Manila in the Philippines is one of the most vibrant places in Asia to eat. There are so many great restaurants in Manila, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to go particularly if you are only in the city for a short time.
Manila restaurants cater to all tastes and serve a range of cuisines from Korean favorites to Thai, Indian, Italian, and more. And the restaurants in this exciting city also serve a range of budgets. Take a look at some of the current favorites for dining out in Manila.
1) Gallery Vask
This interesting restaurant serves a wonderful tasting menu of Philippines favorites, which makes use of all kinds of locally sourced ingredients as well as different sauces, cooking methods, and finishes. When visiting this restaurant you feel like you have been given an in-depth tour of the country in terms of its cuisine. It’s a popular restaurant and attracts people from all over the world.
2) Mak Chang Korean Restaurant
A Korean restaurant in Manila – this one really takes some beating. It is a traditionally styled restaurant that specializes in authentic grilled meat dishes from Korea. The meat dishes are huge and plentiful, and you certainly won’t go home hungry after dining here. It’s also open late, which makes it ideal for a post-bar meal.
3) Toyo Eatery
Toyo Eatery prides itself on its innovative use of Philippines ingredients to create memorable dishes. The chef, Jordy Navarra, is a well-trained professional previously working in the UK and in Hong Kong and has a lot of innovative ideas under his cap. The focus is on tasty, fresh comfort food from the Philippines – but all the dishes have a unique twist.
4) Champagne Room
A luxury restaurant with a lot of charm, Champagne Room is one perennial favorite in the city although it is not for those on a small budget. In the Manila Hotel, Champagne Room serves classic dishes and you’ll also find an extensive wine list and beautiful ambiance.
5) Hey Handsome
Hey, Handsome is a new restaurant in Manila that boasts a fusion of popular cuisines from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and India. It is an innovative restaurant with a fine line in surprising dishes. A new tasting menu is being launched and the restaurant is under the helm of a team of top chefs.
6) Ippudo
This is a ramen restaurant serving its popular Tonkotsu ramen alongside pork buns and some other Japanese favorites. The restaurant is a smart and no-frills place where the emphasis is on the quality of food.
7) The Samgyupsal
The Samgyupsal is another popular Korean restaurant in Manila, open all day and night. It serves all the classic Korean dishes you would expect, from grilled meat to breaded shrimps and delicious appetizers. The portion sizes are huge and the menu is extensive, so again this is not the place to come when you’re already full up from lunch.
8) The Black Pig
This restaurant is a little further from the center of the city but it is worth the trek to get there. The Black Pig is run by chef Carlos Garcia who has worked at restaurants in London and trained in Europe. He is famous for using local ingredients and transforming them into amazing dishes. The combinations are what stand out, as well as the overall quality of the ingredients and the manner in which they are put together.
9) Sky Deck
Located in the Bayleaf Hotel, this is the ideal place for eating with an amazing view. The sunset makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic meal. Although the dishes are not cheap, it is a great place and it is certainly worth it. The drinks are suitably classy and there is also a buffet option.
10) Pablo
Pablo is famous for its cheese tarts and is a place worth visiting to sample these delicious cheese and sugar concoctions. Pablo also serves ice cream and a range of other desserts to enjoy. If you are looking for a different place to dine, try this.
11) The Aristocrat Restaurant
This is a classic favorite in Manila and it doesn’t serve modern food, but more of the dishes you know and love. It’s a barbeque restaurant with a nice line in all the delicious BBQ standouts including pork, chicken, and spare ribs. There are branches of this restaurant which open all day and night.
12) Hwangso-Ga
Hwangso-Ga is a Korean restaurant serving authentic favorites in a fun location. The lunch can be a good value experience, as can the evening meals although the restaurant closes at 10 pm.
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