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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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Gourmand
The most notable place to eat in The Fort, this is a delectable little French bistro with a menu of classics like steak frites .
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Grappa's
In a neighbourhood of interior-design shops, Grappa's is a huge place with a menu of Italian classics to match. The wood-fired pizzas are tops as are the many pastas. Its high ceiling helps disperse the noise from the many families who flock here. The short breakfast menu will get you started as well.
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Greenbelt Shopping Mall Restaurants
You are only limited by your ability to choose when you eat in Makati. There's something for every budget and taste. In fact the restaurants in the Greenbelt 2 and 3 shopping malls are among the best and most popular in Manila. On any night, hordes of people stroll past the many fine restaurants on various levels pondering which one to select. It's a fun scene.
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Hap Chan
One of the more popular teahouses, it specialises in hotpot dishes, but also serves dim sum, noodles and rice dishes. It's small, clean and unadorned.
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Happy Veggie
The interior here is as brightly coloured as a ripe melon. Like so many local places, the name leaves little doubt as to what's on offer here. Many items have more appealing names than the 'Fungus & Ball Soup'.
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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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Heaven 'n Eggs
This tasty coffee shop avoids the shtick of the '50s American diner motif, albeit at the cost of the staff having to wear little angel wings. The gorgeous omelettes, waffles, sandwiches, pasta and more are served in a soothing blue and yellow interior.
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Il Ponticello
Hidden away in a nondescript office block, this authentic Italian trattoria has a long menu of favourites including pizza and risotto. It's a good alternative to the proliferating chains and there's a bit of Old World formality about the place.
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Ilustrado
Set in a reconstructed Spanish-era house, it has a popular coffee shop which is open through the day and a more formal dining area (open for lunch and dinner). The Spanish and Filipino food at both is elaborately prepared; specialities include pork chops in a spicy sauce.
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Italianni's
New York-style Italian food stars, which means thick tomato sauce, great meatballs and big portions. One of the most popular places on this popular strip of restaurants, the staff here takes motivation seriously: group cheers are common.
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Kashmir
The dining room is appealing from the moment you enter, with a rich mix of décor that reflects the menu which travels from Malaysia to India. The roti melt in your mouth and the curries fire up the tastebuds.
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Kink Cakes
Eat in or out at this home to anatomically correct treats. An eight-inch penis cake will set you back.
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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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Korean Palace
This 'palace' is is undoubtably one of the best Korean restaurants in Manila. The menu can't really go wrong with simple and satisfyingly hearty meals of marinated meat or seafood, side dishes and rice.
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Korean Village
This place is huge, but the service is friendly, the beer is cheap, and the beef barbecue meal hits the spot.
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LA Cafe
This is an infamous dive that's a throwback to Malate's seedier past. There's cheap food and drinks, live music, billiards, a rowdy expat crowd and lots of 'guest relations officers'. Hushed dark corners abound.
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La Tienda
A real find, this authentic bodega is set back from the street in its own little compound. The bar is popular and many come just to savour a fine glass of red wine. The menu is vast and includes tapas, paella and a long list of steaks. There's a good, small deli.
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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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Ling Nam Noodle Factory and Wonton Parlor
The name alone should tell you that the noodles are fresh here. Pots steam like mad, air conditioners roar and happy patrons lap up tasty and simple fare.
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Lumiere
Lumiere is luminescent in sashes of white and is a little refuge away from the Makati hustle. Popular with local artists and creative types, it is a good place to while away a few hours lost in thought or discussion.
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Mandarine Palace
One of the big restaurants in Chinatown, it specialises in seafood dinners, as you might infer from the tanks of fish swimming at the door. A bit stark, but the lunch buffets are popular.
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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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Max Brenner
This jazzy outlet of the revered chain of chocolate shops has all the rich drinks and treats you'd expect. There's also a small menu of breakfast items and heartier fare served through the day.
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MB Bakery
An ancient bakery still selling treats and bread to the neighbourhood. Come during daylight hours.
