Toronto chefs Jeff and Nuit Regular are opening a Filipino restaurant called Makilala at 105 Church Street.
The new restaurant, which will move into the former home of Golden Thai, is a collaboration with Jeff’s brother Joel Regular, according to Streets of Toronto. Makilala is expected to open in August 2025. The restaurant is named after a municipality in the Philippines and a Tagalog word meaning to get to know. Makilala will feature a front market showcasing Filipino artists and vendors, a bar designed to resemble a traditional sari-sari store, and a basketball court painted on the dining room floor.
The main dining area will seat about 90 people at communal tables. There will also be a private dining room for up to 14 guests offering kamayan-style feasts, served family-style on banana leaves. The restaurant will host karaoke, DJs, and other entertainment on a stage at the back.
The menu will feature traditional Filipino dishes, including chicken adobo, sinigang, taho, and silog breakfast plates. Drinks will feature Red Horse and San Miguel beer, Tanduay and Don Papa rum, ube cocktails, and a house cocktail called the Taal Volcano. The team will also launch their own beer named Makilola.
Chef Nuit Regular has learned Filipino cooking for over 20 years from Jeff and Joel’s family. She has also taken regional cooking classes and spent time exploring Filipino markets and traditions. Joel Regular said the menu is based on family recipes and that Nuit’s knowledge and experience reflect their commitment to sharing Filipino cuisine with the community.
Jeff and Nuit Regular have established several well-known Thai restaurants in Toronto, including SukhoTHAI, renowned for its authentic Thai cuisine; Chaiyo Toronto, offering vibrant street food flavors; Tha Phae Tavern, a casual Thai bar featuring karaoke and games; and Kiin Restaurant, which serves contemporary Thai dishes. This will be the first time the duo ventures out from Thai food with a new Filipino restaurant.
Makilala will be open for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and late-night service from Tuesday through Sunday.
