Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a melting pot of cultures, and its vibrant food scene reflects this diversity. From traditional eateries to modern fusion spots, the city offers a wide range of options for those looking to sample the best of Filipino cuisine. Our list of the 10 best Filipino restaurants in Manila will guide you through the city’s vibrant food scene and help you find the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.
Whether you’re looking for classic dishes such as Adobo, Kare-Kare, or Sinigang, or you want to try something new and exciting, our list will have something for you.
Lola Cafe
Lola Cafe is a highly-regarded restaurant in Manila that is known for its traditional Filipino home cooking. This restaurant offers a wide range of dishes that showcase the flavors and cooking techniques of Filipino cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Filipino food.
Signature Dishes
One of their popular dishes is Kare-Kare which is a stew made with beef, vegetables, and a thick peanut sauce. The recipe for kare-kare was passed down for generations, the peanut sauce is made with a combination of ground peanuts, annatto, and a variety of spices that give it a rich, savory flavor.
Another famous dish is Sinigang na Baboy, a sour soup made with pork and tamarind. The tamarind broth provides a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The menu also features other traditional favorites such as Adobo and Lechon Kawali.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The atmosphere in Lola Cafe is casual, and the decor has a rustic charm that adds to the homey feel of the place. Service is friendly and attentive, and the prices are very reasonable. Overall, Lola Cafe is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the best Filipino home cooking in a welcoming and authentic setting.
Branch Addresses:
Lola Cafe (Broadway New Manila): 65 Broadway Ave, New Manila, Quezon City, 1112 Metro Manila
Lola Cafe Tomas Morato: 99 Scout Lozano St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila
Lola Cafe S’ Maison: Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
9:00 AM – 9: 00 PM | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday and Saturday
Phone: (02) 7501 2036
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
To order online, click here
Kusina ni Lola
Kusina ni Lola is another well-known restaurant in Manila that is known for its authentic Filipino cuisine. Located in a prime location in the city, it’s a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
Signature Dishes
The menu at Kusina ni Lola features a wide range of traditional Filipino dishes that are sure to please any palate. They have a particular specialty in Adobo, a dish that’s considered the Philippine national dish. Their Adobo recipe is passed down through generations, slow-cooked in soy sauce and vinegar with a combination of garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorn to create a rich and savory flavor.
Another popular dish at Kusina ni Lola is the Crispy Pata, a deep-fried pork knuckle that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They also serve Lechon Kawali, another famous traditional dish made from deep-fried pork belly. All dishes are cooked to order and served hot and fresh.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The atmosphere in Kusina ni Lola is casual and comfortable, with a homey and rustic feel. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are very reasonable. With its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, Kusina ni Lola is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Filipino cuisine in Manila.
Address: 1119 San Andres St, Bgy 743, Zone 080 Malate Manila
Toyo Eatery
Toyo Eatery is a modern and trendy restaurant located in Manila that offers a unique take on traditional Filipino cuisine. The menu at Toyo Eatery features a variety of dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques, resulting in a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting.
Signature Dishes
One of their popular dishes is Adobo Floss Bao, which is a fusion of traditional Adobo and Chinese steamed bao. Adobo meat is shredded and mixed with its special sauce, then stuffed inside a soft fluffy bao. The result is an explosion of flavors in every bite, with the savory and slightly sweet sauce pairing perfectly with the tender meat.
Another must-try dish is their Beef Tapa Rillette, a dish that combines the popular Philippine breakfast staple tapa with the French rillette. It’s a creative take on the traditional tapa, slow-cooked and shredded beef that is mixed with fat, spices, and herbs before being served with crispy toasted bread.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The decor at Toyo Eatery is modern and sleek, with an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere. Service is attentive and the prices are fair. With its unique and delicious food, Toyo Eatery is a great option for anyone looking for a modern twist on traditional Filipino cuisine in Manila.
Address: 2316, The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, 1231 Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Tuesday – Saturday
Phone: +63917 720 8630
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
Ilustrado
Ilustrado is a long-standing and highly-regarded restaurant located in Manila’s historic Intramuros district. This restaurant has been serving traditional Filipino food for over 25 years, which has become a favorite for both locals and tourists.
Signature Dishes
Ilustrado’s menu features a variety of classic Filipino dishes, one of which is their famous Kare-Kare, a stew made with beef, vegetables, and a thick peanut sauce. The dish is cooked with care, and the peanut sauce is made from scratch, resulting in a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to beat.
Another must-try dish is their Lechon Kawali, a deep-fried pork belly that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a dipping sauce made of calamansi, soy sauce, and sugar, it’s a perfect balance of flavors.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
One of the highlights of Ilustrado is its beautiful outdoor dining area, which provides a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the historic atmosphere of Intramuros. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. With its delicious food and lovely atmosphere, Ilustrado is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience traditional Filipino cuisine in Manila.
Address: 744 General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Saturday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday
Phone: (02) 8527 2345
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
Elbert’s Steak Room
Elbert’s Steak Room is a highly-regarded restaurant located in Manila that is known for its high-quality steak and delicious Filipino dishes. The menu at Elbert’s Steak Room features a variety of steak options, including beef tenderloin, ribeye, and sirloin, all of which are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of tasty sides.
Signature Dishes
But Elbert’s Steak Room is not only known for steak, it also offers an array of traditional Filipino dishes, one of which is the Beef Tapa, a popular Filipino breakfast dish made from marinated and thinly sliced beef. Served with garlic fried rice and fried egg, it’s a perfect start to the day. Another popular dish is the Pork Sisig, a dish made from pork face and liver that is sautéed with onions, chili, and a squeeze of lime. The dish is served sizzling hot and is a must-try for those who enjoy a little spice in their food.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The atmosphere at Elbert’s Steak Room is casual and comfortable, with a rustic charm that adds to the overall dining experience. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are fair. With its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, Elbert’s Steak Room is an excellent destination for anyone looking for a great steak and traditional Filipino dishes in Manila.
Address: 3A Sagittarius Building III, 111 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM | Monday – Saturday
Phone: 63917 529 9392
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
Ninyo Fusion Cuisine
Ninyo Fusion Cuisine is a highly-regarded restaurant located in Manila that is known for its unique fusion dishes that combine Filipino flavors with other cuisines. The menu at Ninyo Fusion Cuisine features a variety of dishes that are creative, delicious, and sure to please any palate.
Signature Dishes
One of their must-try dishes is the Adobo Risotto, which combines the classic adobo dish with Italian Risotto. The dish is made with tender chunks of chicken and pork adobo served over a bed of creamy risotto and topped with a poached egg. The result is an explosion of flavors, with the salty and savory adobo broth pairing perfectly with the creamy risotto.
Another popular dish is the Paella Negra, a fusion of Spanish Paella and Filipino Seafood. It’s a dish made with flavorful squid ink-infused rice, mixed with a variety of seafood such as clams, squid, shrimp, and mussels. The dish is cooked to perfection with a smoky and savory flavor that’s hard to beat.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The atmosphere at Ninyo Fusion Cuisine is upscale and elegant, with modern and sleek decor. Service is attentive and professional, and the prices are fair. With its unique and delicious food, Ninyo Fusion Cuisine is a great option for anyone looking for a creative take on traditional Filipino cuisine in Manila.
Address: 66 Esteban Abada St, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Monday – Saturday
Phone: 02 8426 0301
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
Kanto by Tita Flips
Kanto by Tita Flips is a casual street-food-style restaurant located in Manila that offers traditional Filipino dishes in a relaxed and laid-back setting. The menu at Kanto by Tita Flips features a variety of dishes that are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, including the Tapsilog, Longsilog, and Silog, classic breakfast meals that consist of garlic fried rice, fried egg, and choice of meat (beef, pork or chicken)
Signature Dishes
Another must-try is the Sizzling Sisig, a dish made from Pork, onions, and chili, it’s a perfect balance of flavors that is best enjoyed with a cold beer or soda. They also serve other Philippines popular Filipino dishes such as Bulalo and Bulalugaw, a hearty and comforting soup made with beef shanks and marrow, perfect for cold weather or rainy days.
Ambiance
The atmosphere at Kanto by Tita Flips is casual and laid-back, with a street-food vibe that adds to the overall dining experience. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. With its delicious food and relaxed atmosphere, Kanto by Tita Flips is an excellent destination for anyone looking for a casual and satisfying meal in Manila.
Sentro 1771
Sentro 1771 is a casual dining restaurant located in Manila, it’s a well-known and highly-regarded restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist. The menu at Sentro 1771 features a variety of dishes that are familiar and comforting, yet unique and exciting at the same time.
Signature Dishes
One of their popular dishes is the Crispy Pata, a dish that consists of deep-fried pork knuckles that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, calamansi, and chili, it’s the perfect balance of flavors.
Another must-try dish is the Adobo Fried Rice, a dish that features leftover adobo meat and vegetables, stir-fried with garlic fried rice. It’s a simple but delicious dish that’s perfect as a side or a main course.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The atmosphere at Sentro 1771 is casual and comfortable, with a modern and sleek decor that adds to the overall dining experience. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. With its delicious food and relaxed atmosphere, Sentro 1771 is an excellent destination for anyone looking for a modern twist on traditional Filipino cuisine in Manila.
Branch Addresses:
Sentro 1771 (Greenbelt 5): G/F Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila
Sentro 1771 (Capitol Commons): Camino Verde Rd, Pasig, Metro Manila
Sentro 1771 (One Bonifacio, BGC): 2F One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue, Corner 28th St, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
Sentro 1771 Head Office: 11th Floor, San Agustin Building, F. Ortigas Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig, 1605 Metro Manila
Opening Hours:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Monday – Sunday
Phone: 02 8632 7018, 02 7757 3941, +63917 814 7794, 02 7900 9089
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
LEM
LEM is a highly-regarded restaurant located in Manila that is known for its unique blend of Filipino and Spanish cuisine. The menu at LEM features a variety of dishes that combine the flavors and cooking techniques of both cuisines, resulting in a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting.
Signature Dishes
One of their popular dishes is the Paella Valenciana, a traditional Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice, mixed with a variety of seafood and chicken. LEM’s take on this dish is to add local ingredients such as kakanin (Filipino glutinous rice cakes) and adobo sauce to give it a unique twist.
Another must-try dish is the Kare-Kare, a traditional Filipino dish made with beef and vegetables in a thick peanut sauce. LEM’s version of this dish is to add chorizo and squid ink, to give it a unique Spanish twist. The combination of flavors and textures of this dish is outstanding.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The atmosphere at LEM is upscale and elegant, with a modern and sleek decor that adds to the overall dining experience. Service is attentive and professional, and the prices are fair. With its unique and delicious food, LEM is a great option for anyone looking for a fusion of Filipino and Spanish cuisine in Manila.
BALAY Dako
BALAY Dako is a highly-regarded restaurant located in Manila that is known for its authentic and rustic Filipino cuisine. The name “Balay Dako” meaning “big house” in Visayan, reflects the restaurant’s mission to provide a homely and welcoming atmosphere for diners to enjoy delicious traditional Filipino dishes.
Signature Dishes
One of their popular dishes is the Bulalo, a hearty and comforting soup made with beef shanks and marrow. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich and savory broth that’s perfect for cold weather or rainy days.
Another must-try dish is their Lechon Kawali, a dish made from deep-fried pork belly that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a dipping sauce made of calamansi, soy sauce, and sugar, it’s a perfect balance of flavors.
Restaurant’s Ambiance
The decor at BALAY Dako is rustic and homely, with a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. With its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, BALAY Dako is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience authentic and rustic Filipino cuisine in Manila.
Address: Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay, 4120 Cavite
Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Monday – Saturday
Phone: 63923 726 6290
For reservation, menu, and other information, click here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Manila is home to a wide range of restaurants that serve traditional Filipino cuisine, making it a food lover’s paradise. Each of the restaurants I’ve mentioned above offers its unique take on Filipino food, whether it be through traditional home-style cooking, modern fusion dishes, or a mix of both.
The restaurants mentioned above are some of the top recommended restaurants in Manila that offer delicious traditional Filipino dishes and a great dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual street-food style, fine dining, or a fusion of different cuisine, you’ll be able to find something that suits your taste and budget in Manila.
