Featuring chef/co-owner Charles Montanez, Tatler Best Rising Star • Restaurant 2026

At Liyab, Charles Montañez builds nearly every dish around live fire—grilling, smoking, roasting and stewing in full view of the room. The approach is ingredient-driven and patient, treating time itself as part of the technique and letting dishes take as long as they need to develop full flavour. Intimate tableside preparations carry the craft further, and the tasting menu changes often, shaped by Montañez’s own memories and instincts. He’s also executive chef of Mexican favourite Mamacita, and is preparing two new concepts for December 2026: Onta, an intimate tasting menu concept in a Makati penthouse, and Wild Child, a steakhouse and charcoal club.