Chef Josh Boutwood Reignites Ember With A Glow-Up

“The original idea was to create a very sophisticated grill house,” says Chef Josh Boutwood, reflecting on the vision behind his restaurant, Ember. Established in Greenbelt 3 in 2022, Ember quickly set itself apart as a fine dining destination with a distinct edge. Now, two years later, Chef Josh has given his restaurant a glow-up, refining the menu and introducing a fresh array of exciting new dishes, enhancing its culinary offerings while staying true to its roots of sophistication and innovation.

Fans will be happy to know that beloved favorites remain on the menu, like the perfectly seared dry-aged Ribeye and juicy Striploin steaks, alongside the tender and flavorful Grilled Turbot. Dessert lovers won’t be disappointed either, with familiar offerings like the light and airy Tres Leches, the chef’s take on Sticky Toffee Pudding—served as a Walnut Date Cake—and the ultimate comfort treat: Bread and Butter Pudding, paired with a scoop of their rich, house-made ice cream. These familiar dishes continue to deliver the satisfying flavors that have made Ember a standout.

New additions to the menu bring an exciting twist to Ember's offerings. Chef Josh’s “new absolute favorite” is the Grilled Salmon Head, served in a tangy curry lemon sauce that perfectly balances bold flavors. For something indulgent, there’s the rich Gnocchi, infused with Crab Fat and bits of Blue Crab for a decadent bite. The wallet-friendly Meatballs with Arugula and Horseradish makes a hearty, satisfying option, while the popular lamb dish gets a ‘steakhouse flourish’ with a refined jus. For a taste of home, a Wagyu and Angus dish, reminiscent of Salpicao, brings familiar Filipino flair to the table.

Ember has also introduced a kids menu, featuring fun, kid-approved options like Chicken Fingers and Chips, Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Barbecue Meatball Sliders. Chef Josh admits the idea came from a personal experience with his youngest child. “We were planning a family lunch at Ember, but my youngest, who’s a bit of a picky eater, didn’t want to go because, in his words, ‘there’s nothing there I eat.’” This sparked the creation of a menu designed to please even the most selective little diners, making Ember more family-friendly.

The drinks menu is getting its own glow-up, with plans to expand the selection of wines and introduce new, exciting cocktails. “Grilled food pairs beautifully with a wide range of drinks—from a cold beer to a crisp Chardonnay alongside the Turbot. Even a natural rosé works just as well,” Chef Josh shares. With these upcoming additions, Ember aims to elevate the dining experience even further.

“When designing the menu, I focused on creating bold, impactful flavors that immediately capture your palate,” Chef Josh explains. “Each dish delivers a well-rounded experience, with layers of taste and texture, all concentrated through the art of cooking over an open fire using wood and charcoal.” This philosophy is at the heart of Ember, where the cooking process itself adds depth and character to every plate.

With its refreshed menu, expanded drink offerings, and newfound family-friendly appeal, Ember yet stays true to its core philosophy of bold, fire-kissed flavors. There's never been a better moment to book a table and savor the glow-up of this modern grill house.

Ember by Josh Boutwood | Greenbelt 3, Makati | FB: @ember.manila | IG: @ember.manila. 

Photos courtesy of The Bistro Group