Anyone who has visited the Philippines knows that Filipinos love to eat. In fact, the restaurant industry accounts for the majority of establishments in the Philippines. Aside from restaurants, the number of fast food chains, convenience stores, buffet restaurants, cafeterias, and other dine-in locations have soared over the past decade. This gives the hungry masses plenty of choice, but it also makes it difficult to find the best food that the city has to offer. Don’t worry – we’re here to help.
Criteria For Choosing The Best Restaurants In Manila 2019
Whilst the quality and taste of the food is our number one criteria, there are many other considerations we’ve factored into our evaluation. These include the service, ambiance, cleanliness, location, price, and social media presence. Today, people tend to try out new spots they see online. Hence, also having a good social media presence can help boost the restaurant’s popularity.
So, what are the best restaurants in Manila 2019? Read on to know more about these restaurants.
Fine Dining Restaurants
1. FOO’D by Davide Oldani![best restaurants in Manila]()
Pronounced as “food-dough”, this fine dining restaurant is one of the best fine dining restaurants in the metropolis. But, despite being managed by Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani, the place offers an affordable fine dining experience.
So, what’s special about this restaurant? FOO’D’s unique selling point is they offer quality Michelin food, quality service, and fine ambiance with affordable prices between 800 PHP three-course meals, to their 1,200 PHP four-course meal, which includes Cipolla Caramelllata, Cacio A Pepe, Iberico Pork Ribs and Lemon Curd.
Reservations: Not recommended
Contact phone number: +63917 711-4469
Address: Ground Level, High Street Park, Shangri-la at the Fort, BGC Taguig
Website: http://www.cucinapop.do/
Price range: 800 PHP to 1,200 PHP
Cuisine type: Italian
2. Finestra Italian Steakhouse
Nothing beats the taste of a prime cut steak. In Manila, you can now indulge yourself with authentic and scrumptious Australian Blackmore and US Snake River Farms Wagyu steak. Chef Alan Marchetti, features only the best cuts of beef from across the globe as he manages the Finestra Italian Steakhouse in Solaire Resort Manila in Paranaque City.
Aside from the filling and tasty food, Finestra also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Manila Bay. For the hopeless romantics, this is one of the most perfect places for your date. Managed by Chef Allan Marchetti, Finestra offers the best-tasting dishes, with a touch of elegance. It’s a perfect restaurant for a romantic date.
Finestra also offers an English-vibe ambiance with a sophisticated yet relaxing look. It also offers a great view of Solaire’s pool and Manila Bay on the other side.
Reservations: Recommended
Contact phone number: (+632) 246-9069 ext:334
Address: Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinestraAtSolaire
Price range: 3,900 PHP for two
Cuisine type: Italian
3. Top Of The Citi By Chef Jessie
For those who love French cuisine plus a touch of elegance, Top of the City by Chef Jessie is a must-try dining spot. As the name implies, the restaurant is located at the top of the Citibank Tower in the heart of Makati. Fine dining will never be the same once you try this astounding restaurant.
You can choose from a plethora of mouthwatering dishes such as smoked salmon and caviar pie, Trio of fish tartar, Beef carpaccio, and premium beef steaks. It’s the perfect hangout place for couples and even friends. They offer Western European cuisine using just the best and fresh ingredients.
Reservations: Recommended
Contact phone number: (+632) 02 7505810 or 02 7505811
Address: 34th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Website: http://www.chefjessie.com/restaurants
Price range: 2,800 PHP for two
Cuisine type: French
4. Ilustrado
Opened since 1989, Ilustrado offers traditional Filipino-Spanish cuisine, with a Hispanic-inspired space in Intramuros, Manila. At Ilustrado, you get a taste of both worlds – modern and traditional. The restaurant’s specialties include Paella Ilustrado, but we’d also recommend finishing with some Sampaguita Ice Cream.
Reservations: Recommended
Contact phone number: (+632) 02 5273674 or 02 5272345
Address: 5440 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila
Website: http://www.ilustradorestaurant.com.ph/
Price range: 2,000 for two people
Cuisine type: Filipino/Spanish
5. Gallery Vask
Do you want to experience Filipino food with a touch of sophistication? A visit to Gallery Vask by Spanish Chef Chele Gonzales offers exactly that. He believes in creating Filipino food through modern methods can create magic in the kitchen (and in diners’ mouths).
Chele has traveled all over the country to personally talk to growers, farmers, and breeders. The food is innovative and the environment is ideal for romantic dates.
Reservations: Recommended
Contact phone number: +63 917 546 1673
Address: 11th Avenue 5th Floor Clipp Centre Building, Taguig City, Luzon 1634 Philippines
Website: https://gallerybychele.com/
Price range: 1,500 PHP (3-course) / 1,950 PHP (5-course) / 2,900 PHP (8-course)
Cuisine type: Filipino
Best Everyday Restaurants
1. Alter Ego
Located in Quezon City, this restaurant offers both Eastern and Western flavors that are bound to satisfy. Alter Ego offers their salad for just 260 PHP, Chicken Pandan Paella for 480 PHP, which is for sharing, Twice-Cooked Pork Belly for 340 PHP, and their iconic Salted Egg Shrimp Pasta for 400 PHP.
Reservations: Recommended
Contact phone number: 7178033
Address: 41 1st St. corner Hemady (127.98 mi) Quezon City, Philippines 1112
Website: https://www.facebook.com/iamalterego
Price range: Average 1,200 PHP for two people
Cuisine type: European / Asian
2. Amare La Cucina
Situated in Pasig City, this Pizza haven is a true definition of delight. One of the best things about this restaurant is it gives you a chance to make your own pizza – which is especially enjoyable for the kids.
The most recommended dishes include the Tre Formaggi Pizza, Superoni Pizza, Ragu Bolognese Pasta, Wood-fired Ribs, and the Pizza Con Proscuitto – all of which are wood-fire baked!
Reservations: Not required
Contact phone number: (+632) 02 2469069 ext:233
Address: 91 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Website: http://amarelacucina.com/index.html
Price range: 300 to 800 PHP
Cuisine type: Italian
Cheap Eats In Manila
1. Cuaderno
A combination of Filipino and Mexican food, Cuaderno combines the cuisines of two rich food cultures. The decor is library-inspired, making it the perfect informal setting for a quick bite whilst you work or study.
Believe it or not, all food and drinks are below 200 PHP and they even have Taco Tuesdays which gives you 10% off all kinds of Tacos!
Reservations: Not required
Contact phone number: +639355236438
Address: Gourmet’s Garage, 1013 Estrada Street, Malate, Manila
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cuadernomanila
Price range: All 200 PHP below
Cuisine type: Mexican/Filipino
2. Basil
If you’re craving Thai food, Basil is one restaurant you have to try. With restaurants in Pasay City and Quezon City, Basil is famous for their crispy catfish salad, pomelo salad, pad thai, and fried spring rolls.
Reservations: Not required
Contact phone number: +63 9162403195
Address: White Plains Corner Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BASILphilippines/
Price range: 200 PHP to 780 PHP
Cuisine type: Thai
There you go, the best restaurants in Manila 2019, if you have suggestions, hit us up in the comments section below.