The family behind Adelaide’s northern suburbs favourite 118 Kovenant Café & Restaurant is heading into the CBD, opening a contemporary and refined Filipino restaurant on Rundle Street this July.
Named Mutya, a Filipino word that translates to “jewel” or “treasure”, the new venue is a deeply personal project from the Velasquez family, celebrating the food, traditions and stories that have shaped generations before them.
While Adelaide diners have embraced the family’s warm hospitality in Pooraka, Mutya’s offers something different in the East End of Rundle Street, a contemporary dining experience that explores the breadth of Filipino cuisine while remaining firmly grounded in tradition.
“Everything we do is inspired by our mother’s journey and the generations before us who kept these traditions alive. We want guests to experience the comfort of familiar flavours while discovering the creativity and diversity of Filipino cuisine. It’s about telling our family’s story through food,” says Head Chef Christian Velasquez.
The restaurant is a genuine family affair.
Christian leads the kitchen alongside his wife Cielo, while the front of house is managed by his sister, Danice Cruz. Their mother, whose cooking and resilience inspired the concept, continues to split her time between Mutya’s and the family’s original restaurant, ensuring the same generosity and warmth that have become synonymous with 118 Kovenant.
That sense of family extends to the menu.
Rather than focusing on a single region, Mutya’s draws inspiration from across the Philippine archipelago, showcasing the country’s layered culinary identity through a contemporary lens. Indigenous traditions sit alongside centuries of Malay, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish influence, resulting in dishes that are vibrant, balanced and deeply rooted in history.
Classic Filipino flavours are reimagined with modern techniques and refined presentation, while still preserving the comfort and authenticity that define the cuisine.
“Filipino food is finally getting the global recognition it deserves.
“It’s incredibly diverse because our history is incredibly diverse. Every region has its own specialties and every family has its own recipes. We’re excited to introduce Adelaide to those stories,” Mr Velasquez says.
The drinks menu follows the same philosophy, incorporating Filipino ingredients, tropical fruits and native flavours into a menu designed to complement the food while reflecting the country’s tropical landscape.
Located among the restaurants, wine bars and late-night venues that have transformed Adelaide’s East End into one of the city’s most exciting dining precincts, Mutya’s brings another layer of cultural diversity to the neighbourhood.
The interiors have been designed to reflect the warmth of Filipino hospitality, with sophisticated yet approachable, contemporary spaces, creating an environment that encourages guests to linger over shared plates.
For the Velasquez family, however, success isn’t simply about opening another restaurant.
“Food has always been how our family connects with people. Mutya’s is our way of sharing our culture, honouring our heritage and inviting Adelaide to experience Filipino hospitality the way we’ve always known it. It’s about creating a place where people feel welcome,” Mr Velasquez says.
Mutya’s is a celebration of Filipino heritage, family, culture, and innovation is bringing new flavours and cultures to the East End.
