Must see restaurants in Manila

Michelin-starred in Hong Kong, this dim sum institution was an instant smash upon opening in Manila in 2014. It's a more sanitised experience than its…

This authentic Japanese eatery is divided into two parts: a tiny seven-seat sushi bar operated by the owner/chef and open from 5.30pm daily; and the main…

This is a sleek Japanese izakaya (drinking spot) run by a Filipino chef in Makati's arty Guijo St neighbourhood. There are fancy cocktails and Japanese…

There's a Japanese touch to this third-wave coffee shop, where you'll find matcha, Japanese pour-over coffee and mains like gyudon (beef and rice bowls)…

Sort of looks as its name suggests – a cutsie-wootsie cafe populated by a decidedly random selection of books. The main appeal is the enticing menu of…

Everything on the menu of this unassuming Yemeni-owned eatery is original and done to perfection. The shakshuka (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce) and…

This longstanding and popular fresh seafood inahaw (grill) restaurant juts into Manila Bay. The breezes can be delightful on sweltering days, but check…

An excellent place to sample Filipino cooking, with food from Pampanga province a speciality here. There's an extensive vegetarian menu and a few…

Manila's most famous chicken sandwiches include a slab of signature crispy chicken skin (spicy preferred). Or order garlic noodles topped with…

This institution in the well-regarded food district of Kapitolyo near Ortigas cooks up Manila's best burgers – go for the double black Angus burger topped…

A real local experience (and institution), here you trawl the attached wet market for your desired ingredients (preferably seafood) and then choose one of…

A classic Tsinoy (Chinese Filipino) bakery marked by an awesome 1950s-style neon sign on Escolta St. Thin-crust hopia – dense sweet cakes filled with mung…

A big, open, bustling new bistro that dishes out self-described 'sexy' small plates like the signature salmon TNT, albondigas (homemade meatballs) and…

Set in a reconstructed Spanish–era house, this is fine dining of the stiff-upper-lip variety. Traditional Spanish Filipino dishes like paella join salmon,…

Aristocrat began life in 1936 as a mobile snack cart and is so iconic that it has its own historical marker. A replica of the old Ford canteen is…

Also known as Amah (Grandma) Pilar's after its founding matriarch, this Chinatown institution has been serving its trademark ku-tsai-ah (Chinese empanadas…

Mediterranean street food is the name of the game here. Besides the basics (hummus, keema) you'll find original surprises like Wagyu kebabs, lamb ribs and…

The Corner Tree provides a tranquil escape from busy Jupiter St, not to mention heavenly vegetarian fare that even diehard meat-eaters will love. The…

Mantra represents the very best of contemporary Indian cuisine in the Philippine capital, serving divine dhal and other vegetarian dishes and plenty of…

A Manila institution, the Shawarma Snack Center serves the richest and most flavourful falafel, mutabal (eggplant dip), hummus and kebabs in downtown…