Is your favorite on the list?
What a year it has been, and as 2023 comes to a close, we take a look back on everything we surpassed and accomplished with our favorite sidekick–coffee. In a hustling-and-bustling city like Manila, a cup of joe is an essential part of lives–it’s our dose of mental boost that gets us through the grind, but more importantly, it’s a beautiful thing to bond over with friends, families, and kind strangers alike.
Also Read: Bakeries and Cafes in Manila with Closing Time Discounts!
And while many coffee shops emerged this year all over the metro, there stands out ten of the best cafes in Manila. These coffee shops are the cream of the crop, the ones that turned a simple caffeine fix into an unforgettable coffee experience. They exceled in their delicious brews, the quality of their service, and their unique concepts that make you rediscover your love for coffee.
Check out Booky’s picks for the Top 10 best coffee shops in Manila this 2023. Did your favorite cafe make the list?
10. The Tattooed Baker – multiple branches
Pastries, breads, and desserts are best enjoyed with a perfectly made coffee, and thankfully, The Tattooed Baker has that box checked. Upon entering their store, you’ll be mesmerized with the wide selection of croissants, bagels, cakes, macarons, sandwiches, and other baked goods.
But the real cherry on top is their coffee. The Cafe Breve (available at One World Deli San Juan) is rich with a lovely kick from the espresso. Their Caffe Vienna is equally indulgent, bold coffee flavors are present, and the whipped cream on top makes you feel like you’re giving yourself a little treat!
9. Harlan + Holden – multiple branches
Easily a crowd-favorite for their Sea Salt Latte, Harlan + Holden, or better known as Because Coffee, takes a spot among the Top 10 roster. Their minimalist space is always refreshing to the eyes, and despite the usual crowd lining up at their doors, the ambiance still remains to be laidback and easy.
Because Coffee by Harlan + Holden’s service is also different from the rest–they do self-service ordering via their official app, or in-store with their staff available nearby for questions, with only cashless transactions.
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8. Baristart Coffee – BGC
Baristart Coffee only arrived recently, with their store in BGC officially opening its doors last June. But this spot quickly became the buzz because of their coffee, pastries, and dishes which uses Hokkaido dairy, specially sourced from Brown Jersey Cows. This Hokkaido Dairy takes their food and drinks to a whole other level–making them richer, creamier, and more indulgent.
Swing by their shop and treat yourself to a hot Hokkaido Spanish latte with a side of their signature cream puffs. And if you have room for more, do try their Matcha Latte Biei Jersey Milk along with their famous Carbonara!
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Unit 5 ground floor Meridien Tower Two, 1201, 26th St, BGC Taguig
7. Exchange Alley Coffee House – Molito Lifestyle Center
Exchange Alley Coffee House is one of South’s beloved coffee houses. Located in Molito Lifestyle Center, EACH offers a sunny spot for you to chill with friends, get some work done, or have a hearty meal paired with some seriously good coffee.
We highly recommend their Affogato–it’s one of the best ways to practice self-love and savor their delicious espresso.
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Unit 3, Molito Lifestyle Center, Madrigal cor Commerce Avenue, Alabang
(0995) 964-1272
6. Parameter Coffee – BGC and Makati
Expertly-roasted beans equals bold and flavorful coffee that truly hits the sweet spot–that’s what you get here at Parameter Coffee. While the prices are on the higher end, you can guarantee high-quality brews each time you visit, whether it’s Parameter’s Cortado, Cappuccino, or Cold Brew that you try.
Visit them at their branches in BGC and Makati (in C. Palanca or in Salcedo) and treat yourself to a laidback coffee hour. Then after your cup of joe, take a seat at their bar and order something from their alcohol concoctions!
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1120 JP Rizal Ave, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati
0917 182 0306
5. Good Sh*t Coffee – Poblacion
Living up to their name, Good Sh*t Coffee is the kind of place that you want to gatekeep for yourself, mainly because of their knee-slapping good coffee beverages that will keep you awake and boost your serotonin levels. But there are many other things to love about Good Sh*t–the relaxed vibes of the place, the friendly staff and their superb service, and the fresh pastries and breads.
Order the Spanish Latte or the Salted Caramel Latte when you visit. And don’t forget to pair it with their Guava Cheese Roll or Pain Au Chocolat. Then have their Nori White Chocolate, too. Those are good sh*t indeed.
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5872 Enriquez St. Poblacion, Makati
4. PAPAKAPE – Makati and Fort Santiago
Before PAPAKAPE opened their second branch in Fort Santiago, they were a hidden coffee gem, a garden-escape amidst the ever-busy streets of Makati. But with coffee so good, PAPAKAPE can’t stay lowkey, and eventually became a must-try for coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
PAPAKAPE constantly offers new spins on coffee beverages, with their creativity shown in unique drinks such as Black Gulaman Americano, Bibingkaccino, Mochaluya (yes, coffee with ginger!) among many others. While their classic coffee drinks are also good, we suggest to throw out what you already know, and discover a new way to love coffee with PAPAKAPE.
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3. Elephant Grounds – One Bonifacio High Street and The Podium
Elephant Grounds opened in BGC back in 2019, with its roots tracing back to Hong Kong. It’s hard to resist the temptation of coming in their store, especially when you know that they offer one heck of a Black Tie coffee that’s bound to knock your shoes off. But apart from the delicious selection of coffee beverages, Elephant Grounds is also praised for their lip-smacking ice cream and hearty savory dishes.
With their inviting interiors, laidback atmosphere, and incredibly yum food and drinks, Elephant Grounds is worth giving into. Try their Affogato–you’ll see.
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2. Craft Coffee Revolution – multiple branches
Craft Coffee Revolution has been around for quite a while, but they stood the test of time as one of the best spots to get good coffee in the metro. With baristas who take to heart their craft and their exceptional quality of coffee, it’s a sure ten out of ten when you taste their brews.
If you’re a lover of the coffee basics–Americano, Latte, Cortado, among others–Craft has nailed those drinks down to perfection, so you’re sure that the rest of their coffee drinks are just as terrific!
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1. Yardstick Coffee – multiple branches
Yardstick stays true to their saying, “Coffee is our love language”, with their delicious and innovative coffee beverages that are expertly crafted and thoughtfully created. Each of their branches offers exclusive drinks that mirrors the personality of their neighborhood. Try the Feel-Good Latte at Legazpi Village, the Manila Latte in MOA Square, or the Spring/Summer at Rockwell.
Coffee enthusiasts and coffee lovers have found a home in Yardstick. Apart from the coffee events that this place holds from time to time, you may also get your supply of coffee beans and coffee equipment at their OG store in Legazpi, where they’ve recently reopened after renovation.
Yardstick has branches in MOA square, Rockwell at Maisonette, Legazpi Village, but you can also have their coffee through Cartel in Salcedo Village or The Daily Cut at The Podium. Wherever you get your dose of Yardstick, it will never disappoint.
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Want to know all the best coffee shops and cafe stops in the metro? Know where to get your dose of caffeine wherever you are in Manila! Download Booky for free on iOS and Android to experience the convenience of searching and discovering both old and new restaurants!