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Best restaurants in Manila

The 13 best restaurants and places to eat in Manila

Brian Corvers
Brian Corvers

Brian has been part of the Le Petit Chef team since day 1. As Vice President Marketing, he always initiates new projects to further develop and enrich the show.

Filipino food is a big trend all over the world. In the buzzing streets of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, locals and tourists get showered with the best street food and traditional eats. Try umami Adobo or for the sweet tooth Halo-halo and more. Manila is a place to visit for culture and eats – here are 13 must visit restaurants. 

Tip #1: Lagrima

Lagrima Manila
Image credit: Facebook, Lagrima Manila

Nestled in the heart of Makati, Lagrima is famous for their street tacos. The chefs use locally sourced ingredients in the kitchen of the California style Mexican eatery. Everything is made from scratch, even their tortilla.

The hip little restaurant is not limited to tacos, although they are the customers favorites. Burritos, super loaded nachos and quesadillas are on Largrima’s menu. The restaurant has a second location.

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Tip #2: Milky Way Cafe

Milky Way Manila
Image credit: Milky Way Manila

The Milky Way has been around since 2002. Chef J. Gamboa created an International menu, but focuses on Filipino food. Their award-winning Kare-Kare, the crispy Hito with Bagoong and Mustasa and of course Halo show up on the menu.

Granite counters, Narra walls, black and ivory flooring. The interior, all designed by architect Gary Coscolluela, makes the restaurant visit an experience.

Tip #3: Max’s Fried Chicken

Max's Fried Chicken Manila
Image credit: Max’s Fried Chicken Manila

Max’s Fried Chicken is for most Filipinos a family tradition. The kids love it, the families meet there, the teenagers get take-out. The successful story started in 1945, by Maximo Gimenez, who opened a café and fed hungry American occupation troops.

Many years later, the restaurant is not only popular in the Manila Metro area, but also opened its doors to franchising in 1998. The birthplace and main restaurant is in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Tip #4: Provenciano

Provenciano Manila
Image credit: Provenciano Manila

There is no way around Provenciano, when it comes to great Filipino food. Chef Chris de Jesus is the mastermind behind the pots and pans. He is Filipino and knows how to cook original recipes, not afraid of letting Chinese or Spanish flavors influence his cooking.  

The portions Provenciano offers are ideal for sharing. Here you can find regional dishes from different provinces of the Philippines.

Tip #5: Half Saints

Half Saints Manila
Image credit: Half Saints Manila

Inspired by the dishes of their childhood and travels, founders and chefs Christine and Jo opened their bakery and café in 2017. The eatery on Esguerra Avenue makes all their meals, savory and sweet pastries and cakes from scratch.

Customers enjoy puff pastry pizza, empanadas, all kinds of croissants and cream puffs. Their bestsellers are Tres Leches Cake, Crema de Fruta and different styles of pies.

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Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: The Aristocrat Restaurant

The Aristocrat Manila
Image credit: The Aristocrat Manila

Locals call it Manila’s most famous restaurant. Since 1930, The Aristocrat Restaurant has been Home of the Best Chicken BBQ in town, in 2013 it even became a historic site, recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 

It all started with the idea of Lola Asiang and her already big cooking for a family of 13 kids. She converted the ground floor of their house and opened an eatery. This was the beginning of the later called Aristocrat Restaurant.

Tip #7: Globe Lumpia House

Globe Lumpia House Manila
Image credit: Facebook, Globe Lumpia House Manila

The Globe Lumpia House is the place where locals send you, when you are looking for the best Lumpia in town. It’s at the same time the oldest Lumpia place in the area. Established in 1956, the line is most of the time long to get the freshest Indonesian spring rolls. 

Fresh vegetables, rolled in rice paper, topped with peanuts and garlic and their homemade secret sauce. The menu is short and includes chicken empanadas, brownies and atchara.

Tip #8: Tetsuo

Tetsuo Manila
Image credit: Facebook, Tetsuo Manila

Have you ever had umami Japanese fried chicken? Tetsuo is doing exactly this, at their two locations in the Manila Metro area. The punk-style little restaurant’s bestseller is their fried chicken meal with birthday noodles, also called Yi Mein. 

Tetsuo is definitely a cool place with very funky food. Other than chicken they serve Torched Salmon, Garlic Beef, Curry Spiced Pork and their famous chicken skin.

Tip #9: Manam at the Triangle

Manam at the Triangle Manila
Image credit: Manam at the Triangle Manila

Manam at the Triangle is catering to everybody with a craving for delicious Filipino comfort food in a nice ambience. Filipino favorites, some with a little twist and fusion, but always reliable and delicious, this is what locals like about Manam. 

The Sinigang na beef short rib, the Kare-Kare with oxtail and the Ube and Sago shake are a few of the customer favorites.

Tip #10: Ying Ying Teahouse

Ying Ying Teahouse Manila
Image credit: GMB GAP, Ying Ying Teahouse Manila

Ying Ying Teahouse is a Chinese restaurant in Manila’s Chinatown. Serving Cantonese classics and is famous for their dim sum. Of course, Ying Ying has tea as well, but lots of locals and Chinese customers go there for the cheap and delicious eats. 

The restaurant is clean but simple and the prices are low. Traditional grilled meats, like spare ribs or chicken feet are to be found on the menu. Taro puffs, egg tart or pineapple bread make a great dessert.

Tip #11: Binondo Bites

Binondo Bites Manila
Image credit: Binondo Bites Manila

They call it the famous street sensation. Binondo Bites at Ongpin Street offers the Fried Xiao Long Bao, a soupy dumpling stuffed with seasoned pork and spices.

The sweet treat is the Lava Buchi, a sesame ball, filled with creamy custard. Better to get both at once, the waiting time to reach the small storefront is usually not the shortest.

Tip #12: Park Alvarez Café

Cafe Alvarez Manila
Image credit: Cafe Alvarez Manila

Park Alvarez Café is truly a hidden gem of Valenzuela City. This restaurant offers a dining experience paired together with stunningly beautiful lake views. Let yourself be charmed by the tranquil lake, gentle waves and a calming ambience.

This restaurant is truly one of the best restaurants in Manila to spend a romantic evening or celebrate special occasions.

Tip #13: Aurora

Aurora Manila
Image credit: Aurora

Aurora is a contemporary restaurant that serves dishes rooted in classical asian cooking. The familiar flavors are sure to make you reminisce as you share a meal with your loved ones:

In this sense, the restaurant encourages it’s visitors to gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy a variety of delectable dishes and signature drinks.

We recommend pairing the nam tok with a pomelo salad as a side. If you’re a fan of alcoholic beverages, be sure to give one of their fruity cocktails a try as well.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!

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