MAKATI CITY — In the heart of Barangay Bel-Air, along L.P. Leviste Street in Salcedo Village, a quiet dining room is serving more than just meals. Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant, which opened its doors in 2025, offers a culinary experience rooted in tradition, memory, and the stories passed down through generations. The brainchild of restaurateur Kian Kazemi and his wife Nikole, the restaurant is a tribute to the family recipes that shaped them. Its name, “Apo,” translates to “grandchild” in Filipino, a fitting tribute to the generations that inspired its creation.
A Culinary Journey Through Family and Heritage
Kian Kazemi, who is half Persian and half Ilonggo, is no stranger to the restaurant industry, having spent nearly two decades in the business and founded concepts like Izakaya Hamachi and Persia Grill. At Apo, he and Nikole have created a space that feels less like a restaurant and more like a grandmother’s dining room. The menu is a loving tribute to their shared heritage, blending Ilonggo, Leyteño, and Persian influences into a cohesive and deeply personal narrative. The Kazemis see the restaurant as a way to pass on their family’s culinary legacy to their children and to any guest who walks through the door. As Nikole explains, “We want to really show when you taste the flavors of our food you really taste the coconut milk, coconut vinegar, lemongrass, pandan. These are things that we are also passing on to our next of kin”.
Signature Dishes That Define Comfort
The menu at Apo is a celebration of familiar Filipino dishes, each executed with care and a respect for tradition. The undeniable star is the Lamb Adobo, a dish that has earned widespread acclaim. The lamb is carefully marinated and slow-cooked for six hours, resulting in meat that is fall-off-the-bone tender, deeply savory, and free from any gaminess. It is a testament to Kian’s ability to marry his Persian heritage with the Filipino staple of adobo. Other standout dishes include the Chato’s Inasal, a charcoal-grilled tribute to Ilonggo and Negrense heritage, and the Kansi, a comforting cross between the beefy richness of bulalo and the tangy broth of sinigang. The Tofu Sisig is another favorite, sizzling hot and perfectly crisp, offering a satisfying punch of flavor even for those who typically avoid tofu.
An Ambiance That Feels Like Home
The restaurant’s 30-seat space is small and intimate, with every detail thoughtfully put together by the owners themselves. The walls are lined with nostalgic placemats, paintings, and photographs, while a handcrafted boat serves as a centerpiece. A head-turning bamboo chandelier hangs overhead, and the walls are fashioned from soil sourced from Kian’s family farm in Alfonso, Cavite. The warm, dim lighting creates a cozy glow that invites guests to slow down and savor their meal. This rustic, handcrafted interior, combined with the warmth of the staff, makes Apo a welcoming refuge from the bustling city outside.
A Destination for Filipino Flavor in Makati
Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant is located at 106 L.P. Leviste Street, Goldman Plaza, Barangay Bel-Air, Salcedo Village, Makati City. It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For those seeking a taste of authentic, home-style Filipino cooking in an atmosphere that celebrates heritage and family, Apo offers a compelling destination. It is a place where every dish tells a story and every meal feels like a homecoming.
