Aquavit opens in Poblacion, giving foodies a taste of Scandinavia

Chef Robert Lilja collaborates with Chef Tom Hines for this new Makati joint.

Steak Frites with Bearnaise Sauce

When Chef Robert Lilja came to the Philippines from Sweden in the 1990s to take over his uncle’s business, The Danish Connection, he brought his Scandinavian heritage with him and gave Poblacion, Makati City a new dining experience.

Since then, he’s opened restaurants and worked as a consultant for various brands, building his culinary portfolio and gaining a firmer grasp of how Filipinos appreciate European cuisine. He worked with Restaurant Savoy in the mid-2010s then Maria Luisa’s Garden Room, Makati’s best kept secret located within the Makati Garden Club compound. He also launched Baker Brothers, giving Taguig a taste of his beloved breads and pastries. In the past thirty years, Chef Robert never lost sight of his Scandinavian roots while embracing his life in the Philippines and his fondness of Filipinos.

Skagen Shrimp Cocktail, inspired by the Danish resort town

This year, Chef Robert collaborated with Chef Tom Hines, the British-born chef behind Kobe Jones Sushi x Steak also in Makati City. Together, they came up with Aquavit Pub & Grill, a restaurant and gastropub serving classic Continental cuisine with a Scandinavian flair. It has a laidback pub and an elegant dining room that serves some of the best steaks you’ll ever have — without breaking the bank. They started the soft launch phase in September 2022 and on November 8, 2022, it was officially opened.

For Chef Robert, opening Aquavit in Poblacion is a homecoming of sorts because its current location used to be The Danish Connection. And with his colorful past, he brought his culinary repertoire and his original team to work with Chef Tom Hines to develop Aquavit.

Every Sunday, Aquavit makes their own Roast Beef with the works

The restaurant has two areas: a fully stocked pub showing sports from all around the world and a beautifully and painstakingly restored 25-year-old wooden bar at the center, as well as their new reservations-only Dining Room that’s perfect for date night, family reunions, or corporate gatherings. While each area has its own menu, diners can cross-order from both areas.

Their signature Charcuterie Board with house-made pâté and breads

For newbies to Scandinavian cuisine, Chef Robert recommends the Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Lingonberries, Fish & Chips (which he describes as “exceptional”), the Schweizer Schnitzel with Truffle Fries, Béarnaise Sauce, & Tomato Salad, and their Dessert Crepes, which uses a unique Swedish technique to distinguish it from its French counterpart.

A Swedish chef making Swedish Meatballs

For those who are looking for something more exciting, try Chef Robert’s signature dishes: Chef’s Mussels (mussels in white wine and cream sauce, served with house-baked bread), Steak Tartare, Skagen Shrimp Cocktail (inspired by the famous resort town of Skagen in Denmark and can be enjoyed on its own or as an open-face sandwich), Fisherman’s Pie (a creamy seafood stew topped with mashed potatoes and baked ‘til golden brown) and the Bistro Steak with a unique Gazpacho Salsa.

Fisherman’s Pie, my personal favorite from their menu

If you’re looking for something light to go with drinks, Aquavit serves mouthwatering charcuterie boards with their house-made pâté and all the works, as well as a scrumptious Baked Brie with thyme, honey, and candied walnuts. Aquavit also has an excellent selection of Portuguese wines, giving diners maximum flavor and value for money.

Bring your family, friends, and colleagues to the newest addition to the Poblacion dining scene and get a taste of Scandinavia at Aquavit Pub & Grill.

Aquavit Pub & Grill is located at 8471 Kalayaan Avenue corner Fermina Street, Poblacion, Makati City. They are open from 12pm to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and 12pm to 12mn on Fridays and Saturdays.

Check their menus here:  Pub/Bar  |  Dining Room

For more updates, follow Aquavit on Facebook and Instagram at @AquavitPH.