Showing 1-18 of 18 results
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Aristocrat
First opened in 1936, this institution has served Filipino food at reasonable prices to several generations of customers. It feels like a huge, brightly lit coffee shop, and it's hugely popular (just to stay thematic, the menu is huge too).
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Cafe Nakpil
A cascade of paper lanterns draws you in from the street to this stylish little Asian bistro. The curries are excellent, with fragrant Thai spices enlivening the atmosphere. Pavement tables are the pick and smooth jazz sets the mood.
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Casa Armas
This spot has built a dedicated following since it opened more than a decade ago. There's a long tapas menu and the bar is popular for a relaxing rioja. There's very much the atmospheric feel of a bodega here.
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Dad's
At noon on weekdays nearby offices empty out and crowds descend here for what's dubbed 'the ultimate buffet'. It is vast, and pretty much every Filipino dish you can think of then some is on offer. And it's not just steam-table classics; the salads, fresh fruit and desserts are yummy.
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Farmacia Fatima
Amid a row of open-air pharmacies, this classic soda fountain is ready to serve everything from a whole fried fish to a tasty halu-halò (flamboyant fruit dessert).
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Gerry's Grill
Cheap Filipino fare is hard to come by now that Malate is the 'it' place in the city. Gerry's Grill is one of the better and smaller Manila chain of restaurants serving up cheap and well-prepared Filipino standards in a convivial atmosphere.
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Harbor View
Hard to beat for its combination of hearty Filipino fare and laid-back ambience. The restaurant is actually on a jetty, but you'll be under the illusion you're out cruising on the bay. This place has the best trash-free location.
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Komiks Cafe
Part of a trendy tribe of places that includes the infamous Bed, this cute café lives up to its name with murals of Filipino comic characters leaping from the walls. The food is excellent, especially the house specialty, chicken with mango.
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Ledan's Cafe
Built into the side of the walls, this simple coffee place has good local food and drinks.
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Masas
A high-concept version of local food is served in this trendy spot. Look for elaborate dishes liked the seared tuna belly. The patio is often mobbed.
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My LK
The LK stands for Little Kitchen but that doesn't stop chef Melissa Sison from creating some wonderful fresh dishes such as salads and sandwiches. The pasta menu is good and there are many specials depending on what's fresh. The interior is a nice study in soothing white and green.
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North Park Noodles
Get what some consider to be the best bowl of Chinese noodles in town. It's a sleek little place with a minimalist stainless-steel style.
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Nuvo
An attractive curved bar welcomes you to this temple of modern fusion cuisine. One of Manila's best restaurants, Nuvo emphasizes seafood on its changing menu that melds east and west. Stuffiness is kept at bay by whimsical touches amid the elegance.
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President Restaurant
This holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in Chinatown. Gather a group of 12 people and come here for a lauriat (banquet). Otherwise you can order off the typically ginormous menu. Birthday parties abound.
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Sentro 1771
This is the best place in Makati for local food. The setting is upscale but the food remains true to its roots. Dishes are served with flair and among the many winners are the garlicky adobo with chunks of meat that are both crispy and meltingly tender. Sit outside and enjoy the passing parade.
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Zen
There's a lively energy laid over traditional Japanese décor at this hip and popular place. The sashimi, sushi and curries are popularly priced.
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Ziggurat
Half open-air restaurant, half pillow-covered bazaar, Ziggurat takes its inspirations from India, the Middle East and Africa. Outside you can enjoy a hookah in a setting that manages to slightly evoke a desert tent somewhere. The menu is long and includes kebabs, chutneys, curries and Moroccan tajines .
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Zucchini's
A small and inviting restaurant with an open kitchen, Zucchini's takes global inspiration although there's always a few pastas and risottos on the changing menu. There's a good wine list.
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Showing 1-18 of 18 results
