“Taste the Philippines: A Guide to the Best Restaurants in the Country” is a comprehensive guide for foodies. It takes you on a culinary journey through Metro Manila and the provinces, showcases hidden gems, and lists top seafood restaurants, street food delicacies, and mouth-watering Filipino desserts. Essential for exploring the vibrant food culture of the Philippines.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best dining spots in and around Metro Manila, introducing you to unique flavors and experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From fine-dining restaurants to casual eateries, street food favorites, and even seafood delights – get ready for a delicious adventure! So join us as we discover the best places to eat in the Philippines. Bon appetit!
Introduction to Philippine Cuisine
Philippine Cuisine is a unique blend of flavors and textures that reflects the country’s history and culture. Influenced by the Chinese, Malay, Spanish, and American settlers, Filipino food is a fusion of indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques.
A popular dish is adobo, a meat dish marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, and then sautéed until tender. Other must-try dishes include lumpia, a type of spring roll, and sinigang, a sour soup made with tamarind and vegetables.
Philippine cuisine also features a variety of seafood, grilled and skewered meats, and rice-based desserts such as bibingka and suman. With such a diverse culinary landscape, it’s no wonder that Filipino food has gained worldwide recognition and appreciation.
Exploring the Best Restaurants in Metro Manila
Metro Manila is a buzzing and diverse city, home to some of the most exciting culinary offerings in the Philippines. There are countless restaurants to discover, offering traditional Filipino dishes as well as international cuisine. From high-end establishments to hole-in-the-wall eateries, Metro Manila has something for everyone.
Gallery by Chele
Located in the bustling district of Bonifacio Global City, Gallery by Chele is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Filipino cuisine. Helmed by chef Chele Gonzales, the restaurant features an ever-changing menu that highlights local ingredients and flavors in creative ways.
Address: 5/F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner, 39th St, Taguig, Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +63 917 546 1673
Email: [email protected]
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Sarsa
Sarsa is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in Negrense cuisine, hailing from the region of Negros in the Visayas. Known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients, Sarsa offers dishes like Kansi, a sour soup made with beef shanks and batwan fruit, and chicken inasal, a grilled chicken dish marinated in vinegar and spices.
Address: 109 Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM -10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM -11:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM -11:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM -10:00 PM
Phone: +63 917 528 0115
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Toyo Eatery
Toyo Eatery is a critically acclaimed restaurant that serves modern Filipino cuisine with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. The menu changes regularly, but diners can expect dishes like grilled oysters with sinigang broth and lechon with fermented shrimp paste and pickled papaya.
Address: 2316, The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, 1231 Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Monday Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +63 917 720 8630
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Manam Comfort Filipino
Manam is a casual dining restaurant that offers a wide selection of Filipino comfort food. Their menu features classic dishes like adobo, sisig, and kare-kare, as well as modern interpretations like their cheesy ensaymada and ube shake.
Address: SM MOA, Main Mall, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +63 917 546 1673
Email: [email protected]
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Discovering Hidden Gems in the Provinces
The Philippines boasts of a diverse culinary scene that caters to every discerning palate. The provinces, in particular, offer a treasure trove of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered by diners. These restaurants pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, infusing regional flavors, and showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine.
Abe’s Farm
Located in Pampanga, Abe’s Farm is a restaurant and resort that offers a unique dining experience in a tranquil and picturesque setting. The restaurant serves Kapampangan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients. Diners can enjoy dishes like kare-kare, adobo flakes, and crispy tadyang ng baka while surrounded by lush gardens and rustic farmhouses.
Address: 6PG4+V65, Magalang, Pampanga
Opening Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: +63 917 808 5187
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Balay Dako
Balay Dako is a restaurant in Tagaytay that serves traditional Filipino dishes in a grand and elegant setting. The restaurant is known for its panoramic views of Taal Lake and volcano, as well as its impressive selection of classic Filipino dishes like lechon kawali, crispy pata, and kare-kare.
Address: Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay, 4120 Cavite
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday 7:00 AM -9:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday 11:00 AM -9:00 PM
Phone: +63 923 726 6290
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Lantaw Native Restaurant
Lantaw Native Restaurant is a popular chain of restaurants in Cebu that offers stunning views of the city and the sea. The restaurant serves a mix of Filipino and Asian dishes, with local specialties like lechon belly, grilled squid, and kinilaw.
Address: EJ Blanco Drive, corner Flores Ave, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 AM -11:00 PM
Phone: (035) 421 0473
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Street Food Adventures
Street food is an integral part of Filipino culture, offering delicious and affordable options that can be found throughout the country. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there is an endless variety of street food to explore. In this section, we will go on a street food adventure and highlight some of the most famous and beloved street food dishes in the Philippines.
Isaw
Isaw is a popular street food made from chicken or pork intestines that are skewered, grilled, and then slathered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a favorite among locals, especially during festivals and street parties.
Balut
Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten whole, including the partially formed duck embryo inside. It’s a popular snack in the Philippines and is often sold by street vendors who serve it hot with a sprinkle of salt and vinegar.
Fishballs
Fishballs are a popular street food made from ground fish meat that is formed into small balls, deep-fried, and then skewered. They are typically served with a sweet and spicy sauce and are a favorite snack among Filipinos.
Kwek-kwek
Kwek-kwek is a popular street food that consists of hard-boiled quail eggs that are coated in orange-colored batter and then deep-fried until crispy. It’s typically served with a sweet and sour sauce and is a favorite among Filipinos of all ages.
The street food scene in the Philippines is rich and diverse, with a wide range of flavors and textures to explore. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So the next time you’re in the Philippines, be sure to go on a street food adventure and discover the many delicious treats that the country has to offer.
Seafood Delights
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, which means that it’s surrounded by vast bodies of water teeming with a rich variety of seafood. With its long coastline and rich marine resources, it’s no surprise that the Philippines is home to some of the best seafood dishes in the world.
Here are five of the best seafood restaurants in the Philippines:
Seaside Dampa (Pasay City, Metro Manila)
Seaside Dampa is a seafood market and restaurant where you can select fresh seafood from the market and have it cooked to your liking at the adjacent restaurant. The restaurant offers a wide range of seafood dishes, including grilled, fried, and steamed options, as well as popular Filipino seafood dishes like sinigang and adobo.
Address: GXWP+2RJ, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 AM -10:30 PM
Phone: +63 995 066 8280
The Pig & Palm (Cebu City, Cebu)
The Pig & Palm is a popular restaurant that offers a contemporary take on Filipino cuisine, with a focus on seafood. Their menu features dishes like tuna tataki, octopus, and salmon belly, all cooked to perfection and served in a stylish and modern atmosphere.
Address: G/F, MSY Tower, Negros Rd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Opening Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 AM -11:00 PM
Phone: +63 917 657 6866
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Fely J’s Kitchen (Greenbelt 5, Makati City)
Fely J’s Kitchen is a well-known restaurant that serves traditional Filipino cuisine, including a variety of seafood dishes. Their must-try dishes include their adobong pusit (squid cooked in vinegar and soy sauce), crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg), and their grilled seafood platter.
Address: 2/F, Greenbelt 5, Greenbelt Dr, Makati, Metro Manila
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 AM -8:00 PM
Phone: (02) 7728 8858
Gerry’s Grill (Multiple locations nationwide)
Gerry’s Grill is a casual restaurant chain that offers a variety of Filipino comfort food, including seafood dishes. Their menu features dishes like sinigang na hipon (shrimp in sour broth), grilled tuna belly, and crispy tilapia. Their food is always tasty and affordable, making it a popular dining spot for locals and tourists alike.
These are just a few of the best seafood restaurants in the Philippines. With its abundant marine resources and rich culinary heritage, there are many more seafood spots to discover in the country.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
Filipinos have a sweet tooth, and the country’s cuisine reflects this love of all things sweet. From classic Filipino desserts to international sweets, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your sweet cravings in the Philippines. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular sweet treats in the country.
Leche flan
Leche flan is a rich and creamy dessert that’s similar to a caramel custard. It’s made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar, and is usually topped with caramel syrup. It’s a staple in many Filipino celebrations, from birthdays to Christmas.
Ube halaya
Ube halaya is a sweet and sticky dessert that’s made from mashed purple yam, coconut milk, and condensed milk. It’s a popular dessert during the holidays and is often served as a side dish with savory dishes like grilled meats.
Bibingka
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino cake that’s made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, and is baked on a banana leaf. It’s typically served during the Christmas season and is often topped with cheese and salted egg.
In conclusion
Metro Manila and the rest of the Philippines offer an amazing array of diverse culinary experiences for food lovers to explore. From high-end restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there is something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Filipino dishes or international cuisine, Metro Manila has it all. And with its abundance of seafood and sweet treats, it’s easy to see why Filipino cuisine has gained such a loyal following around the world. So make sure to visit Metro Manila and experience its amazing food scene for yourself!
