Philippines

Take a delectable quick peek into the newest and hottest restaurants in the Philippines! It’s all about epicurean enjoyment here!

Cantina Sicilianita

Cantina Sicilianita

At the busy street of Shaw in Mandaluyong, finding a restaurant like Cantina Sicilianita is comparable to unearthing a gem. The restaurant is low-key on the outside, bearing a colorful sign, but inside, it’s an entirely different world. Inspired by a trip to Sicily, Chef Mark Buhain trained in Italy and created Cantina Sicilianita as a tribute to the region of Sicily. On top of Cantina Sicilianita’s menu is Arancini, saffron risotto balls stuffed with pancetta ragu that are coated and fried, followed by Pasta Siciliano, Cantina’s rendition of the pesto pasta of basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan cheese with tomatoes for that extra tang. Pesto Siciliano […]
  • TAGS:
  • Mandaluyong
  • Italian
    • (CLOSED) Argos Minibar

    (CLOSED) Argos Minibar

    It’s no secret that Makati’s Padre Burgos has the reputation for being a red light district, but the vicinity is nothing short of interesting, both in the entertainment and food aspect. There in the strip is Argos Minibar, a Turkish restaurant at the ground floor of Citadel Inn which has a lot to offer, especially if you’re craving Mediterranean food after a night of cocktails with friends.   Start off your meal with a cup of Turkish coffee (P100) or a bowl of Iskembe (P125), ox tripe soup that’s said to cure hangovers. Once you’ve taken care of that hangover, go ahead and order some or Argos’ menu favorites. There […]
  • TAGS:
  • Makati Avenue
  • Makati
  • Greek & Mediterranean
    • The Collective

    The Collective

    Home of the famous B-side, The Collective is good food, music, art and more. If you’re longing for a place where you can spend your weekends lounging and indulging in art, crafts, music and great food, go no further than The Collective in Malugay, Makati. The Collective is a big courtyard with a collection of unique shops and hangouts for the young and hip crowd. It is a great meeting place for artists, entrepreneurs, and free spirits, especially during weekends when The Collective’s biggest bar, B-Side, organizes gigs played by underground indie bands. B-side is popular for its alternative, progressive rock scene as well as its Irie Sundays, when the […]
  • TAGS:
  • Makati
  • Bar and Resto
  • Concept dining
  • Bar and Resto
  • Concept dining
    • Balboa

    Balboa

    The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows…until you’ve had a dish or two from this joint! —– Named after fictional character Rocky Balboa, the restaurant serves comfort American-Italian food in a fancy, country Italian home setting, embellished with dark blue walls and gold-framed paintings. Good starters would be an order of Mozarella Cheese with Marinara Sauce and classic Potato Wedges, which are trinkled generously with bechamel, mozarella, parmigiano regiano and bits of pancetta for a meaty touch. Highly recommended for their handmade pasta, Balboa also serves a variety of pasta and sauces such as Shrimp and Sausage Spaghettini, Fresh Spinach Tagliatelle with Praws and Tomato Cream Sauce, Truffle Mushroom Linguine […]
  • TAGS:
  • Mandaluyong
  • Steakhouse
  • Italian
  • Steakhouse
    • Bugsy’s Bar and Bistro

    Bugsy’s Bar and Bistro

    Have you been to this neighborhood bar that offers delicious comfort food and affordable premium drinks? Yuppies and expats frequent this bistro-slash-bar in the ground floor of Paseo Parkview Tower in Makati for its sleek yet cozy interiors, reliable good bar chow, and of course, game viewings. A sports bar by every indication, Bugsy’s can be a chill hangout venue after a long day at work or just a venue to catch up with friends. Regulars pour in at happy hour from three to eight, their orders usually including a cocktail (Bloody Mary, Kamikaze, Long Island Iced Tea, Whiskey Sour, Margarita, etc) and Bugsy’s Buffalo Chicken Wings, crispy chicken wings […]
  • TAGS:
  • Makati
  • Bar and Resto
  • Bar and Resto
    • El Chupacabra

    El Chupacabra

    At around three on a Friday afternoon, it’s quiet in the street of Felipe in Makati, where El Chupacabra is. By evening, however, everything changes. The street is packed with students and yuppies waiting in line to be called at El Chupacabra, a Mexican food joint with graffiti’d red walls, dance music, and a limited number of colorful seats. El Chupacabra Soft Tacos The restaurant, whose name literally translates to goat sucker, serves Mexican dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas, but their best ones are the soft tacos, which are priced at least P98 a piece. Juicy strips of meat that’s been cooked for hours, lined on a soft taco, […]
  • TAGS:
  • Makati
  • Mexican
    • Sushi Ninja

    Sushi Ninja

    Meet the perfect sushi craving-buster in Alabang! Among the clusters of shops and restaurants in Westgate, Alabang is Sushi Ninja, a hip restaurant serving Japanese food and scrumptious varieties of sushi. The restaurant space resembles a cool warehouse, with its quirky sushi clock and Japanese countertop figurines and wood and metal elements. Conceptualized by Matthew Floro Tanjuakio, who left his marketing gig to study at the California Sushi Academy in LA, the restaurant started out as a stall in weekend markets like Soderno and Mercato and later branched out as a catering business and finally as a full-fledged restaurant. Spicy Tuna Salad Sushi Ninja has a diverse menu, ranging from […]
  • TAGS:
  • Muntinlupa
  • Alabang
  • Japanese
    • Orange Whisk Restaurant and Pattiserie

    Orange Whisk Restaurant and Pattiserie

    It’s not that difficult to find Orange Whisk Restaurant and Patisserie along the food strip of Aguirre Avenue. For one thing, the restaurant has a big sign up front, not to mention a bright orange color that is, without a doubt, hard to miss. The restaurant is a joint project of Isaiah Ortega and Pastry Chef Korinne Lirio, who have come up with a selection of dishes that are deceivingly simple yet comforting and delicious. Among the favorites are their Burger Steak with Blue Cheese Mushroom Cream Sauce – a dish of Kutayama Wagyu steak on a bed of mashed potatoes drizzled with mushroom sauce – and Wagyu Saikoro Steak, […]
  • TAGS:
  • Parañaque
  • BF Homes
  • Bakery and Sweets
  • Steakhouse
  • Filipino
  • Bakery and Sweets
  • Steakhouse
    • Eating your way through Bacolod City

    Eating your way through Bacolod City

    Bacolod in southern Philippines is a melting pot of modernity, culture and history. The beautiful city, famous as a sugar county and as the City of Smiles, has numerous sights and incredibly hospitable people. Their warmth extends to their cuisine – a perfect fusion of home-grown tradition and fresh culinary ideas. One of their most famous dishes is the grilled chicken inasal, and the best place to have it is at Aida’s Manokan in Manokan Country, a long line of carinderias selling a wide variety of delicious grilled food. Simply get your preferred cut – paa (thigh) and pakpak (wing) are the meatiest – and drizzle some sinfully delicious chicken […]
  • TAGS:
  • Bacolod
  • Filipino
    • Balai Ilocos

    Balai Ilocos

    When North (Luzon) meets South (of Manila), you’re in for a treat! A cozy space with capiz windows, chandeliers, plates on the wall and less than 10 tables tucked along the shops of Aguirre Avenue is Balai Ilocos, a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious understated Filipino food from the region of Paoay, Ilocos. The brainchild of Princess Aquino, a Manileña who loves Ilocano food, the restaurant is now managed by son Niño Mendoza. He cooks the dishes by his grandmothers and grandfathers from both sides of the family and has even added his own crafted items to the menu himself. The restaurant has a branch in Pagsanjan and an upcoming […]
  • TAGS:
  • Parañaque
  • BF Homes
  • Filipino
    • Carcar Market’s Lechon

    Carcar Market’s Lechon

    Discover what makes this Filipino favorite from Carcar City, Cebu stands out from the rest. Cebu is known not only as a progressive island province, but also as a food haven. Located in the Visayas region, this province has contributed so many delicious things to Filipino cuisine, the greatest of which is Cebu lechon – a whole pig stuffed and basted with spices and sauces while roasting over hot coals. The best Cebu lechon is a point of contention among Cebuanos and outsiders alike. Each version from different cities, towns and restaurants has their own distinct flavor. Renowned American chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain proclaimed Zubuchon as the top […]
  • TAGS:
  • Cebu
  • Filipino
    • Faburrito

    Faburrito

    Satisfy those summer cravings without the guilt of gaining weight! The hot summer breeze has everyone sweltering and everyone’s dying to hit the beach – and to have the perfect beach body! Gym and fitness centers are crowded with new recruits and some are trying out new diet plans that might get them look great in their dream swimming attire. Everything is going well…until you feel the craving for some Mexican food! Well, worry not because Primer has recently discovered the newest option in the healthy food market! Faburrito is located in Eastwood and has branches at The Columns in Ayala Avenue and Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City. They […]
  • TAGS:
  • Quezon City
  • Healthy/Organic
  • Mexican
  • Healthy/Organic
    • Uncle Tetsu Cheese Cake

    Uncle Tetsu Cheese Cake

    Japan’s most popular cheese cake has invaded the Philippines! Uncle Tetsu is a takeaway store that specially serves unique cheese cakes. Unlike the dense, heavy Western-style cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu’s version of this well-loved cake is light, fluffy and not too sweet. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they are prepared using the freshest of eggs and milk and the best quality cheese and butter and contain no preservatives added. These cakes are also low in calories and sodium and high in protein. Originally from Fukuoka, Japan, Uncle Tetsu cheese cakes have been around since 1985. Tetsushi Mizokami, the inspiration behind the loveable Uncle Tetsu character we see as their logo, grew […]
  • TAGS:
  • Mandaluyong
  • Bakery and Sweets
  • SM Megamall
  • Bakery and Sweets
    • Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant in Quezon City

    Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant in Quezon City

    Finding this restaurant in Quezon City is an adventure your romantic soul will be willing to take. In a quiet nook in Horseshoe Village hides a rustic French-Mediterranean fine dining restaurant. The Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant is secluded, exclusive and perfect for those special occasions with your loved ones. What is now a beautiful place for patrons and guests started as a winery. Back in 2002, owners Klaus and Kitt Schroeder served the clients of their wine importing business with high quality dishes to complement the wines presented. Years later, Lemuria officially opened its gates to the public after being underground for so long. True to its name, Lemuria is a […]
  • TAGS:
  • Quezon City
  • Romantic Restaurants 2017
  • French
  • Romantic Restaurants 2017
    • Bon Banhmi

    Bon Banhmi

    In the quiet, residential street of Mayapis is a sandwich shop serving varieties of bahnmi, a traditional and Vietnamese sandwich considered to be one of the best street food all over the world. At Bon Bahnmi, the Traditional Bahnmi is made of layers of different textures of pork – lean, jambon (thigh meat), and liver pate – mixed with some shredded and crunchy vegetables, tucked in between a light and crispy baguette. Diners have the option of choosing grilled beef, chicken, roasted pork for their protein, or going for a full-on vegetarian sandwich. They can also order the baguettes, which on their own are just as good, and easily go […]
  • TAGS:
  • Makati
  • Asian Restaurants 2017
  • Vietnamese
  • Asian Restaurants 2017
    • Wicked Dogs

    Wicked Dogs

    BF Homes has always been a hotbed of new and interesting restaurant concepts. One of these is Wicked Dogs – the only specialty hotdog sandwich place in town. This nifty place along Aguirre Avenue had only just opened last week, but they’re already fully operational and serving the best hotdog sandwiches you’ll have the pleasure of eating. The floor area of Wicked Dogs may be a little small, but it’s the perfect setting for an intimate hangout with your buddies. The interiors are bright and nicely decorated with a combination of industrial and wooden touches. The furnishings also include quirky doodles, hanging light bulbs, and even a couple of swings […]
  • TAGS:
  • Parañaque
  • BF Homes
    • Kuppa Roastery & Café

    Kuppa Roastery & Café

      Inside the quaint shop The café opened in 2012, attracting customers of all ages. 2-3 times a week, handpicked coffee beans are roasted in their own machine. You may choose your preferred extraction method among many, such as by aero press. The shop has two floors with 100 seats. The second floor may be reserved for private events, and the first floor has a smoking area. Ben’s cappuccino (P80) Even though the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bombe (P140) is their bestseller, we recommend the chocolate cake with gelato. Matt’s chocolate cake with gelato (P190) The hot melted chocolate oozing out of the chocolate cake topped with cold ice cream makes […]
  • TAGS:
  • Taguig
  • Bonifacio Global City
  • Cafe
  • Cafe 2018
  • Cafe
  • Cafe 2018
    • Ilaputi

    Ilaputi

    If you ever find yourself looking for a great meal in Cebu, just head over to I.T. Park in Lahug area, where you’ll find Ilaputi. Ilaputi immediately identifies as a classy restaurant at first glance. The glossy interiors are mostly black and gray hues, with overhead yellow lamps that give the place an attractive, intimate vibe. This restaurant prides itself on serving Asian soul food and fusion dishes. The menu is extensive: they have pasta, sandwiches, tapas, drinks, cocktails, all-day breakfast plates, and the Puti Platos – their classic and original dishes, all scrumptious and exciting. Regular diners and the restaurant staff can name a lot of crowd favorites. But […]
  • TAGS:
  • Cebu
    • AKIRA: the Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki

    AKIRA: the Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki

    Located at Shangri-La Plaza in Ortigas, AKIRA is a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant named after the late Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, delighting both visual and gastronomical needs. One of this restaurant’s attractions is the large iron plate where customers can watch the chefs as they create art out of their dishes. The chefs prepare each dish meticulously, aiming to achieve perfection in every detail, just as the Japanese do. The restaurant serve best quality Japanese wagyu in the premium A3 and A4 grades. They have classic Japanese food such as tonkatsu, ramen, sushi, sashimi, tempura. Japanese liquors are also available. Akira has branches at […]
  • TAGS:
  • Mandaluyong
  • Shangri-La Plaza
  • Japanese
    • Le Jardin

    Le Jardin

    This restaurant is closed. The French restaurant, Le Jardin (the garden), opened its door last May 2014. It is owned by Chef Gil Brault, who worked at Trois Gourmand, one of the best restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located at the penthouse of a high-rise building in Bonifacio Global City, and has a Terrier-style garden. – – The white and green interior exudes a very refreshing atmosphere. It has a high rise ceiling and big window that showcases the picturesque view of BGC Skyline. Le Jardin offers a 3-course meal, a 4-course meal or a 5-course meal, depending on your appetite.  Many of their dishes use foie […]
  • TAGS:
  • Taguig
  • Bonifacio Global City
  • French
    • Ramen Kagetsu Arashi

    Ramen Kagetsu Arashi

    The long awaited Ramen Kagetsu Arashi has finally opened its very first restaurant in the Philippines! The newly-opened restaurant is located at the 2nd floor of Paseo Center, facing Ayala Triangle. It is one of the largest chains of ramen restaurants in Japan with over 260 branches. Its constantly changing menu offers a variety of ramen, some of which are only seasonal, which attracts ramen fans all over the world. The store is brightly lit and filled with table seats and booths in vibrant color, giving it a modern and retro look and feel that families and couples alike can appreciate. Its signature dish, the Arashi Genkotsu Ramen (P295), has […]
  • TAGS:
  • Paseo de Roxas
  • Makati
  • Ramen
  • Japanese
  • Ramen
    • Daniele’s Casa Mia

    Daniele’s Casa Mia

    Daniele’s is an Italian establishment located between a lapida-maker and the TransOrient building. This hole-in-the-wall can be quite easy to miss. Once along Sucat Road, one must drive a little past Grami Hotel going towards Baclaran, and look out for the yellow-painted exterior and the signage hanging overhead. – Ravioli Truffle Cream – Once inside you will be greeted by a spacious, warmly-lit dining area and the unmistakable scent of fresh olives. The enthusiastic owner, Mr. Daniele Bellini, will lead you to your table himself. Just the eclectic decor of various knick-knacks and paintings are worth the visit. Daniele is a former paparazzi, and his intriguing photos of life and celebrities […]
  • TAGS:
  • Parañaque
  • Italian
    • The Wholesome Table in BGC

    The Wholesome Table in BGC

    The Wholesome Table’s specialty is comfort food. But what makes all the difference is that this restaurant is passionately committed to serving all things organic. Owned by the power couple Bianca and Juan Elizalde, the restaurant specializes in healthy dishes that use free-range poultry, grass-fed beef, wild-caught seafood, local artisan products, the freshest vegetables, and natural sauces that are all made from scratch. The menu is a mix of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, pizza, pastas, sandwiches and ‘power bowls’ –a filling bowl of various grains topped with vegetables. They also specialize in delicious smoothies and detox juices that help cleanse the body. Try the Enlightened Bowl, a brown rice […]
  • TAGS:
  • Taguig
  • Bonifacio Global City
  • Healthy/Organic
  • Healthy/Organic
    • Burger Company Philippines

    Burger Company Philippines

    Burger Company Philippines is not your usual burger joint. Conceptualized by Francis Fabie and Alvin Chun, it’s also a board game hub where you can play Game of Thrones while gorging on a burger or sipping a vanilla milkshake. The interiors, for starters, already scream fun at first sight – metal chairs painted yellow and red and neon post-its and photos all over the walls. The food, too, of course is just as fun and good as the interiors. There are 11 burger choices, and that’s just those under the Angus Beef category. The Striker ‘s Burger (P249 for a single patty) is highly recommended and it’s for good reason. […]
  • TAGS:
  • Quezon City
  • Burger
  • Burger
    • Madisons Bistro Moderne

    Madisons Bistro Moderne

    Spend the after hours in style at Madisons, a sophisticated yet cozy bistro just right outside Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong. Opened by the same group that conceptualized Dillinger’s in Makati, Madisons exhibits casual elegance in its modern interiors, highlighted by neutral colors and contemporary furniture. Lounge indoors or al fresco on while sipping a glass of whiskey, red wine or any one of Madison’s specialty drinks. Highly recommended are the French Martini (Belvedere, Chambord, Pineapple and Lavender) and Elderflower Fashion (Maker’s Mark and St. Germain), which pair well with Madisons’ bestsellers, Speck and Goat Cheese Mousse (550) – rolled-up pieces of lean pork filled with truffle-scented goat cheese mousse – […]
  • TAGS:
  • Mandaluyong
    • Melo’s

    Melo’s

    Melo’s is a well-established restaurant in the Philippines that started serving high-quality steaks in 1987. It has branches in Westgate Alabang, Quezon City, Makati and the Fort. Melo’s is notably known to be the one that introduced the Wagyu steak to Filipinos. This restaurant has created a menu that gave a very strong impression to us: it combined steak with foie gras and blue cheese, which tastes heavenly. THe owner of Melo’s is particularly proud of this item.
  • TAGS:
  • Quezon City
  • Taguig
  • Bonifacio Global City
  • Steakhouse
  • Steakhouse
    • Galileo Entoca Deli

    Galileo Entoca Deli

    An Italian restaurant located at the heart of Eastwood Galileo is really popular among locals. If you see the restaurant crowded, expect that there are a lot of wine orders placed. The wine offered is not limited to Italian. Each is carefully selected. Their Pinot noir is the most popular. It costs P1,245 per bottle. The wine selection is made to match the dishes offered. The ingredients for their food menu like olive oil, spices, ham and cheese are imported from Italy. The salami and ham with cheese tastes moderately salty and is best matched with wine because it’s not too dry. Another popular dish is the risotto con porcini (photo […]
  • TAGS:
  • Quezon City
  • Eastwood
  • Italian
    • Old Manila Coffee House

    Old Manila Coffee House

    Passing through the doors of the Old Manila Coffee House feels like a trip down history lane. The warm, subdued lighting and the ticking sound of the wall clock create a feeling of nostalgia of the good old Showa days. Discerning coffee lovers would be glad to find Old Manila serving 100% Arabica beans organically grown in the Philippines. Popular drink choices include the cappuccino float and cinnamon latte art. The menu gives focus on Philippine cuisine. There is a relatively large selection of healthy drinks, such as coffee and milkshake (P110) and hot chocolate (P100).  
  • TAGS:
  • Legazpi Village
  • Makati
  • Cafe
  • Cafe
    • Salt & Pepper Diner (& All Other Spices in Between!)

    Salt & Pepper Diner (& All Other Spices in Between!)

    The house was jam-packed and busy with activity. Customers gather by the counter where orders are taken and patiently wait for other diners to vacate tables. And the clincher? Very patient and accommodating staff, even to the most irritated clients. The Salt & Pepper Diner can be found tucked in a cozy crook that opens to a spacious area on the second floor of a wooden building in the heart of Sagada’s food street. It is the home of inutom, a type of chicken dish native to the region. Honey Lemon Inutom (P170) If you’re in for something totally one-of-a-kind, try their etag pizza! Etag is Sagada’s salted smoked pork. […]
  • TAGS:
  • Healthy/Organic
  • Sagada
  • Steakhouse
  • Healthy/Organic
  • Steakhouse
    • The Curator

    The Curator

    A shop that specializes not only in coffee but also serves liquor and cocktails at night. The Curator is located just right around the corner of Legaspi Village in Palanca Makati. The industrial design with the rustic finishes are among the many reasons why this project deserves to be one of the hidden gems of Makati.  You can always surprise yourself and let the barista recommends Brew of the Day menu, which obviously changes every day. But a must-try is the Single Origin Espresso (P120), the blended coffee beans came all the way from Columbia. You can also try their signature coffee, single-shot or double shot. The stylish space that resembles […]
  • TAGS:
  • Legazpi Village
  • Makati
  • Bar and Resto
  • Cafe
  • Bar and Resto
  • Cafe