Last Call: 5 Rare And Epic Summer Pop-Ups You Need To Try Before They're Gone

As summer heats up, so does the culinary scene. From exclusive tasting menus to boundary-pushing collaborations, these limited-time pop-up events are the talk of the town. Here’s your guide to the must-visit dining experiences before they vanish like a perfect sunset.

RITWAL: An Omakase Journey with Chef Frances Tariga

When: May 22 to July 18, 2025 | Thursdays and Fridays 

Where: Incanta, 70 Scout Limbaga, Tomas Morato

Why you can’t miss it:  At Incanta, “omakase” means surrendering to the genius of award-winning Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana NYC. Her 12-course Filipino-Japanese tasting menu, RITWAL, is a sensory pilgrimage blending fire, spirit, and flavor. Drawing from a sold-out preview in January, this pop-up fuses Filipino soul with Japanese precision, creating dishes that linger long after the final bite. With only a handful of seats per night, this is the summer’s most exclusive table.

Pro tip: Call (0939) 274-2342 for early access reservations before public slots open.

A Taste of Korea at The Admiral Hotel | Photo: The Admiral Hotel

The Admiral’s Travels: A Culinary Voyage to South Korea

When: From now until May 30, 2025 

Where: Admiral Club Manila Bay, Admiral Hotel Manila 

Why you can’t miss it: Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery’s signature culinary series, The Admiral’s Travels, brings the vibrant flavors of South Korea to their main dining restaurant, Admiral Club Manila Bay. Curated by Chef Lily Min, a Korean cuisine specialist and Korean Cultural Center instructor, this pop-up features authentic Korean home-style dishes like those from her acclaimed cookbooks. Available for lunch and dinner buffets, the menu celebrates Korean heritage with heirloom recipes, crafted alongside Admiral Hotel’s Executive Chef Mok Chee Wah. Set against Manila Bay’s iconic sunset, this is a feast for both palate and soul. 

Pro tip: Book a table at (0917) 829-8434 using code KOREA, or visit admiralhotelmanila.com for details.

Culinary Showcase at The Westin | Photo: The Westin Manila

Culinary Showcase at The Westin Manila

When: May 19, 2025 | 7 PM 

Where: Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Manila 

Price: P3,300 nett per person 

Why you can’t miss it: This seven-course degustation dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey across continents, crafted by rising stars in the Westin’s Mentor-Mentee Program. Expect bold flavors and impeccable presentation, all for a good cause: proceeds benefit Save the Children Philippines. The menu, a global tapestry of dishes, reflects the interns’ intensive training in everything from menu development to guest engagement. 

Pro tip: Reserve your table and explore the menu at qrco.de/CulinaryShowcase to ensure you don’t miss this heartfelt dining experience.

The Adobros at Lobby 385 | Photo: Lobby 385

Lobby 385 x Adobros: Filipino Flair, Reimagined

When: May 21, 2025 | One Night Only 

Where: Lobby 385 

Price: P5,000+ (Early Bird until May 16) | P6,500+ (Regular) 

Why you can’t miss it: Chef Kalel Chan joins forces with The Adobros’ dynamic duo, Chefs Michael Pastrana and Morris Danzen Catanghal, for an eight-course tasting menu with wine pairings. This isn’t your lola’s adobo—this is Filipino cuisine remixed with global influences and avant-garde creativity. Think heritage ingredients spun into dishes that surprise and delight. With limited seats, this is the reservation to snag. 

Pro tip: Text or message (0917) 169-5338 via SMS, Viber, or WhatsApp to lock in your early bird rate.

MITSUTE: The Three Artisans

When: May 23 to 24, 2025 

Why you can’t miss it: The masterminds behind Mendokoro Ramenba, Ramen Marudori, Ramen Yushoken, Kazunori Japanese Restaurant, and Kazu Cafe unite for a Six Hands Collaboration Dinner. Dubbed MITSUTE: The Three Artisans, this two-night event promises a symphony of Japanese-inspired dishes that blend tradition with innovation. Expect umami-packed plates and a vibe that’s as electric as the flavors. 

Pro tip: Slots are limited—book now by calling (0917) 634-7413.

Mat Nam: The Culinary Class Wars Chefs at The Balmori Suites

When: From now through June 1, 2025 

Where: The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table, Rockwell, Makati 

Price: P450 to P950 per dish (à la carte) 

Why you can’t miss it: Mat Nam, meaning “where the flavor meets,” brings the heat of Netflix’s Culinary Class Warsto Manila’s dining scene. Your Local’s Chef Patrick Go teams up with four White Spoon chefs—Young Sook-lee, Jihyung Choi, Kisu Bang, and Byung Moon Kim—for a three-part pop-up that fuses Korean precision with Southeast Asian flair. Savor dishes like Chef Sook-lee’s sweet-spicy Chicken Gangjeong or Chef Choi’s smoky Maekjeokgui pork, alongside Go’s creations like the Mackerel with tomato-sambal coconut sauce. Each chef makes a two-day appearance per rotation, so check the schedule to catch your favorite. 

Pro tip: Reserve at (0945) 427-0054 or via Your Local’s Instagram for lunch (11 AM–2 PM) or dinner (6–10 PM).