All rise! The court of gastronomic greatness is now in session.

Legal excellence is most likely what comes to mind when you hear the name Atty. Nilo Divina. His fame precedes him as the Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law and the founder and managing partner of DivinaLaw. But he has another side beyond the courtroom and business boardrooms, one that is all about warmth, flavor and shared experiences. 

Welcome to Aurora, the “spirited bistro” that had been crowned as Tatler Dining’s 2024 Best New Restaurant.

Aurora, a restaurant that is nestled in Makati’s Pacific Star Building, pays homage to Divina’s mother, the most important woman in his life. “Aurora is named after my mother. She has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout my life, and this restaurant is a tribute to her,” he told DAILY TRIBUNE. 

Divina proudly stated that, “dining at Aurora is meant to be more than just a meal — it’s an experience that engages all the senses, from the ambiance to the presentation, flavors and service. Whether it’s a special celebration or an intimate dinner, I want every visit to feel unforgettable.”

Indeed, the “elegance and charm of classically-rooted Asian cooking, spotlighting the robust and familiar flavors you know and love” is evident as soon as you walk into the restaurant. 

The idea is centered around coziness, style, and an “experience that feels both nostalgic and new.” He added that, “Aurora is designed to be a place where guests feel at home while indulging in carefully crafted dishes that highlight the best of local and international flavors.”

Legally flavorful

For someone who has spent his career in the legal profession, venturing into the restaurant industry may seem like a leap. But for Divina, the transition is seamless. “I’ve always believed that excellence should not be confined to one field. Running a top-tier law firm requires precision, dedication and a keen understanding of people — qualities that also define a great restaurant. Food has always been a passion of mine, and I saw an opportunity to create a space where people could come together, share memorable experiences, and enjoy exceptional cuisine.”

His legal expertise also plays a crucial role in his approach to running a business. “The legal profession instills a mindset of discipline, strategic thinking and risk management — all of which are critical in running a business. Contracts, negotiations, and compliance are second nature to me, which has helped in structuring fair and sustainable partnerships. More importantly, law teaches you to listen and anticipate needs, which are key in delivering an outstanding customer experience.”

And just like in law, resilience is key in the restaurant world. “One of the biggest lessons from law that translates well into the food industry is resilience. Just as in litigation or corporate negotiations, there will always be challenges —unexpected setbacks, competition and high expectations. However, success comes from adaptability and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Leadership is also vital. In both law and business, the ability to inspire a team and foster a culture of excellence makes all the difference.”

A case for bold flavors 

Aurora’s menu is a celebration of bold Asian flavors with heartwarming homestyle classics. The team, led by talented chefs, has crafted a selection that highlights contemporary variations of classically rooted, nostalgic, time-honored regional Asian cooking.

Imagine a Japanese donburi with a playful, contemporary twist, a Taiwanese braise that has been slow-cooked to perfection, and strong Malay flavors infused into marinades, sauces and condiments. Only at Aurora, it’s all about coziness, nostalgia and a passion for local produce. 

Our gastronomic hearts are pounding as we discuss their newest selection of main courses based on their official site. First up is the prime ribeye, which has been aged for 21 days and is butter-basted to a luscious perfection. It is paired with a zesty lime condiment and pepper sauce. Next is the Adobo, which consists of twice-cooked pork and chicken with ajitama, roasted eggplant salsa, tamarind sauce, nasi liwet, spring onions, crispy shallots, and chicharon furikake (because why settle for basic?).

Craving something rich and umami-packed? The Soy Chicken is served with soy-poached chicken, ginger scallion, sweet soy, cucumbers, cilantro, leeks, and nasi liwet. And we’ve only just begun. In addition, Aurora is offering a huge tomahawk, lamb shank curry, duck leg boat noodles, babi guling, lamb chops and much more.

The restaurant itself is set up to accommodate all types of events. Every space is designed to create unforgettable moments, whether it’s a lively dining area, a quiet dining area, an outdoor patio with lush greenery, or a bar with an extensive wine selection. It is intended to serve as a location that is suitable for romantic dates, business catch-ups and stylish get-togethers with friends.

Manila foodies will soon have even more cause to rejoice. 

“We are expanding Aurora and will soon open a branch at Podium, bringing the same refined dining experience to a new location,” Divina revealed to DAILY TRIBUNE. 

But that’s not all — he’s also gearing up to launch another restaurant that will focus on Filipino favorites. “We are excited to launch another restaurant that will focus on Filipino favorites, celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of our local cuisine while elevating them in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative.”

Guilty of good taste

For someone who has juggled high-profile legal cases and now the food industry, how does he define his journey? If his career were a meal, what would it be? “I’d say it would be a well-aged steak — complex, refined and full of depth. A great steak requires time, patience, and mastery, just like a career in law. It’s a balance of strength and finesse, with each element carefully considered to create something exceptional.”

Divina ended with a powerful mark, “At the heart of both my legal practice and my ventures in the restaurant industry is a passion for excellence and service. Whether it’s advocating for a client in court or crafting a memorable dining experience, my goal has always been to create meaningful and lasting impacts.”

Case closed: Aurora wins on all counts of deliciousness.