While most travelers who go on a trip to the Philippines run out of Manila in search of beach paradises (we don’t blame them, it’s normal), you already know we have a special fondness for the capital of the Philippines. Not only did we live there for years, but every time we go back to the archipelago we usually spend a few days visiting some of our favorite corners and discovering new ones.
Although we already told you about things to do in Manila, here we want to dive into another topic that concerns us all: good food! So, stick with us and discover where to eat in Manila and also some cafés and bars to have a drink.
What to eat in Manila?
In Manila there are, literally, thousands of restaurants and, on top of that, plenty of street-food stalls. So, you can also eat whatever you can think of.
Besides Filipino food restaurants (of all qualities, from the simplest to gourmet fare), in Manila you can try Thai, Vietnamese, French, Chinese… Yes, of course Spanish as well. In fact, Spanish food has been trendy in the Philippines for a long time. The reason is clear: we share common ties and that remains in the Filipino palate, no matter how many years go by.
As for street stalls, Manila is certainly nothing like other Southeast Asian cities. You’re not going to find food courts or food markets like Bangkok’s, not by a long shot, but there are a few interesting corners, even in the huge tangle of skyscrapers in Makati’s financial district. Here you can try Filipino dishes like pancit, adobo or the well-known balut (fertilized duck egg…).
On the other hand, as soon as you arrive in the Philippines, you’ll notice the U.S. influence at mealtimes. There are franchise outlets as familiar as McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Tim Hortons or Starbucks everywhere. Since you can have that anywhere, if you’re willing to give your palate a bit of “junk food”, we recommend you try the local franchises:
- Jollibee: the “reference” chain in the Philippines. So much so that if a city doesn’t have Jollibee, it’s not even a city! In fact, it has crossed borders to satisfy the palates of Filipinos living abroad and you can already find branches of the “little bee” chain in Spain (Madrid), the United States, Hong Kong or Singapore, among other countries. The food it serves is basically fast food: burgers, spaghetti and fried chicken—all extremely greasy and sugary. As you can see, it’s not our passion.
- Mang Inasal: a chain specializing in grilled food, especially meat, marinated inasal style, that is, with a mix of calamansi (a small lime), pepper, vinegar… Everything comes with rice—so much so that you can ask for unlimited rice.
- Chowking: Chinese food Filipino-style. Here what saves us is the tofu and the chop suey (vegetables).
- Greenwich: thick-crust pizzas (Telepizza style) and fried chicken. Nothing more.
- Max’s Restaurant: restaurants specializing in fried chicken. You’ve noticed how much people love fried chicken, right?
- Yellow Cab: substantially better pizzas than Greenwich’s. You can order them with thin crust.
- SaladStop!: if you’re tired of so much oily food, this salad chain has several branches in Manila and you can build your plate to taste for not too much money.
Kinilaw, the Filipino ceviche
How much does it cost to eat in Manila?
The answer to this question is: whatever you feel like.
In Manila, as in the rest of the Philippines, you can eat for €2 at any carenderia (local eateries) or street stall, or you can splash out up to 5,000 pesos (about €85) if you feel like it at the famous Sunday brunch at the Peninsula Hotel…
If you don’t go for the cheapest option or for a chain place like the ones we talked about above, you can spend an average of €6–7. But it really depends a lot on what you feel like eating, whether you drink alcohol… In general, we could say that eating in Manila is quite cheap. Take the chance to treat yourself!
Where to eat in Manila
Most of the restaurants we’re going to recommend here are in the Makati neighborhood, which is where we always suggest staying if you’re going to sleep in Manila. If you want to make the most of the city’s leisure options, our advice is to base yourself here.
Our favorite Filipino restaurants where to eat in Manila
If you want to try the local food, head to one of these places to eat in Manila:
JT’S Manukan Grille
Commonly called by my group of friends “El Pollos”, this is a restaurant serving food (mainly meat) inasal-style, that is, grilled and marinated. They have several locations throughout the Philippines, but this one in the Makati area is the one we’ve set foot in so many times. The winning combo: pecho + garlic rice + San Miguel + lecheflan.
Price: $
Location: The Zone Malugay, Bel-air Village, Makati, 1209
Mesa
This is the branch of a Filipino food chain located in the Greenbelt mall in Makati. It’s by no means fast food; it’s a real sit-down restaurant. Filipino classics served in a pleasant setting, with a little terrace and delicious green mango shakes. It’s a good introduction to the country’s cuisine and one of the best restaurants where to eat in Manila, especially for an al fresco dinner.
Price: $$
Location: Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati, 1209
More alternatives to eat Filipino food in Manila
In addition to the above, here are some more to consider:
- Manam: the concept is similar to MESA, with “Filipino comfort food.” That is, lifelong dishes done quite well and for which you can choose the size (small, medium and large). They have several locations in Makati and BGC (we’ve marked them on the map of where to eat in Manila that you’ll find below) and they’re super pleasant. Favorites always include the house crispy sisig, kare kare and, for dessert, the bibingka de leche.
- Gallery by Chele: this is a recommendation to eat in Manila and treat yourself, mind you. It’s the restaurant of Spanish chef Chele González, where local produce is treated to highlight Filipino and Asian gastronomy. They have set menus and tasting menus starting at 3,200 pesos per person and keep in mind that a reservation and following a dress code are required.
- Locavore: located in the city’s poshest neighborhood, BGC, it’s a Filipino fusion restaurant that will be great for understanding the country’s gastronomy a bit better. Prices are on the high side, but we think it’s worth it. Their best-known dishes are the fried oyster sisig, pancit luglog and turon.
- 9 SPOONS: if you plan to visit Intramuros, you’re not going to find a huge variety of restaurants—or at least not many good ones. However, in the Bayleaf Hotel there’s this one which, in addition to offering very cool views, serves a great kare kare at quite reasonable prices. On the ground floor there’s a café that serves very decent churros with chocolate. Don’t forget to go up to the rooftop, where they have the best rooftop in the area.
Our favorite international restaurants where to eat in Manila
If you like Asian food, you’re in luck! There are plenty of places to eat Japanese or Thai food in Manila at a good price and, most importantly, very authentic.
Nihonbashitei
Due to the number of Japanese living in Manila, you’ll find loads of super-authentic restaurants of this Asian cuisine. On Amorsolo street and the surrounding area in Makati, most of them are located, and that’s where one of our favorite places to eat in Manila is: Nihonbashitei. This place could be anywhere in Japan, as it’s a true izakaya, where you’ll even find a few private rooms, in true japo style.
Price: $$
Location: 1030 Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati, 1223
People’s Palace
I’ve been coming to this beautiful restaurant in the Greenbelt mall for many years now and, for me, it’s one of the best places to eat in Manila. It’s not cheap, but it’s not expensive either if we compare it with European standards. They serve very authentic Thai food with a gourmet touch. The dishes are hearty and the service is very nice. Plus, they have a terrace that’s perfect for an open-air evening, as it’s surrounded by greenery. By the way, they have a vegetarian menu! You have to ask for it, but it’s a great spot if you’re vegetarian or vegan in the Philippines.
Price: $$
Location: Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St, Makati, 1223
Crying Tiger Street Kitchen
We’re already heading toward Makati’s trendy area: Poblacion. In this network of little streets, which comes to life at nightfall, one of our favorites is Crying Tiger. This is a casual Thai spot with a few tables on the street and plenty of atmosphere. The pad thai, despite its slightly odd red color, is quite good and they have several vegetarian options. The downside is they’re a bit slow, but if you’re not in a hurry and want to have a few beers while you wait, we recommend it.
Price: $$
Location: 4986 P. Guanzon, Makati
Hummus Elijah
Also located in Poblacion, in a small air-conditioned place on P. Burgos, if you’re missing a bit of Middle Eastern food, you’ll love it. It’s true that prices have gone up a bit in recent years, but the portions are still very hearty. As its name suggests, it specializes in hummus and falafel, so it’s perfect if you’re vegetarian, though they also have lots of meat options. Our favorite is the hummus with mushrooms.
If you want, you can also order with FoodPanda or Grab Food.
Price: $$
Location: G/F, 5059 P Burgos St, Makati City, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines
El Chupacabra
If you’re tired of Filipino food or simply want something different, one of the places to eat in Manila at a good price is this Mexican spot located in Poblacion. The food is more American-Mexican, but the vibe is good and they also have vegetarian and vegan options.
Price: $
Location: 5782 Felipe, Makati
More restaurants in Manila
To complement the above and without wanting to go on too much, here are other restaurant suggestions in Manila that we liked:
- Crosta Pizzeria: yes, the pizzas at this Makati spot aren’t cheap and there isn’t much room to sit, but they’re truly sublime. They have different ingredients like truffle, imported Italian sausages or basil cream. Plus, they have several vegetarian and vegan pizzas.
- Mendokoro Ramenba Makati: very close to the previous one (an area where you have loads of restaurants), there’s this nice ramen place where they make it super authentically. The tan tan men is like eating it at any restaurant in Japan. The gyozas are also very tasty. Prices between 500 and 600 pesos per dish.
- The Test Kitchen by Josh Boutwood: located in the Rockwell area, near Poblacion and very pleasant for a dinner out, you’ll like this Manila restaurant if you’re looking for something more refined and with good produce. The chef is Filipino-English.
- Din Tai Fung: the famous Taiwanese dumplings or xiaolongbao chain has several branches in Manila and offers you a good chance to see why their Hong Kong restaurant even received a Michelin star. We’ve marked them on the map of places to eat in Manila below.
- Ma Ma Ci Ta BCG: if you’re looking for Mexican food, good cocktails and a dinner vibe, this is your place. By the way, on this whole street in BGC you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars.
Our favorite vegetarian or vegan restaurants where to eat in Manila
With growing demand for plant-based fare, the capital has upped its game and, possibly, this is the place with the most vegetarian restaurants in the Philippines. There are tons of vegan and vegetarian restaurants where to eat in Manila. Here we tell you our favorites, but you have even more options in Vegetarian restaurants in the Philippines.
Green Bar
When we discovered this vegan restaurant where to eat in Manila we were literally blown away. It was hidden on a mezzanine of a building in Makati, but it was like finding paradise. The concept is comfort food, that is, bowls, burgers (they now have Beyond Meat), burritos (super tasty), quesadillas and donuts that are to die for. The place is tiny and doesn’t get natural light, but the food is well worth it.
They now have a new location in the Legazpi neighborhood in Makati. Much better: more light, more tables and a much longer, more curated menu.
Price: $$
Location: 106 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1008 Kalakhang
Corner Tree Café
Prettier than the previous one for a romantic dinner, this vegetarian restaurant where to eat in Manila is one we love. In addition to international dishes, the best thing is that they reinterpret Filipino dishes like kare kare or laing (both delicious).
Price: $$
Location: 2nd floor, 5782 Felipe, Poblacion, Makati City, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Cosmic Poblacion
The success of the place they opened in Poblacion years ago was such that they now have several restaurants around Manila and, for us, it’s the best vegan in the city. The first time we went we were literally blown away—to the point that we had to ask whether we weren’t eating meat—with the sissig. They have loads of Filipino dishes made vegan that we love like kare kare, siomai or silog and prices aren’t bad at all. Do go early though because the place isn’t very big and it fills up.
By the way, right next door they’ve opened Gnostic, a kind of vegan cocktail tapas bar that also looks great.
Price: $$
Location: G/F, 4980 P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati City, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
VEGE SELECT (formerly New Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian)
On Ongpin Street in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, there are (as you might have guessed) lots of Chinese restaurants. Far removed from the deep-fried fare we’re used to in Spain when we talk about Chinese food, Ongpin has real Chinese food. This vegetarian restaurant won us over. For 160 pesos you get rice and 3 dishes of your choice from a huge buffet, many of them vegan versions of Filipino dishes like bicol express (if you like spicy, try it!) or adobo. The lumpia, Filipino spring rolls, are also delicious.
Price: $
Location: 739 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006
Our favorite cafés in Manila
If, like us, you love to have a little coffee and enjoy a relaxed breakfast, you’re in luck. A bunch of cool cafés are popping up in Manila. They’re not cheap, but that hipster vibe comes at a price… Here are our favorite cafés in Manila.
Wildflour Café + Bakery
Almost a chain now, as they have several branches in Makati and BGC, this café is great if you like to eat freshly baked pastries in the morning. They serve excellent coffee and both sweet and savory breakfasts. It’s open all day because they also prepare more “hearty” food. If you go at midday on the weekend, get ready—there’s usually a line.
Price: $$
Location: Ground Floor, Frabelle Business Center 111, Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229
Toby’s State
As posh a café in Manila as they come. The presentation of the coffee is meticulously cared for and they serve hearty breakfasts and meals, so it’s also a cool spot for brunch. There are several scattered around Makati, but this is the one we like best.
Price: $$
Location: G/F, Senta Condominium, 140 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Dean&Deluca Eton Tower
Dean&Deluca is a U.S. chain that recently arrived in the Philippines and has set up a beautiful spot on Dela Rosa Street in Makati. You’ll find tasty coffees (with the option of plant milks) and very pro pastries.
Price: $$
Location: 1229, 128 Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Manila
Other coffee shops in Manila that we love
Manila has also experienced the “specialty coffee” boom, of which we’re part. Here are other cafés we like:
- Commune: our favorite café in Poblacion. We really like their blends and we usually come here to buy a bag or two, but they also have beans from different parts of the Philippines. It’s also a pleasant place for breakfast, with pastries and savory dishes, and it’s common to find people working in the air-conditioned area.
- Fresh Roaster Coffee Tonya: when we’re going to leave Manila for a while, we come to top up our coffee bean reserves here. Not only do they have beans from different regions of the Philippines, but also other origins and at a good price. They roast and grind to your liking and, in addition to selling lots of coffee gear (which isn’t badly priced either), when you get beans they also treat you to a coffee of the day. It’s a good place to work as well.
- Odd Cafe: possibly one of Manila’s trendiest cafés, with specialties like the “Cereal Killer.”
- Conti’s: a restaurant/café chain we always go back to for one reason: their mango cake. The ube halo halo is also very good.
Our markets or street stalls where to eat in Manila
If street food is your thing, you won’t find much in the Makati neighborhood, just small stalls that usually open Monday to Friday for office workers. These are typically stand-up spots. Outside this neighborhood you will find the typical inexpensive carenderias where you choose from the little pots. Even so, there are a few interesting options we can’t overlook:
Dampa Seaside Market
It’s a fish market attached to several restaurants. Here’s how it works: you buy the fish or seafood at one of the stalls and then head to one of the restaurants to have it cooked. You need to choose how you want it prepared and, depending on that, you’ll be charged one thing or another. At night it’s usually quite lively.
Location: Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay
Salcedo Saturday Market
Every Saturday, roughly from 10:00 to 14:00, this small local-producers’ market is held in the heart of Makati. In addition to some handicrafts, you’ll find a few stalls where you can grab a bite. The Sunday market, the Legazpi Sunday Market, is a little bigger, but we like it less.
Location: Jaime C. Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati
Bars in Manila
Although we’re not experts in Manila’s nightlife, we do want to leave you with a few bar recommendations in Manila that we’ve tried and that we highlight for their vibe or views. We think they offer the chance to toast to a tremendous trip to the Philippines that is just beginning—or ending:
- Antidote: it’s the rooftop bar at the I’M Hotel, one of the places to sleep in Manila that we recommend, right on Makati Ave in Poblacion. It’s not that the cocktails are incredible or the food is amazing, but the views are among the most spectacular.
- Dr. Wine Poblacion Makati: the restaurant is French-style and pricey, but it’s good; even so, we recommend it for a drink at sunset or at night, since from the rooftop you’ll get great views of Manila. From 17:00 to 20:00 every day there’s unlimited cocktail happy hour for 1,180 pesos per person.
- Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant: it’s right across from Antidote, as it’s the restaurant/bar at the City Garden GRAND Hotel. The food is quite a bit better and the views are very cool.
- Run Rabbit Run: if what you’re after is a top-notch cocktail bar, this one in Poblacion is among the most top in the Philippines. They serve the most innovative mixes like the tipsy halo halo.
- The Spirit Library: another speakeasy in Poblacion with pretty décor, good cocktails and live music several days a week.
Antidote
Map with our favorite places to eat in Manila
To make it easier to see which one interests you the most, we’ve made a map with the best places to eat in Manila:
Frequently asked questions about where to eat in Manila
To finish, we answer travelers’ usual doubts on this topic:
Where to eat in Makati, Philippines?
We suggest places like JT’s Manukan Grille, Manam (there are several), MESA (there are several too), People’s Palace, Nihonbashitei, El Chupacabra, Crying Tiger, Hummus Elijah, Mendokoro Ramenba Makati, Crosta Pizzeria, The Test Kitchen or Din Tai Fung. If you’re looking for vegan spots in Manila, don’t miss Cosmic and Green Bar.
What are the best restaurants in Manila?
If you’re looking for something high-end, there are places like Gallery by Chele or The Test Kitchen. Of course, there are many more restaurants like JT’s Manukan Grille, Manam (there are several), MESA (there are several too), People’s Palace, Nihonbashitei, El Chupacabra, Crying Tiger, Hummus Elijah, Crosta Pizzeria, The Test Kitchen, Locavore, Wildflour (there are several) or Din Tai Fung.
Do you recommend any bar in Makati?
Yes—if you want good views, don’t miss Antidote and Dr. Wine Poblacion.
Where are Manila’s best restaurants concentrated?
For us, the best areas to stay are Makati (specifically Poblacion) and BGC, as they’re more pleasant and have a wider range of restaurants.
What are the best cafés in Manila?
Any of the Toby’s Estate or Wildflour branches are good, but if you’re looking for specialty coffee, we recommend Commune, Coffee Tonya or Odd Cafe.
You already know you have all the information you need about the city on our website. Here are guides that will help you plan this part of your trip:
How to get from Manila Airport to the city center
Best hotels in Manila near the airport
And that’s our selection of places to eat in Manila! We hope you have a fun evening and that you toast to us if you’re up for trying them. If you have any questions or suggestions, leave us a comment below and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
