Fable by Kenneth Cobonpue isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a story told in sculpture, spice, and sensory detail—right in the heart of BGC.
I first heard of Kenneth Cobonpue more than a decade ago. Back then, he was already making waves in global design circles—the Filipino who redefined what handcrafted furniture could be. The first time I encountered his work up close was at a resort in Mactan. There it was: the accordion chair. A hundred wooden pegs unfurling over a circular base. It looked intimidating—but when I sat down, it was unexpectedly sensual. Imagine a hundred fingers gently cradling your back. That’s how it felt.
Who is Kenneth Cobonpue?
For those who may not know, Kenneth Cobonpue is one of the Philippines’ most celebrated designers. He’s earned international acclaim for using natural materials—rattan, bamboo, abaca—to create organic, modern furniture that feels more like sculpture than seating. His work has appeared in Hollywood films and luxury resorts, and has been collected by stars like Brad Pitt and royalty across Asia and Europe. Despite the global success, his roots remain proudly Cebuano. He’s shown the world what Filipino craftsmanship can look like—elevated, imaginative, and proudly our own.
Today, his signature pieces—and, unfortunately, many copies—line the furniture shops along Sta. Rosa Road going up to Tagaytay. It’s a sign of influence, even when overdone. But the originals? Unmistakable. Cobonpue’s designs invite you to touch, to feel. They are, quite simply, irresistible.
And now, he’s telling a new story—not with rattan, but with food and atmosphere.
More than a bar—it’s performance art. At Fable, even your cocktail hour feels theatrical with dramatic lines, rich textures, and statement lighting.
Step Into the Fable
Located beside his grand showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Fable by Kenneth Cobonpue feels like stepping through the looking glass. You’d never think you were in the middle of Manila’s busiest business district. It’s a full sensory immersion—tables that curve like sculpture, lighting that dances from the ceiling, and chairs that hug you like art.
Gen Z might call it “aesthetic,” but that barely scratches the surface. A DJ booth shaped like a trio of metallic bulls. Bird sculptures frozen mid-flight inside gilded cages. The bar? Dynamic, layered, and undeniably dramatic. It’s a feast for the eyes—but unlike many high-design spots, the food doesn’t play second fiddle.
“Everything is aesthetic—but here, the beauty isn’t just seen. It’s felt, tasted, remembered.”
A Menu That Matches the Mood
The cocktails alone are worth the visit. I started with The Wandering Whelk—a creative mix of coconut, salted caramel, and peppermint vodka. Served in two layers, the drink starts misty and ends with a hidden vodka lake at the bottom. A smart and satisfying sip.
For starters, the Spinach Dip with Crostini—rich with Pecorino—was lush and comforting. Even better was Mary’s Lamb Kofta: ground Australian lamb nestled in soft tortillas, topped with pico de gallo and a garlicky yoghurt drizzle. A bite of the Mediterranean in the heart of Taguig.
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The Main Event
When it comes to mains, Fable doesn’t hold back. The Beef Salpicao was tender and boldly glazed with garlic-soy. But it was the rice—yes, the garlic rice—that made me sit up. Full of flavor, not just filler. Still, the showstopper was the Lechon Loco, a dish that pays homage to Kenneth’s hometown of Cebu. Think crispy, golden pork belly laid over nutty coconut adlai. The chef told me it took months to perfect. You can taste the effort. It is, quite simply, lechon reimagined.
From Matcha to Magic
The finale? A shimmering Matcha cocktail, paired with coffee sourced from Yardstick and UCC. Bright, earthy, indulgent. Three hours after we began, we were still seated, sipping and soaking in the space. And honestly, we could’ve stayed longer.
The Story Continues
At first, I’ll admit, I was taken by the sparkle and drama of it all. But by the end of the meal, I realized: Fable isn’t just about design—it’s about delight. Every detail, every bite, felt intentional.
So yes, I came for the furniture. I stayed for the food. And I’ll return for the story it tells—a uniquely Filipino one, shaped by imagination, elegance, and soul.
This is more than a restaurant. This is Fable by Kenneth Cobonpue. Come, and get lost in it.
Fable by Kenneth Cobonpue
2/F The Alley at Karrivin, 8th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Instagram: @fable.manila
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome, but bookings recommended via Instagram or through fablemanila.com
