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Get ready for the rest of your life!

Your first-ever payday is pretty special. A marker of adulthood, it’s a sign that the kid gloves are off and you’re now entering society. Regardless, adulthood doesn’t have to be boring, one thing you now have is income to buy your wants and needs.

Also Read: 10 Must-Try Restaurants and Cafes in White Plains

Embrace adulthood and splurge on some of the best restaurants in Metro Manila on your first payday. Keep in mind the author is a certified gastadora, so take things with a grain of salt; ideally, you should save your money!

Whether it’s for saving your hard-earned cash or treating yourself, these restaurants are some of the best places to splurge on your first payday.

Where to Eat All You Can

Filipinos love eat all-you-can deals! Go to any of these to treat your family, friends, or just yourself and try a variety of cuisines from around the world or some of the best that the Philippines has to offer!

Cabalen

A Filipino classic, this is probably your dad’s favorite buffet where your whole family can eat unlimited Filipino food at an affordable price. Treat the fam with your first paycheck to flex that hear-earned spending power!

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Vikings

One of the most popular buffet chains in the Philippines, Vikings is synonymous with birthdays and graduations with their promos! Head to Vikings to try a diverse selection of dishes from cuisines found around the world.

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The Alley by Vikings

Perfect for those that have a smaller stomach, but still want to try the buffet experience, The Alley’s ala carte theme is best for sampling different dishes.

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Fantastic Baka

If Korean barbecue is more your thing, then Fantastic Baka gives its customers a variety of meats and cuts to choose from, as well as tasty side dishes to eat while waiting for the meats to cook.

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Where to Splurge on a Good Meal

If ala carte options are more your thing, these restaurants are perfect for that date night splurge, or a solo gastronomic experience.

Mijo Comfort Food

Whether on a date or solo dinning, try Mijo Comfort Food to try fusion dishes of classic Spanish-Filipino cuisine from duck confit to their smoked duck.

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4987 P Guanzon St, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila

Indus

Kickstart your new foodie lifestyle as you get your first paycheck as you try dining at Indus, which serves modern Indian cuisine fit for exploring new tastes in this new chapter of your life.

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25th St and 5th Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila

Under the Balete

Eat at one of Quezon City’s best restaurants as you celebrate your first paycheck. Whether it’s past or rice bowls, Under the Balete will feed you well. Pair your entree with a cocktail, mocktail, or even a beer to make the night even livelier!

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L4 BW West Ave, Paltok, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Tender Bob’s

Remember when you walked around the mall, pointed at a steak house, and asked your mom if you could eat there but was denied? Treat yourself. Get that steak you’ve always wanted.

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Kettle

A popular restaurant in EDSA Shang, no longer will you be treated by your mom to Kettle’s delicious buttermilk fried chicken, unfortunately you will have to treat them! If you’re going to spend some money at least spend it on Kettle’s delicious food.

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5/F, Shaw Blvd cor EDSA, Shangri-La Plaza, Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila 

Where to Get a Good Deal

“Spend responsibly!” is what I would say if I were wiser, instead you get these: some of the best places to eat while saving your paycheck for the future!

Cinnabon

If you’re financially responsible, then maybe a sweet treat from Cinnabon is perfect for you. This place is perfect for sweet tooths and those that want a quick merienda or bring home some pasalubong.

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One World Deli

With a whole grociery’s inventory to choose from, One World Deli is great for trying different cuisines all in one place. They frequently have great deals in their deli and meat sections, perfect for those that want to save up but still enjoy a meal made from the freshest ingridients around the world.

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G/F The Corner House P. Guevarra Street, corner Recto, San Juan, Metro Manila

Pound x Flatterie

Always the affordable but delicious burger restaurants we all know and love, Pound x Flatterie is now a great pace to feast on chicken wings. Try a variety of a hot sauces for good measure and recreate your favorite Hot Ones episode.

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Promo: Pay via bookyPay and get a 3% discount on your total bill.

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Candid Coffee

If you’re a workaholic, spending your first paycheck while remotely working in Candid Coffee might be the perfect work day. Try their drink of the mont as well as some of their best pastries, like the kouignn amann and the classic croissant.

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Where to Get Lit

Shogun

Treat yourself to an entire trip to La Union and party at Shogun, located at the Rada Hostel. Try their matcha cocktail alongside some gyoza and dumplings.

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Rabbit Room

Celebrate the first month of the job as you wine and dine in Rabbit Room! Try the dinakdakan, ceviche, and the rabbit curry. Rabbit Room also has a variety of cocktails both their own takes as well as classic cocktail mixes.

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8858 Sampaloc St, San Antonio, Makati, Metro Manila

Want some more? Just check out our blog for more posts like this! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @bookyapp and use #BookyManila when you dine out, to get a chance to be featured in our future posts!