped playground has transformed the park into a premier family destination within Makati. Officially opened by Makati City in early 2025, the play area features thoughtfully designed equipment suitable for children ages 2 to 12, requiring adult supervision. The playground includes two slides of varying heights, a small jungle gym with attached swing, a crouch-down tunnel for exploring, and a mini-obstacle course that encourages active play.

Beyond structured equipment, the play area incorporates interactive elements like hopscotch pads and additional animal-themed activations that encourage imaginative play. Parents appreciate the park's open layout, which allows for supervision while children play safely. The surrounding green spaces provide shaded areas for parents to relax while watching their children, making it an ideal destination for weekend family outings.

Shopping at The Shops Ayala Triangle

The Shops Ayala Triangle, which opened in June 2022, has become a premier shopping destination seamlessly integrated with the park's natural environment. This mixed-use development features high-end retailers, boutiques, and a curated selection of dining options that extend beyond the park's traditional restaurant row. The mall's design prioritizes outdoor elements, creating a shopping experience that feels open and connected to nature rather than enclosed and isolating.

The shopping center offers local and imported goods, food and beverage options, household necessities, and technology products. The mall's architecture and landscaping complement the park's aesthetic, creating a unified environment where shopping, dining, and relaxation blend together naturally. Operating hours are 10 AM-9 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 10 AM-10 PM Friday and Saturday.

Ayala Triangle Gardens is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Shops Ayala Triangle operates 10 AM-9 PM Sunday-Thursday and 10 AM-10 PM Friday-Saturday.
Helm accepts reservations via phone at (+63 915) 909 8647 or email at helm@bistro.com.ph. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday. Advance reservations are highly recommended given the limited 24-seat capacity.
The Ayala Triangle playground is designed for children ages 2 to 12 and requires adult supervision at all times. The equipment includes slides, jungle gym, tunnel, and obstacle course.
Dining options span world cuisines: Filipino (Kanin Club, Offbeat Bistro), Italian (Amici), Singaporean (Nanyang), Mediterranean (Rumba), coffee (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Banapple), and fine dining (Helm). Most restaurants are open for both lunch and dinner.
Ayala Triangle is accessible via taxi and ride-sharing services. The area is well-connected through the Paseo-Villar underpass. Parking is available at nearby office buildings and commercial centers.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at the intersection of Makati Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Ayala Avenue, Ayala Triangle occupies a prime location in Makati's Central Business District. This central position puts it within walking distance of numerous office buildings, residential towers, and commercial establishments, making it easily accessible from any corner of Makati.

For visitors arriving by private vehicle, the Paseo-Villar underpass provides direct access and connects to parking facilities in surrounding buildings. Public transportation options include taxis and ride-sharing services, which operate throughout the area. The district's walkability means that once you arrive at Ayala Triangle, most destinations within the neighborhood are easily accessible on foot.

Seasonal Updates and Ongoing Development

Ayala Triangle continues to evolve as a destination. Recent upgrades completed in 2025 include enhanced greenery throughout the park, improved walkways, and the newly renovated playground area. These improvements reflect a commitment to maintaining Ayala Triangle as one of Makati's premier urban spaces.

Several new restaurants are slated to open or recently opened at Ayala Triangle, including Margarita, Chef Margarita Forés' two-story restaurant expected in Q3 2025, and Pizza Studio Tamaki featuring Neapolitan-style pizzas. These additions further reinforce Ayala Triangle's position as a culinary destination and suggest the neighborhood's continued growth and investment.

Why Visit Ayala Triangle

Ayala Triangle represents a rare achievement in dense urban environments--a carefully curated space that successfully balances nature, commerce, dining, and community. Whether you're a culinary adventurer seeking Helm's Michelin-starred experience, a professional needing a peaceful lunch spot surrounded by greenery, a family looking for quality outdoor time with children, or a shopper exploring local and international retailers, Ayala Triangle delivers a multifaceted experience.

The neighborhood has transcended its origins as a hidden green space to become a destination in its own right. The concentration of award-winning and quality restaurants, the thoughtfully designed park with its new family amenities, the integrated shopping experience at The Shops, and the central location within Makati make Ayala Triangle essential for anyone exploring Metro Manila. This is where culinary excellence meets urban sophistication, where families gather on weekends, and where Makati's most distinctive neighborhood atmosphere thrives.