June 17, 2025

Ilustrado in Intramuros: One of the Best Filipino Restaurants in the Walled City of Manila

Experience the beautiful flavors of the Spanish-Filipino cuisine inside Ilustrado, widely regarded as one of the finest dining destinations within the historic Walled City of Manila.

IMAGE Philippine Primer

Opened in 1989, Ilustrado is a family-run business with an ‘Old-Manila’ setting. One of Ilustrado’s key selling points is its Hispanic architecture fit for intimate luncheons and a memorable venue place for events.

But what makes Ilustrado stand out the most is its food. Famed for many dishes such as the Paella Ilustrado and its very own Sampaguita Ice Cream, the restaurant has garnered loyal patrons.

Paella Ilustrado (Php 990) / IMAGE Philippine Primer

Ilustrado is also renowned for its unique take on the Philippine national dish—the Adobong Bagnet and Prawns with Taba ng Talangka. This indulgent creation features tender pork belly simmered in a blend of six aromatic spices, elevated by a rich sauce made with decadent crab fat.

A true showstopper both in flavor and indulgence, the dish comes with a playful warning on the menu: “Please Be Careful with My Heart”—a fitting tag for a dish that’s as unforgettable as it is indulgent.

Adobong Bagnet and Prawns with Taba ng Talangka (Php 750) / IMAGE Philippine Primer

One more hearty offering on their menu is their premium steaks. From prime ribs to porterhouses, each cut is expertly prepared to bring out bold, satisfying flavors that keep guests coming back for more!

IMAGE from Ilustrado’s Facebook page

But Ilustrado has been quite known for this one special dessert — the Sampaguita Ice Cream (Php 280). Exotic as it sounds, guests are surprised with how delicious the taste is. It is literally the taste of a Sampaguita flower, the national flower of the Philippines, and is made from its petals with infused flavors.

Sampaguita Ice Cream (Php 280) / IMAGE Philippine Primer