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 14 must visit restaurants.
Tip #1: Le Petit Chef
If you have never been to Le Petit Chef, this is your chance. The 3D show with the little chef from France is a must-visit and on the top of our coolest and best eateries in Manila. In the beautiful setting of the Grand Hyatt Manila, at the Gallery II, the clumsy chef from France invites you to the best of theater and dining experience.
Visit our extraordinary 3D dinner-show Le Petit Chef in Grand Hyatt Manila.
With a 3D projection mapping, Le Petit Chef surrounds your exquisite five-course dining experience with a never seen show. At the end, you will not only be the guest, but also the star.
Dietary options:
A kids menu is available (12 years and below)
Speciality:
A 3D projection mapping show around Le Petit Chef from France. Le Petit Chef teaches you how to become the world’s greatest chef.
Price:
Le Grand Chef menu, five-course meal, PHP 7,500 net per person;
Le Petit Chef Kids menu, five-course meal, PHP 4,000 net per person;
A Grand Suite Stay & Dine Package is available, with overnight accommodation in a Grand Suite, breakfast, Le Grand Chef Menu, Welcome Gift and amenities from Le Petit Chef, access to Grand Club, pool, fitness and spa, one package for two persons, PHP 32,888 net
Hours:
Reservation is necessary, you can book online
Location:
Grand Hyatt Manila
8th Avenue corner, 35th Street
Taguig
1634 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone: +632 8838 1234
Email: manila.grand@hyatt.com
Tip #2: Lagrima
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available
Speciality :
Famous for their made from scratch street tacos with locally sourced ingredients.
Price:
Taco prices ranging in between PHP 140 to PHP 240;
Nachos are going for PHP 450/550;
Tostadas are PHP 200/240;
Burritos are PHP 400/500
Hours:
Makati: Daily: 12 pm – 10 pm
San Juan: Daily:11 am – 10 pm
Location:
Makati:
Ground Floor, Paseo Parkview Suites
Salcedo Village
San Agustin Street
Makati
1227 Metro Manila
Philippines
San Juan:
192 Wilson
San Juan
Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone:
+63 953 889 5193 (Makati)
+63 936 917 7372 (San Juan)
Tip #3: Milky Way Cafe
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available
Speciality:
Delicious Filipino food, with an award-winning Kare-Kare, in a beautiful, nostalgic ambience
Price:
Specialities and Sandwiches are ranging between PHP 195 and PHP 395;
Mains are in the price range from PHP 350 to PHP 2250;
the award winning Kare-Kare is PHP 795;
Halo Halo and ice creams (housemade) are in between PHP 295 and PHP 1990
Hours:
Daily: 11 am – 9 pm
Location:
900 Antonio Arnaiz Avenue
Makati
1200 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone: +63 2 8843 4124
Email: jgamboa@cafe.milkywayrestaurant.com
Tip #4: Max’s Fried Chicken
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Gluten-free options available
Speciality :
A popular and very beloved chain in Manila, focused on chicken specialities
Price:
Max’s Fried Chicken Half PHP 385,
Family Basket Half PHP 435;
Kare Kare PHP 1049;
Different combos are pricing in between PHP 289 and PHP 469;
Breakfasts in between PHP 349 to PHP 455;
Hours:
Quezon City:
Daily: 7 am – 9.30 pm
(see Store Locator on Webpage for all the other locations)
Location:
21 Scout Tuazon Street, Diliman
Quezon City
1103 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone: +63 2 8887 9000
Webpage: https://www.maxschicken.com/
Tip #5: Provenciano
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options available
Speciality:
Filipino food, cooked by a Filipino chef, offering regional dishes from different provinces of the Philippines
Price:
Soups are starting from PHP 315 to PHP 395;
Mains are between PHP 325 to PHP 760;
Desserts are in between PHP 120 and PHP 295
Hours:
Daily: 10.30 am – 9 pm
Location:
110 Maginhawa, Diliman
Lungsod Quezon
1101 Kalakhang
Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone: +63 915 721 4190
Tip #6: Half Saints
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
A woman owned business with a wide variety of savory and sweet pastries and cakes
Price:
Puff Pastry Pizza is priced in between PHP 380 and 585,
Croissants are PHP 140/220;
A Box of 6 Whole Wheat Croissants is PHP 790;
Empanadas are pricing from PHP 150;
Crema de Fruta 8 inch is PHP 1950;
Tres Leches Cake 8 inch is PHP 1300;
Dark Chocolate Tart 9 inch is PHP 2720;
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 12 pm – 9 pm
Fri – Sun: 12 pm – 3 pm and 4 pm – 9 pm
Locations:
Unit 9 GF
The Ignacia Place
62 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue
Diliman
Quezon City
Metro Manila
Contact:
Tip #7: The Aristocrat Restaurant
Locals call it Manila’s 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options available
Speciality:
Home of the Best Chicken BBQ in town, historic site and Manila’s famous restaurant
Price:
Chicken meals are ranging in between PHP 345 and PHP 758;
Noodle dishes go from PHP 310 to PHP 495;
BBQ Classics are starting at PHP 240 up to PHP 535
Hours:
Daily: 24 hours
Location:
432, 1004 San Andres Street
Malate, Manila
1004 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Tip #8: Globe Lumpia House
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.
Dietary options:
Gluten-free, Vegan and Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
One of the oldest and best Lumpia Houses in town
Price:
Fresh Lumpia PHP 40 per piece;
Chicken Empanada PHP 45 per piece;
Brownies PHP 30 per piece
Hours:
Daily: 8 am – 5 pm
Location:
Zone 030, 740 Gonzalo Puyat Street
Santa Cruz, Manila
1001 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone: +63 906 625 6690
Email: dayanaramerina1@gmail.com
Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/p/GLOBE-Lumpia-House-Raon-100067160445933/
Tip #9: Tetsuo
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.
Dietary options:
Gluten-free and Vegetarian options available
Speciality:
Umami Japanese fried chicken in a funky and hip eatery
Price:
Solo meals are going from PHP 190 to PHP 340;
2 pieces fried chicken PHP 220;
4 pieces fried chicken PHP 400;
Torched Salmon PHP 420;
Garlic Beef PHP 330;
Curry Spices Pork PHP 240;
Chicken Skin PHP 180
Hours:
Makati:
Mon – Tue: 11 am – 10 pm
Wed – Sat: 11 am – 2 am
Sun: 11 am – 10 pm
Quezon City:
Daily: 10 am – 8 pm
Location:
Makati:
8483 Kalayaan Avenue, cor Matilde
Makati
1210 Metro Manila
Philippines
Quezon City:
88 Esteban Abada Street
Quezon City
1108 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone:
+63 916 487 6559 (Makati)
+63 916 487 6524 (Quezon City)
Email: tetsuo.fc@gmail.com
Webpage: https://linktr.ee/tetsuo.official
Tip #10: Manam at the Triangle
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options available.
Speciality:
Filipino comfort food, with a little twist and fusion. Sinigang na beef short rib, Kare-Kare and Ube and Sago shake are favorites
Price:
Small mains are ranging in between PHP 155 and PHP 440;
Medium mains are in the price range of PHP 250 and PHP 665;
Large meals are going from PHP 445 up to PHP 1405;
Ube and Sago shake is PHP 170;
Desserts are ranging from PHP 110 up to PHP 295
Hours:
Mon – Sun: 9 am – 10 pm
Location:
Ground Level
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Paseo De Roxas Street
Cor Makati Avenue
Cor Ayala Avenue
Makati, Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Tip #11: Ying Ying Teahouse
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
A tea house in Chinatown with Cantonese classics. Famous for their dim sum.
Price:
Dim sum is ranging in between PHP 115 and PHP 125;
Desserts are going from PHP 115 up to PHP 135
Hours:
Daily: 7 am – 10 pm
Location:
233-235 Dasmarinas Street
Corner Yuchengco Street
Binondo
Manila
1006 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Phone: +63 253 1090 31
Email: info@yingyingteahouse.com
Tip #12: Binondo Bites
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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
The famous street sensation. Soupy dumpling stuffed with pork and sweet sesame balls stuffed with creamy custard
Price:
5 pieces of the Fried Xiao Long Bao are PHP 150,
8 pieces of the Lava Buchi are PHP 160
Hours:
Mon – Thu: Closed
Fri – Sun: 8 am – 10 pm
Location:
628 Ongpin Street
Binondo, Manila
1006 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact:
Webpage: https://www.binondobites.com/home
Tip #13: Park Alvarez Café
Café 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Stunningly beautiful lake views.
Price:
Breakfast options starting from 150 PHP up to 390 PHP
Course Menu starting from 1,390 PHP
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7am – 9pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7am – 10pm
Closed on Wednesdays.
Location:
09 Brgy, Valenzuela, 1444 Metro Manila
Contact:
Phone: +63 917 101 1008
Webpage: Link
Tip #14: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Contemporary asian cuisine and cocktails.
Price:
Mains starting from 480 PHP up to 1,895 PHP
Side dishes starting from 390 PHP up to 650 PHP
Hours:
Monday-Saturday
Lunch Menu – 11am – 3pm
Dinner Menu – 6pm – 10pm
Location:
Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue cor Makati Avenue, Makati City
Contact:
Phone: (0917) 104 3672
Webpage: Link
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!
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.
