Shrimply the best
When it comes to appetizers, nothing comes close to gambas. What’s more mouthwatering than the smell of shrimp sizzling in an intoxicating mixture of butter, garlic, paprika, and olive oil?
This Spanish-style dish is a delight to all— save for those poor souls who are allergic to shellfish. Some tapas bars even take it up a notch with the addition of chorizo, while others crank up the cholesterol by adding aligue or crab fat.
Less talking, more eating. Read up on the best places that serve this shrimp-ly delectable dish.
The Eatery – Cubao
The Eatery is a casual dining restaurant brought to you by Chef Erick Congmon and friends– the same team behind the well-loved House of Lasagna. It’s a place to enjoy a delicious, unpretentious meal with loved ones.
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G/F Manhattan Park View, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
(02) 932-2195
Tapella – Legazpi Village
Tapella is your best bet when you’re on the look-out for sangria and Spanish dishes in the Greenbelt area. They’ve got classic tapas like Gambas al Ajillo and Basque Chorizo Sausage.
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G/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St, Legazpi Village, Makati
+63 2 757-2710
Blake’s Wings & Steaks – Diliman
Blake’s Wings & Steaks is an all-American diner that first opened in Marikina. It serves hefty portions of wings, ribs and steaks for the entire family to enjoy. Read our full feature here.
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Avail their discount at 2 branches
Romulo Cafe – various branches
Romulo Cafe is a museum-style restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Filipino comfort food at its best. Must-tries here include the kare-kare, boneless crispy pata binagoongan and of course, the shrimp in aligue. Read more here.
Flatiron by Cafe 1771 – Uptown Place Mall
Flatiron by Cafe 1771 takes pride in their comfort food dishes that are slow cooked on iron skillets. Best-sellers include the Flatiron Brisket 6, Giant Gambas, and Intense Brownie Sugar.
Reservations are accepted
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UG/F Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street cor. 9th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 802-5461
La Scala Cafe – Adriatico
La Scala Residences is a landmark at the center of the Malate tourist belt of Manila. Apart from boasting a number of antiques and collectibles, the cafe and wine bar serves house specialties like Gambas and Paella Valenciana.
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2/F Stargate Bldg., 1711 M. Adriatico St. cor Malvar St., Malate, Manila
(02) 303-6789
Punta – Mandala Park
Punta Mandala is the go-to place for a good meal and good time. It serves bold Latin American dishes, highlighting colorful and flavorful skewered meats and innards, corn and of course their famous Latin chicken. They’re open until 3AM!
Reservations are accepted
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Liberty Center, Mandala Park, Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong
(02) 941-2870
Roast – Katipunan
Roast is a casual cafe serving all-day breakfast, comfort food, and coffee beverages. Their bar chow selection matched with beer, wine and liquor have turned it into a community watering hole as well. Enjoy a Beer Below Zero with an order of gambas with aligue!
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#142 Katipunan Road, St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City
(02) 362 6334
Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew – Kapitolyo
Tittos is a modern diner serving the best of Latin American and Filipino fusion dishes. From their grill, must-tries are the Pollo Asado, Pork Chuletas, and 18-hour Gaucho Steak. Read our full feature here.
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16 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(02) 535-9212
Wobbly Pan – Shangri-la Plaza Mall
Wobbly Pan is a small bistro that celebrates the culture of family and traditions in big ways. This passion project of the Hernandez clan became a way to honor the family’s roots and traditions through what they bond over the most— Spanish food.
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Level 1, Street Scape, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong
(02) 720-2932
Tomatito – Fort Bonifacio
Serving more than just mouth-watering tapas, Tomatito throws it back to the 80s and offers a unique and colorful dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Feel free to pair their Gambas al Ajillo with the alcohol of your choice!
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G/F BGC Corporate Center, 30th St corner 11th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 805-7840
Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant – The Grove
Missing the taste of Spain or looking for authentic Spanish dishes? Offering a wide selection of tapas, paellas, frios, and many more, Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant will transport you to Spain with the help of a flavorful feast!
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Grove Retail Row, The Grove by Rockwell, near Ortigas Ave, C5, Ugong Pasig
(02) 637-5081
Not satisfied? Search for “GAMBAS” on the app to see a complete list of restaurants in the Metro that serve it! Don’t forget to try out the NEARBY feature in order to pick the restaurant closest to you.
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