I’ve been going here since it opened with only a few tables and limited menu items. It’s a very simple restaurant, often gets cramped as they primarily cater to students of nearby University of the Philippines in Diliman. That said, the prices are very affordable! Everything’s so good, especially their signature Chicken Katsu. You have to get it if it’s your first time. Go through the rest on your next visit!

A generous serving of Uni Udon is all you need to turn a bad day around. If it’s an extremely bad day, splurge on the Hanger Steak. It’s quite pricey, so split the meal with a friend, date, whatever! Sharing is caring!

Where do I even begin? 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.

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 menu, too. They have limited seats, and the space gets quite packed with people. Plan ahead if you want to go here!

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!

For no-fail ramen, I always go to Ukkokei. I always go for the Karamiso Ramen, which you can order with different levels of spiciness. (I get it at around Level 2 for a comfortable kick of spice!)

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!

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!

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!

Yes, it’s a burger joint. No, I don’t go here for burgers. 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.

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. Order a side of Sriracha Lime Wings, Ecstasy Fries, and Onion Rings to complete your binge!

Dry Noodles with Spicy Shrimp and Pork Dumplings. Salt and Pepper Squid. Crispy Beef Strips. Shrimp Fried Rice. Chocolate Lava Xiao Long Bao. Best!

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.

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.

General’s Chicken. Gising-Gising. Spicy Squid. Crispy Tilapia. No-fail modern Filipino favorites for a solid meal.

One of my go-to restaurants in Quezon City, H Cuisine serves the Most Awesome Angus Beef Belly ever! The space is very unassuming, but judge it you mustn’t. It’s one of the best!

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.

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.

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 recommended: 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!

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!

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!

Good ol’ Vanilla Bean ice cream sandwiched between two thick Chocolate Chip Cookies is heaven. Add Valrhona Crunchy Pearls for more yum!

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!

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!

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!