Necessary for survival.
After reading through this list, you’ll wish you had this during your time at De La Salle University (DLSU). Check out the latest and hottest spots around Taft for student-friendly and delicious eats.
For a full list of restaurants in the area, you can type in “TAFT” or “MALATE” on Booky!
TableTaft Boardgame Cafe
TableTaft is a student diner that offers a fun dining experience with over 100 board games on shelves. Compliment your gaming sessions with homemade snacks, rice bowls, pastas and milkshakes that will surely satisfy your cravings while you play.
Insider tip: Find the Cheat Sheet board on the wall for game recommendations for beginners to hardcore gamers.
Reservations are accepted
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2/F University Mall, Taft Ave, Malate, Manila
(0917) 498-8353
Dairy Depot – Archer’s Nook
Dairy Depot is a small dessert specialist serving homemade desserts including churro ice cream sandwiches, cookie skillets, waffles and ice cream cones. Dairy Depot also sells a few art and stationery products on the side.
No reservations accepted
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2/F Archer’s Nook, 2464 Taft Ave., Malate, Manila
Hunger Buster – University Mall
Hunger Buster was a thesis project in 2014 turned bazaar success story turned full-fledged burger joint by 2015. Hunger Buster serves bang-for-buck thick 200g pure beef patty burgers and gourmet sandwiches. This is its first branch in the metro.
No reservations accepted
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2/F University Mall, Taft Ave., Malate,Manila
+63 2 506-5840
Cranium Board Game Lounge + Resto – Malate
Play tons of board games for only P50 or for FREE as long as you order 1 food/drink per person. Make sure to try their crazy Cranium milkshakes and their chicken wings.
Reservations are accepted
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G/F D’ University Place, 2421 Leon Guinto Sr. St, Malate, Manila
(0917) 873-2313
Bai – Dagonoy St.
Bai gives you a taste of Dumaguete in the heart of Manila. Dumaguete is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental and is most famous for its fresh seafood and other Filipino favorites, including Sinugbang Manok, Humba, Sizzling Pochero.
Reservations are accepted
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879 Dagonoy Street, Malate, Manila
+63 2 524-4619
Samgyupsalamat – Leon Guinto
Samgyupsalamat is a Korean BBQ restaurant popular to students and nearby residents of DLSU-Manila. It recently opened a new branch in Jupiter. Enjoy barbecuing and other Korean favorites like Bibimbap, spicy noodles and other grilled meat.
Reservations are accepted
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911 Kapitan Tikong cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate
+63 906 569-2367
Kraken Takoyaki – Archer’s Nook
Kraken Takoyaki offers authentic Osaka-style takoyaki – no squid, no crabsticks, no shrimp, no ham and bacon, just real octopus. It currently has 2 flavors on its menu, classic and 2-cheese, but more flavors are to be added soon!
No reservations accepted
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G/F Archer’s Nook Center, 2464 Taft Ave., Malate, Manila
+63 917 895-1305
Helping Hands Cafe – Manila Residences Tower 2
Helping Hands is a 24/7 social cafe aimed at supporting people with disability. Milkshakes, coffee, pasta, nachos, and other light meals are served. There’s even a few board games in store.
Insider tip: Students get 10% off all year round!
No reservations accepted
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Unit 148, The Manila Residences Tower 2, Vito Cruz, Taft Ave., Malate, Manila
+63 2 256-8891
Chomp Chomp – Bellagio Residence
Chomp Chomp offers Asian fusion street food. If you’re craving for a hot bowl of Singaporean laksa, shrimp fried rice and other Singaporean delights at a very affordable price, then this is the place to visit.
No reservations accepted
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2/F Bellagio Residence , Leon Guinto cor. Estrada St., Malate, Manila
+63 2 775-7028
Snow Boom Cafe – University Mall
Snow Boom is a Korean travel themed cafe complete with cozy bunks serving light meals, fun desserts, coffee and milkshakes.
No reservations accepted
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2/F University Mall, 2507 Taft Ave,Malate, Manila
(0927) 993-4620
Topside Diner – Leon Guinto St.
Topside Diner is a nautical-themed restaurant serving student-friendly meals including various flavored wings, chops, beef and fish options. Also order their fun and IG-worthy colored drinks.
No reservations accepted
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2589 Leon Guinto St., Vito Cruz, Malate, Manila
+63 917 566-0705
8065 Bagnet – Leon Guinto St.
The crispy pork specialty of Ilocos is the highlight dish in this store. Try their famous Bagnet cooked in different variations–Kare-kare, binagoongan, curry, pinakbet, sisig and even dinuguan. Fun fact: The place is named after its first branch’s address, 8065 Estrella St. in Makati. Also, it is co-owned by Alain Nadal, brother of singer Kitchie Nadal.
No reservations accepted
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Leon Guinto St. cor. Estrada St., Malate, Manila
+63 2 516-7890
Rap Steaks and Cakes – Dagonoy St.
Rap is an old time favorite, a staple and the go-to place for affordable steaks. More than just the food, it has become a customary experience for every Lasallian, a memory to revisit for all alumni. Get their bestselling T-bone and Porterhouse steaks, and leave room for their homemade cakes. Oh and did we mention their butter gravy is unlimited?
No reservations accepted
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879 Dagonoy St, Malate, Manila
+63 2 525-5589
Phillypinas – One Oasis Place
Phillypinas’ play on words is as cool as their 9-inch cheesesteaks that will surely break your diet but not your bank. They offer 3 variants–the Original, Phillypinoy and Phillyveggie, all served with fries on the side. They also offer fresh salads, nachos, wings, onion rings and various beverages.
No reservations accepted
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G/F One Oasis Place, 2663 Sandejas St. Vito Cruz, Malate, Manila
+63 2 405-0054
Boy Shawarma – Estrada St.
Boy Shawarma boasts of serving authentic Turkish shawarma. The anatomy of their shawarma includes chicken/beef, pickles, fries and garlic sauce. Rice meals, and barkada bundles are also available.
No reservations accepted
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945 Estrada St, Malate, Manila
+63 2 624-3068
The Barn Manila – Fidel Reyes St.
A new concept restaurant in Malate–it’s a diner, a cafe and a bar in one. This is one of the places to go to for ‘Happy Thursdays’
P.S. They require valid IDs with birthdates during happy hours.
Reservations are accepted
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2226 Fidel Reyes St., Malate, Manila
+63 999 999-8590
Did we miss your go-to spots around DLSU? Share it with us in the comments section below! If you’re bad with directions, don’t worry because Booky has a ‘Navigate’ feature to help you find your way.
Let’s go squad!
