Don’t be upsetti, eat some spaghetti!
When we speak of Mediterranean food, one of the first things that come to mind may be Shawarma or Falafel or Hummus. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg! It’s easy to forget that Mediterranean cuisine encompasses the food and methods of preparation of all people living in and around the Mediterranean Basin – the Italians, Spaniards, Turks, and Greeks, for instance.
Did you know: If you book a table at any of our restaurant partners via Booky app, you can get up to P500 off on your total bill, plus a FREE dessert when you answer our quick feedback form.
Most people don’t realize just how diverse Mediterranean cuisine is due to its influences from a variety of cultures coming from the Southern European, the Northern African, and the Middle Eastern regions. In this list, we round up some of your favorite restaurants which you may not have known were considered part of this cuisine. We love these places for the same reason we love the cuisine – unique and bold flavors – but what makes this list even better is that you can enjoy discounts at all of them!
Italian
Va Bene Pasta Deli – various branches
Va Bene is the first Italian restaurant within the Metro to offer only fresh, homemade pastas. Chef Massimo Veronesi whips up a number of classic pasta and pizza dishes, and also serves traditional mains like steak, chicken, and veal. Their truffle specials are well-loved by all.
La Spezia – Tomas Morato
La Spezia is an Italian gem in the midst of Tomas Morato that features a fresh and simple menu composed of timeless dishes and standout desserts. The uncomplicated and honest-to-goodness restaurant has brought timeless Italian classics such as their best-selling burrata, sous vide pork belly, and carbonara with black truffles.
Photo from Booky
Photo from Booky
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90 Scout Dr Lascano St, Laging Handa near Tomas Morato, Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 960-6903
Salta! by Pappare – UP Village
Salta! by Pappare by is an Italian rotisserie bar that serves roast chicken, lamb chops, ribs, cooked in their charcoal-fired rotisserie. Chef Gem transforms flavors known to Filipinos and makes it Italian by using fresh and authentic ingredients straight from Italy – like the wine used to marinate their chicken or the flour for their pastas and pizzas.
Photo from Booky
Photo from Salta by Pappare
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38 Mayaman St. UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City
(0917) 830-9290
Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen – various branches
From humble beginnings to a success story, Mama Lou’s definitely hits the spot when it comes to Italian comfort food. The Italian kitchen, which first opened shop in BF Homes, has always been about serving classic Italian cuisine in a homey setting. Try their Risotto Tartufo Funghi, Spaghetti Seafood Olio, and Truffle Mac & Cheese.
Photo from @mama_lous
Photo from @mama_lous
Motorino – various branches
Motorino serves authentic Neapolitan pizza made from the freshest and highest quality Italian ingredients and cooked to perfection in their domed wood fire oven. The franchise, founded by Chef Matthieu Palombino in Brooklyn, was rated “New York City’s best pizza” by the NY Times.
Photo from @gerivera
FOO’d by Davide Oldani – BGC
FOO’D is a contemporary restaurant that serves Italian dishes with a modern twist by Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani. It aims to provide quality Italian dining at an affordable price – the 3-course tasting menu starts at just ₱800! Read our full feature here.
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G/F Shangri-la Hotel at the Fort, 30th St corner 5th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 950-8492
Grape Escape – Maginhawa
Grape Escape Wine Lounge + Kitchen is a casual wine-and-dine experience. Wine pairs well with their Spanish-Italian offerings, including Brick Oven Pizza, Pasta, and Tapas.
Reservations are accepted
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99 Maginhawa Street, Teacher’s Village, Quezon City
(02) 405-2546
Spanish
Rambla – Joya Building
Rambla is a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant that applies modern techniques to create their well-loved specialties like the Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras, Egg Bomb, Octopus Carpaccio and their signature paellas and cochinillo. The Catalan restaurant’s Barcelona-inspired cocktails are some of the best in the city.
Photo from @ramblaph
Photo from @erikacantor
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G/F Joya building, Rockwell, Makati
(02) 823-6468
Bar Pintxos Y Mas – Alabang
Bar Pintxos was one of the South’s secret gems until they opened their second branch in BGC last year. Now, every tita (and her countless amigas) has heard of the tapas bar serving authentic Catalan and Basque-inspired dishes by Miguel Vecin and Tinchu Gonzalez.
Picada Tapeo Restaurante – BF Homes
Picada Tapeo Restaurante is a Catalan-inspired restaurant serving up affordable Spanish fare such as tapas, paella, wine, and sangria. Pair their pintxos with a good bottle of wine, they offer unlimited wine daily for ₱499 per head! They’re open from 4pm to 1am daily.
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252 Aguirre Ave, BF Homes, Parañaque
(0956) 805-3676
Terry’s Bistro – various branches
Terry’s began as an import and distribution company, supplying gourmet items to homes and restaurant kitchens all over Metro Manila. Today, Terry’s Bistro offers Spanish and European-influenced dishes that inspire and create excitement. Their wine list is also impressive, with selections from all over the world at no extra charge.
Insider Tip: Their Podium branch is closed for now but you can get up to ₱500 off when you book a table through Booky at either of their two branches in Makati.
Fino Deli – Marikina Heights
Fino Deli brings rustic Italian and Spanish flare in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. They serve a wide variety of imported wines, cheeses and cold cuts. For PHP 565, you can create your own grand sausage platter — it already comes served with Dutch Gouda and caramelized vegetables!
Also read: 10 Places Around the Metro that are Perfect for a Sausage Party
Reservations are accepted
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151 Dao St, Marikina Heights, Marikina
(02) 997-5024
Greek
Cyma – various branches
Cyma’s success has made it one of the go-to places for Greek food in Manila. Who knew that a humble restaurant from Boracay could expand to a total of six branches in Metro Manila? Their flaming mango dessert is a must try dish for every visit. “OPA!”
FETA Mediterranean – Annapolis
FETA serves Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Beyto Koc. It’s not uncommon to see Lebanese, Iranian, or other groups of Middle Eastern ethnicities dining here – a tell-tale sign of its authenticity! We recommend their Kebap on a Stick, their Beef Pide, and their Lamb Shank. Order the Platter of Mezedes to enjoy a sample of their best appetizers: eggplant salad, hummus, ezme, tzatiki, ghanoush, and keftedes.
Update: Also featured in Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in San Juan for January 2018
Photo from Booky
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G/F Intrawest, 33 Annapolis St, Greenhills, San Juan
(02) 705-7238
If you’re not already enjoying the offline convenience of Booky, you can download the app for FREE! Whether you’re on iPhone or Android, you get P1000 worth of savings on us. But why stop there? When you sign up for BOOKY PRIME, you can get up to P15,000 worth of Buy 1 Get 1 deals and unlimited discounts – all for just P199 a month. Your next bite is just a touch away.
