This post may contain affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here.
Looking for where to eat in Manila? In this food guide, we’ve broken down some of the best restaurants in Manila from fast food and cheap eats to fine dining and tasting menu.
Being the capital of the Philippines, Metro Manila’s food scene is emerging as the hub for food lovers from around the world with over 22,000 restaurants.
With this many options, it’s hard to decide where to eat in Manila.
One thing I love about being a travelling foodie is learning about a destination’s culture through its food. Besides being a city with rich heritage, Manila has a unique food culture that awes the foodies.
When you visit the Philippines, you’ll quickly realize that Filipinos love to eat! It’s just part of the culture, which is why Manila has a plethora of restaurants that offer diverse world cuisines and Michelin dining.
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Manila, but now live in Toronto. But every time I visit, I am baffled how much (and fast) things change, especially with the restaurants in Manila.
Big chains have noticed this too: some of the most popular international chain restaurants have opened in Manila like Shake Shack, In-N-Out (pop-up), Tim Horton’s and Ippudo.
I was actually surprised to find out Toronto is quite behind than Manila with these big franchises.
With such a diverse food scene, I ate my way around the Philippine capital hitting up some of the best restaurants in Manila in a wide range of cuisines, pricing and types from casual and fine dining, fast food and take-out places to hidden gems and childhood favourites!
Best Restaurants in Manila
Here are some of the best restaurants in Manila, in alphabetical order.
Just a couple of things to note: The Must-Try Food in restaurants mean they were both tasted and enjoyed. Menu prices indicated are prices at the time of dining and is subject to change.
- Check out other Manila restaurant guides for more restaurant lists and tips.
Barcino
Barcino is one of the best restaurants in Manila for authentic Spanish cuisine with tapas, paella and tradicionales.
In fact, the founders originated from Barcelona who wanted to bring the authentic Spanish taste to the Philippines.
Did you know? Barcino is Latin for Barcelona, the capital of the Catalan community in Spain.
On some nights a week, Barcino also invites locals bands to play music while people enjoy the delicacy of Spanish cuisine.
They also give a tribute to Spanish wine with a vast collection in which you can have the staff suggest a wine pairing with your dish.
Apart from their main branch in SM Aura, they have many branches in Makati, Alabang and other food districts in Manila. I went to the one in Eastwood City.
Must-Try Food at Barcino: Paella de Rabo de Toro (Oxtail Paella), Pulpo Braseado con Crema de Patata, Gambas Al Ajillo
Address: G/F One, Eastwood Ave, Eastwood City, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines
Coral Garden Restaurant
Serving guests since 1978, Coral Garden is a gem among locals looking for authentic Chinese and Fujianese dishes.
Did you know? Coral Garden is owned and run by two ladies who were high school classmates and became best friends.
They serve unique dishes not commonly found in other Chinese restaurants, making it one of the must-try Chinese restaurants in Manila.
You won’t find exotic Filipino dishes here, but instead find exotic Fujianese ones like the stir-fried pork kidney.
Must-Try Food at Coral Garden Restaurant: Crispy Bean Curd with House Special Black Sauce, Coral Supreme, Stir-Fry Pork Liver or Kidney, Oyster Cake
Address: Banawe St, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Crisostomo
One of the best restaurants in Manila, Crisostomo offers traditional Filipino and Spanish dishes as well as other Asian cuisines with innovations by Chef Florabel Co-Yatco!
Did you know? The restaurant’s name is based on a character in popular Filipino novel Noli Me Tangere named Crisostomo Ibarra.
The restaurant has several branches in Manila, each with a different ambiance designed for a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
Crisostomo serves lunch, brunch and dinner so you can visit them any time of the day.
Must-Try Food at Crisostomo: Tarsilo Squid Al Jillo, Lengua Laruja, Sizzling Linares (Pork Sisig)
– Lengua Laruja – braised ox tongue with mushroom gravy
– Calamares ni Tales – fried baby squid with garlic mayo dip and sweet chili
– Don Rafael (Family size crispy pata) – Deep-fried pork leg with atchara and soy vinegar
– Garlic Rice
Address: 2/F Veranda, Eastwood Mall, Orchard Rd, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, 1110 Metro Manila, Philippines
Gallery by Chele
Started as Gallery VASK in 2013, the restaurant changed its name to Gallery by Chele in 2018 but still remains one of the best restaurants in Manila and the Philippines offering regional as well as Southeast Asian cuisines using modern techniques.
It was my first time seeing such an innovative take on Filipino cuisine, making it a must-try if you’re looking for where to eat tasting menu in Manila.
This One Michelin Star restaurant use local ingredients to cook the flavors of the Philippines and, at the same time, believe in coming up with new blends and twists in cooking.
Specializing in changing tasting menus and unique cocktails, Gallery by Chele is a crossover of food science and deliciousness and one of the best places to eat in Manila.
Must-Try Food at Gallery by Chele: Nine-Course Tasting Menu, Perfume Cocktail, Verde Cocktail, Puto Bumbong Cocktail
2. Puto Bumbong Cocktail – vodka, banana leaf, yam, coconut
Address: 5/F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue, corner 39th St, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant Greenhills
Ask locals for best Chinese restaurants in Manila and Gloria Maris is sure to be on top of best places to eat.
A fine-dining Chinese restaurant, Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant in Greenhills is dedicated to the innovation of Chinese dining experience through dim sum and hot pot along with traditional Chinese family-style dishes.
The food is cooked with the best quality local ingredients and the chefs are hired from Hong Kong to serve authentic Chinese cuisine to its guests, making it one of the best restaurants in Manila for Chinese food.
With its private rooms and banquet halls, Gloria Maris is a popular spot in the Chinese community for big functions like weddings, parties, birthday celebrations, business meets.
Must-Try Food in Gloria Maris: Roasted Peking Duck Served 2 Ways, Crispy Fried Pigeon, Live Sua He, Steamed Sea Bass with Soy Sauce, Salted Egg Prawns, Fried Taro Puff, Suckling Pig, Birthday Noodles Mango Sago
Address: Corner Missouri St, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
House of Wagyu Stonegrill
Opened in 2007, House of Wagyu Stonegrill is one of the best restaurants in Manila for steak lovers, giving you a chance to cook your own high-grade wagyu steak exactly how you like it.
This unique dining experience lets you sizzle your steak on a volcanic stone, making it a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal with friends and family.
You’ll rarely find this kind of steak experience. In fact, my very first experience was at House of Wagyu Stonegrill in Eastwood City.
I found one in Toronto after, but the restaurant eventually closed. In 2025, I found one in Japan at Park Hotel Tokyo.
As the name suggests, House of Wagyu’s premium cuts, from wagyu ribeye to tenderloin, are perfect for a special night out or for when you’re just craving a perfectly cooked steak in a nice intimate setting.
Must-Try Food at House of Wagyu Stonegrill: Wagyu Ribeye (Grade 8 or 10), The Daily Lunch Set Menu (when offered)
Ilustrado
Ilustrado started serving guests in 1989 and quickly became one of the best restaurants in Manila for Filipino and Spanish food, frequented by both locals and tourists.
If you’re looking for places to eat in Manila while experiencing a rich Filipino culture, you should visit the Ilustrado Restaurant located in the historic Walled City of Intramuros.
Here you’re transported back to the time of Spanish colonialization.
The Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros offers traditional Filipino dishes, along with Asian flavors blended with heritage Spanish and global cuisines by Chef Bernice Pimentel.
How about a fire show with your dessert? Every time I see something on the menu that says flambeed tableside, I always want to try it!
What a show it was to see the Mango Jubilee prepared. First time seeing a three ladle fire show. Watch it in the video below.
Must-Try Food at Ilustrado Restaurant: Paella Ilustrado, Lengua Con Setas, Bagnet with Classic KBL Sauce, Mango Jubilee, Tsokolate Ilustrado
Activities while you’re in Intramuros:
1. Intramuros Bike Tour & Filipino Food with Live Performance – a small 5-hour group tour visiting all the must-see spots in Intramuros with a Filipino buffet and live music/cultural show after.
2. Intramuros Bamboo Bicycle Tour – choose from express tour, Intramuros experience, sunset tour, half-day cultural experience.
– Lengua Con Setas – slow-cooked slices of ox tongue in mushroom brown sauce
– Dalandan Mango Daiquiri
– Tsokolate Ilustrado – Ilustrado’s in between version of tsokolate “e” (espeso) and “a” (aguado)
– Cappuccino
– Cafe Mocha
Address: 744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna), Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
Kipp’s Chicken
Established in 1981, Kipp’s Chicken is one of the best restaurants in Manila for fried chicken, a hidden gem located in the food court of SM Megamall and SM Southmall.
This locally owned fast food restaurant has been a fan favourite among locals who frequent those malls since childhood.
I make it a point to eat here whenever I visit Manila. Other menu items include spaghetti and macaroni salad.
Must-Try Food at Kipp’s Chicken: You just have to try their beloved fried chicken made from a family recipe. Have that with their home-style gravy and Spanish rice, and you have yourself a winner!
– 3x 2pc Chicken with Spanish Rice
– 2x 6pc Chicken
Address: SM Megamall, EDSA corner J. Vargas Ave., Brgy. Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City, Ortigas
La Creperie
La Creperie is one of the best places to eat crepes in Manila.
Aside from their popular gourmet crepes and crepe cakes, they offer traditional French food, including popular dishes like Coq Au Vin (chicken in red wine) and Blanquette de Boeuf (beef stew simmered for hours).
La Creperie also serves Filipino breakfast that includes pasta and other traditional dishes.
If you’re looking for a show, the Crepe Suzette is flambeed tableside.
I love crepe cakes, and the 20-layer hand-crafted Mille crepe cake at La Creperie hits the spot! You must try their homemade Salted Butter Caramel.
If you’re looking for where to eat French food and desserts in Manila, La Creperie is the restaurant for it.
Must-Try Desserts at La Creperie: Salted Butter Caramel Mille Crepe Cake, Matcha Mille Crepe Cake, Apple Crisp A La Mode Crepe, Mango Hazelnut Au Chocolat Crepe
Address: Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Vertis Triangle Exchange, North, North Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Locavore
Even before I flew to Manila and also when I arrived, Locavore Kitchen & Drinks came highly recommended by friends, family and followers so I had to check the place out.
Did you know? Locavore means a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food.
Known for introducing new modern Filipino food to authentic cuisine, this Michelin Recommended spot strives for a sustainable dining concept with a menu using ingredients from local farmers and local drinks all over the Philippines.
Chef Mikel Zaguirre combines classic Filipino dishes with twists using his French cooking background, making Locavore to be one of Manila’s best restaurants for both locals and tourists.
As a sisig lover, I am a big fan of their oyster sisig, which is quite uncommon to find and my first time having. It’s so good you’ll want to try both versions.
Must-Try Food at Locavore Kitchen & Drinks: Pancit Luglog, Fried Oyster Sisig, Lechon Oyster Sisig, Baked Scallops with Aligue Butter, Sugpo Con Mayonesa, Green Curry Bicol Express, Turon (one of the best desserts in Manila!), Torta Mangga
Address: 1880 Eastwood Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines
Lugang Café
Lugang Café is a Taiwanese restaurant that belongs to the famous Bellagio Group of Restaurants that originated in Shanghai in 2001.
The Manila location is very special because it is the first branch of Lugang Café outside China.
Did you know? Lugang Cafe was listed in Philippine Tatler’s 100 Best Restaurant Awards.
Lugang Café has fourteen world-class Chinese chefs who are dedicated to providing their guests with real Taiwanese dishes, undoubtedly making it one of the best restaurants in Manila serving authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
One of their most popular items is the Peanut Smoothie, which for me is a must-try dessert in Manila.
Though I’m typically not big on peanut butter, I can say that I’m nuts for their smoothie!
Must-Try at Lugang Cafe: Xiao Long Bao, Spare Ribs with Plum Sauce, Stewed Tofu with Crab Meat, Oyster Omelette (Oajian), Peanut Smoothie
Address: 2nd floor, The Block, SM City North Edsa, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Manam
Ask locals where to eat in Manila for Filipino food, and Manam easily comes out very popular as one of the best restaurants in Manila.
Aside from Filipino food with a twist, Manam also serves many Asian cuisines with vegetarian options.
Did you know? The name Manam is derived from Malinamnam (delicious). I agree!
A great concept Manam has on their menu is it has 3 portion sizes for non-dessert items (small/medium/large). I highly recommend getting more items of Small so you can try more.
Travelling Foodie Tip: The SM Megamall location is Manam Cafe where they have cafe dishes not found at non-Cafe locations like the Three Cheese Ensaymada and Bibingka De Leche (one of the best desserts in Manila) here!
And the flagship location at the Triangle has exclusive dishes and is Michelin Recommended!
Ask me for my favorite Filipino dish and you’ll hear me say Sisig, and the one at Manam was the best I’ve had!
Perfectly crispy throughout the dish (which is quite rare) and flavourful with a bit of sauce. No wonder it’s their bestselling dish!
Must-Try Food at Manam: House Crispy Sisig, Crispy Pancit Palabok (PHP200), Crispy Beef Tadyang (PHP355), Three Cheese Ensaymada (PHP200), Bibingka De Leche (PHP240) and Ube + Sago (PHP110).
– Ube + Sago
– Strawberry + Camias
Address: 3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall Expansion Bldg. D, EDSA cor. J, Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
Mendokoro Ramenba
Mendokoro Ramenba is a traditional Japanese restaurant that specializes in authentic ramen, rated among one of the best places to eat in Manila for Japanese ramen lovers.
Even when I asked my friends in the Philippines for the best ramen in Manila, the consensus was Mendokoro Ramenba.
This is surprising considering some of Japan’s top ramen joints like Ippudo and Ramen Nagi have opened in Manila, whereas Mendokoro is locally owned.
Mendokoro has an ordering system, wherein you order at the cashier and wait for your turn to sit at the ramen bar.
The table is one long bar table seating that circles the kitchen so you get to dine facing the chefs at work.
Mendokoro offers a range of Ramen with twists in taste and is known for having a rich creamy broth beating those from Japan. Their noodles are made in-house as well.
I tried a couple of ramens and loved the Tantanmen ramen the most with its unique blend of chili oil and milky soup. Note though that Aji Tamago (marinated soft boiled egg) is not included in all their ramen.
Travelling Foodie Tip: They have some off-menu items like the Super Chashu Ramen and Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen.
Be sure to ask what’s available for that day.
If you are looking for the more traditional ramen, go with the regular Shoyu ramen with a thick, rich broth.
For heavy eaters, the off-menu Super Chashu Ramen has the regular Shoyu ramen as base with extra frills and meat including a torched slab of fatty pork.
Must-Try Food at Mendokoro Ramenba: Super Chashu Ramen (or Shoyu Ramen), Tatanmen Ramen
Address: 26th Street Icon Plaza RCBC Building, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines
Mesa
With over 17 stores in the Philippines and serving 123 different dishes, Mesa Filipino Moderne has been awarded as one of the best Filipino restaurants in Manila for three consecutive years.
Did you know? Mesa was established in 2009 by Mega Star Sharon Cuneta and her husband Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
Mesa is the first and the only restaurant in Manila that provides on spot grilling, right on the table, which comes out as an exciting experience for guests.
It was recognized as the best restaurant in the Philippines for Crispchon (“Crispy Lechon”), which is crispy roasted pig’s skin served two ways.
- wrapped in pandan crepes ala Peking Duck with yan suy, cucumber and leek
- tossed in chili garlic
Aside from Adobo, the other popular traditional Filipino dish most people know about is Kare Kare which is a stew with a rich and creamy peanut sauce.
Kare Kare is typically made with oxtail or beef stew meat, but at Mesa they use beef short ribs which I enjoyed more than beef stew because the meat was just so tender. It’s not always on the menu so, if you see it, order it!
The baby squid in olive oil is so good and a definite must-try. So far Mesa serves the best version of this dish.
Must-Try Food at Mesa Filipino Moderne: Baby Squid in Olive Oil, Crispy Sisig with Egg, Baked Scallops, Leche Flan
– Baby in olive oil – Baby squid sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and calamansi, topped with garlic chips and chopped spring onion
– Crispy Beef Pares – Deep fried, marinated beef tenders tossed in special sauce, topped with spring onion, and red and green bell peppers
– Crunchy Pork – Pork sisig tossed in sisig dressing on a sizzling plate topped with white onion, sili labuyo and calamansi. Plus egg.
– Leche Flan – Round custard cake in caramelized sugar topped with roasted sesame seed
Address: 116 Eastwood Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, 1110 Metro Manila, Philippines
Seascape Village
Seafood in the Philippines is quite abundant and one thing I look forward to is this concept in the Philippines called “Dampa and Paluto”.
Here, you order fresh seafood from a wet market (Dampa) then bring the seafood to various stalls that will cook the seafood to your liking (Paluto).
Where to eat in Manila for seafood? The newest version of this is Seascape Village, where, instead of food stalls, they have different restaurants that will cook the seafood for you.
Seacape Village was my favourite seafood place that I actually went 5 times in one of my trips.
It’s definitely one of the best places to eat seafood in Manila, and it has views of Manila Bay.
Travelling Foodie Tip: If you enjoy music, they have live music at night so be sure to check their schedule.
In regards to which restaurant to pick to cook your seafood, I highly recommend Asian Taste which was the only one we visited the entire times because it was that good.
There are also food vendors at Seascape Village, so we got some pretty good bubble waffle and ice cream from Ya Dang to enjoy while watching.
Must-Try Food at Asian Taste at Seascape Village: Salted Egg Crab, Baked Scallops, Steamed Scallops with Garlic and Sotanghon, and Fried Squid with Salt and Pepper, Oyster Omelette
Address: Atang Dela Rama, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
7 Corners Restaurant
7 Corners is a buffet restaurant that offers local and international cuisines in an open themed kitchen concept.
This popular buffet at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria gets its name 7 Corners from the seven interactive stations.
Each station represents different flavors of the world: Tandoori, Japanese, Western, Salad, Pizza Station, Dessert and Asian Noodle.
From traditional Japanese food to Indian dishes, along with all-you-can-eat US Ribeye and Beef Ribs as well as crabs, shrimps and mussels and other seafood, there is something for everyone at one of Manila’s best buffet restaurants.
Address: Ortigas Ave, Corner Asian Development Bank Ave, Quezon City, 1100, Philippines
The Test Kitchen by Josh Boutwood
Located at Rockwell Center, The Test Kitchen by Josh Boutwood is not your typical fine dining spot in Manila.
It’s a place where Chef Boutwood uses his creativity and amazing skills to come up with new and exciting dishes.
Chef Boutwood, a Filipino-British chef who is also the corporate executive chef for The Bistro Group, first opened The Test Kitchen in 2017 as his own personal creative outlet.
He’s known for his innovative approach to food and for using local ingredients, so the menu changes with the seasons and it’s one of the Manila’s best restaurants to discover unique flavors without having to do a tasting menu.
This Michelin Recommended restaurant even has its own in-house cured and fermented products so you know you’re getting something truly special.
Must-Try Food at The Test Kitchen by Josh Boutwood: 48-hour Short Rib (one of the best short rib dishes I’ve had), Braised Lamb Shank, Comte Arancini
2) Calamari Tentacles – deep fried calamari tentacles, romesco sauce, parsley
2) Sea Bass, Cauliflower, XO – Chilean sea bass, cauliflower puree, house made XO served with smoked dashi and xo oil sauce
3) Braised Lamb Shank – sunchoke, mint
Address: G/F, East tower, One Rockwell, Rockwell Dr, Rockwell, Makati City, 1211 Metro Manila, Philippines
Toyo Eatery
If you’re into Michelin Guide restaurants, modern cuisine, tasting menu or fine dining, Toyo Eatery is a must-visit with its modern Filipino cuisine.
This is the best Filipino dining experience I’ve ever had in the Philippines.
Located in Makati, this award-winning fine dining restaurant has consistently ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and even snagged the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award in 2025.
The minimalist interiors, crafted by local artisans, add to the charm. You’ll feel like you’re in a Filipino home that’s modern.
Pro tip: Book ahead to secure a seat at the communal table for a front-row view of the open kitchen.
Chef Jordy Navarra reimagines Filipino classics with a creative twist, making dishes like the Bahay Kubo lumpia, a playful nod to the folk song with all the 18 vegetables mentioned.
You’ll get to try very special and rare Filipino ingredients. And the storytelling is impeccable. No wonder they got One Michelin Star.
Must-Try Food at Toyo Eatery: First-time diners should opt for the tasting menu to experience the full range of Toyo Eatery’s inventive dishes.
Address: The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila, Philippines
Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew
Preserving and promoting the Latin American food culture since its establishment, Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew promises its guest the traditional and twisted flavors of Latin American cuisine.
Inspired by Latin and Filipino cultures of family-style sharing, co-owner and chef Jerwyn Rabo also brings Latin and Filipino flavours together with his recipes.
Tittos also serves several Latin American-inspired alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
In line with the Latin American theme, the restaurant has fun and festive South American-inspired murals on the walls painted by six local artists.
This makes Titto’s space one of the best restaurants to hang out with friends in Manila over drinks and bites.
Be sure to check out the desserts here. The fusion desserts here are very good and unique!
My favorite Manila dessert at Tittos was the Frozen Brazo de Mercedes, a refreshing take on the classic Filipino dessert.
Unlike the classic version which is a rolled cake made with a soft and fluffy meringue with a rich, decadent egg yolk-based custard in the middle, this Frozen version has three layers: frozen meringue, ice cream and frozen custard (with leche flan consistency)!
The sweetness level is just right since the classic version is usually very sweet! It was so good that my family was fighting for every bite.
Must-Try Food at Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew: Tapas de Chipa, Garlic Shrimp BBQ Pizzadilla, El Puerco a la Brasa, Costillitas, Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, Tittos’ Ube Churros, Frozen Brazo de Mercedes, Tittos’ Sangria
Address: 16 E Capitol Dr, Pasig, 1603 Metro Manila, Philippines
Where To Stay in Manila Near Best Restaurants Map
Ready to start planning your food trip? Here’s an interactive map of the best restaurants in Manila featured in this travel guide, plus hotels and accommodations nearby with deals and pricing:
Hope this list helps you decide where to eat in Manila!
There are seriously so many places to eat, but this Manila food guide should narrow it down for you at least.
I frequent Manila quite often so please let me know what you find are the best restaurants in Manila that I should visit next time.
Enjoy the content and want to support? You can buy me a coffee ☕, purchase a merch 👕, or subscribe to the newsletter.
Join the community on YouTube, Facebook, Food Instagram, Travel Instagram, and TikTok!