Celera Restaurant is positioned within the emerging artist community of Comuna in Makati, designed to reflect the culinary vision of Chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Villar. The name, derived from the Malay word Selera, embodies a desire for food, which the design supports with a focus on openness and connection. The space is centred around a benched kitchen, fully visible to diners as they walk through the door, emphasising the hearth and oven. This open kitchen element anchors the design, creating an inviting, communal experience.
The restaurant’s interior, by JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio, showcases natural materials— charred timber, exposed brick, and corten steel—layered with aged features and rustic
textures. These elements create a deliberate balance between rugged and refined aesthetics, while large windows and pockets of natural light soften the darker finishes.
Thoughtfully designed lighting by Lighting Design PH accentuates key architectural and
material elements, enhancing the atmosphere with a warm, dynamic glow. Features like the community table and intimate seating reinforce the sense of openness and warmth, making Celera an approachable yet distinctive and worldly dining experience in Manila.