Philippines
The one where I list all my favorite restaurants in Manila (and where I realize how much I love Japanese food).
Updated 3 months ago
Editor's PickFollow Elaine’s list for your Manila food cravings. It’s full of Japanese food recommendations from all over the metro. Take your pick and eat at a restaurant near you.
Sushi Nori has an overwhelming selection of poké bowls, nigiri, sashimi, salads, sushi, and temaki, but my favorites are the Sushi Dreams Temaki (which you can also order as a roll) and OMG Sushi. I’ve never tried anything here I didn’t like, though, so feel free to be more adventurous.
5th Floor, Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Decent amount of Kushiyaki on the menu. Try the Bacon Enoki, Japanese Scallops, and Angus Belly! The Salmon Aburi is a good choice from their Sushi selection, too. They have limited seats, and the space gets quite packed with people. Plan ahead if you want to go here!
197 Wilson Street, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines
My second katsu of choice. The mille-feuille Cheese and Black Pepper Tonkatsu, my favorite flavors, are served with unlimited rice, miso soup, and shredded cabbage. I often crave for this after working out. Lol!
Level 5, Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, Shaw Boulevard corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
For no-fail ramen, I always go to Ukkokei. I order the Karamiso Ramen, which you can get with different levels of spiciness. (I ask for Level 2 for a comfortable kick of spice!)
Ground Floor Paseo Tesoro Building, 822 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
One of my go-tos for late night dinners in Makati City, Isshin serves affordable Japanese fare that never fails to satisfy my hunger pangs. Order the Beef Yakiniku, the best in their menu IMO!
910 Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
A dependable and satisfying meal, always. Try their Peri-Peri Chicken with Garlic Java Rice, Coleslaw, and Corn and Carrots. They offer several sauces so you can enjoy their chicken your way, but I always go for Cajun Remoulade! Don’t pass on the Calamari, too—not going to lie, it’s what keeps me coming back!
Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Yes, it’s a burger joint. No, I don’t go here for burgers. (Although they have really good ones!) Don’t sleep on the Wings & Sides. The Truffle Honey flavor with the Bleu Cheese Lime dip is a combo TDF. Get it with Onion Rings for drunk feed even when you’re sober. So, so good.
Ground Floor Infinity Tower Suites, L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
I’m not a fan of burgers, but this is where I go when I’m craving for one. Their honest-to-goodness Cheeseburger is a no-fail. I get mine with fresh onions, but you can also choose grilled or caramelized, too. Order a side of Sriracha Lime Wings, Ecstasy Fries, and Onion Rings to complete your binge!
10 Jupiter corner Asteroid Street, Bel-air, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Dry Noodles with Spicy Shrimp and Pork Dumplings. Salt and Pepper Squid. Crispy Beef Strips. Shrimp Fried Rice. Chocolate Lava Xiao Long Bao. Best!
Ground Floor, Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
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I don’t think this needs any more introduction! Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred dim sum chain, is an easy choice to get your 🥟 fix. I always order the Spinach and Shrimp Dumplings, Barbecue Pork Buns, and Wasabi Shrimp Salad when I’m here.
Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
Their Sizzling Sinigang is a winner, as well as their Lechon and Oyster Sisig. Both are classic dishes that Locavore has managed to own by putting a modern twist to it. Get both with a serving of Garlic Brown Rice. Be warned, though, these recipes are so rich—as most Filipino cooking is! If you’re not a fan of food coma-inducing fare, stick to just one dish.
Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
General’s Chicken. Gising-Gising. Spicy Squid. Crispy Tilapia. No-fail modern Filipino favorites for a solid meal.
Second Level Garden Restaurants, TriNoma Mall, North Avenue corner Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
3
When you ask me for good steak, I immediately think of Mamou. Named so as it is the second home of the popular restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, this Rockwell Center branch is just as good. (Their third branch is named Mamou 3.0!) Don’t ask me why I like this location better because I just do. Order the Stracciatella, Angus Ribeye USDA Prime Grade Steak, Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream Pasta, and Key Lime Pie to share with the table. You won’t regret it.
Ground Floor, Power Plant Mall, Lopez Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
This is currently my favorite Mexican restaurant! Very limited space, but you’re guaranteed to enjoy your meal if you manage to get a table or a seat at the bar. You can watch as they make your food! Get the Chilaquiles, Tacos Ensanada, Gorditas (with vanilla ice cream!), and Horchata.
Tropical Palms Condominium, Gallardo Street corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
I’ve only heard the best things about La Chinesca before going here. My friends are huge fans, recommending almost everything on the menu on my first visit. Of course, I couldn’t help myself—I ended up ordering the most talked about: Camaroncito (shrimp) and Oyster from their regular menu plus Chicharron (pork belly) and Lengua (beef tongue) from their special menu. The verdict? All 💯 as everyone says! Thanks, @bernicelabad, for taking us here!
248 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City
Eat-all-you-can Samgyupsal (pork belly) starts at P449 with unlimited rice, banchan (side dishes), and free iced tea! Get the Dae Pae or Gochujang for the table. Go here if you want to eat your feelings!
Third Floor Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue corner Salamanca Street, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
There are already a ton of eat-all-you-can Korean BBQ places in Manila, and lines are getting longer and longer anywhere you go. Some places aren’t worth the minimum two-hour waiting time, but P The Sam (a cool nickname for the place) has renewed my love for K-BBQ! I celebrated “Friendsgiving” here last week with @caldefool, @jackiedeveza, and @pumarti, and had the 1 + 1 Unli-Mix meal. Basically, a round of unlimited pork, beef, and chicken barbecue served with rice and banchan (side dishes) for just PHP290 per person. The servers were pretty awesome, too, despite it being a busy night. I’m definitely coming back!
229 Wilson Street, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Makati City, Philippines • Recommendation •
Good ol’ Vanilla Bean ice cream sandwiched between two thick Chocolate Chip Cookies is heaven. Add Valrhona Crunchy Pearls for more yum!
Ground Floor, Net Lima, 26th Street corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
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One of my go-to spots for dinner and drinks with friends, Refinery has an extensive menu of appetizers, mains, desserts, wines, craft beers, and cocktails, so you don’t need to hop from one place to another just to eat and drink. Try my favorites: Truffle Cream Pasta and Frozen Sangria! Happy Hour is from 4:00PM to 9:00PM, so come early if you can!
Ground Floor Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
4
The best Shrimp and Lobster Rolls in Manila! I’ve had the pleasure of trying this way before Bun Appetit had their own space in weekend markets, food courts, and malls. It’s still my go-to for good buns paired with their Garlic Noodles!
Second Floor The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
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The home of Gallery by Chele’s private dining concept, Chef’s Table, this space hosts only 10 people for each seating (which is only about twice each month). Expect a delightful, well-curated tasting menu and wine pairings by Chef Chele, his excellent team of chefs, and their sommelier Cyril. We had a great time entertaining guests for a Lemi thanksgiving dinner here—definitely a great dining experience!
Fifth Floor, Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Bacolod is one of my favoritest cities in the Philippines. It’s home to a lot of food I love, including chicken inasal. I’m so happy to have an Aida’s Chicken here in Manila to give me my fix when I miss all the good food in BCD!
Lower Ground Floor, Makati Cinema Square, Pasong Tamo, Makati City, Metro Manila, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
If you like your ramen spicy, you can’t go wrong with my order: Red King + Rich + Heavy Special Sauce + Heavy Garlic + Pork Shoulder + Green Onion + 3 Butao Homemade Fire Sauce + Normal Noodles.
Second Floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Bring a co-worker and get their 222 Lunch for 2! For ₱111 each, you and your friend can choose two bowls from their lunch lunch menu options. There are several upgrades and add-ons as well, which you can enjoy between 11AM-2PM. Try the Filipino Lamb Stew or Chicken & Pork White Adobo!
G/F Jose Cojuangco & Sons Building, 119 Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Their massive Chocolate Chip Cookies are 💣 AF. I normally like sharing, but I keep Mood’s cookies to myself. The dough-ey recipe with gooey chocolate chips is my current favorite!
Greenbelt Park Walkways, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
This is my go-to comfort food. If I’m hangry, you can’t go wrong by bringing me here. The Garlic Beef Pepper Rice with extra garlic chips mixed in with equal parts Honey Brown Sauce and Garlic Soy Sauce will always be a winner to me!
B, Shangri-La Plaza, EDSA Corner Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
I’m not very particular with steak, so I’m always happy with a good cut and good sear/grill. My family and I love going to Steak the First. I personally recommend the Chuck Roll (₱490/200g) and Rib Eye Roll (₱980/200g) cooked medium rare. They have this garlic oil that they serve with all steaks, which is 💯! The place is great for a family gathering or a romantic date—the ambiance is pretty nice!
Netpark Building, 4th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Get the Tuna Nicoise Pasta Salad with a Lemon Ginger or Spicy Limonada Cold-Pressed Juice for a healthy meal on-the-go!
131 Tordesillas, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
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I’ve heard about their 8 flavors of Xiao Long Bao from my friends, but have yet to try it myself. Apparently, this is a Singaporean chain that specializes in Southern and Northern Chinese cuisine. I hope to try it next time I’m in the area!
2/F The Podium, Mandaluyong, 1550, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
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