Manila… I keep coming back to Manila.
Ohh, Manila! No matter how many times we’ve gone, we’ll always keep coming back to Manila. The City of Manila is living history from its historical landmarks, rich architecture, and the always beautiful view of the sun setting over Manila Bay... Manila has a unique charm to it that’ll keep us coming back for more.
Also read: Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Manila for This Month!
Also a melting pot of various cultures, it’s impossible not to find a great place to eat. Whether you’re feeling fancy or feeling frugal, restaurants in Manila are sure to please your appetite.
INTRAMUROS
A sight-seeing trip to Manila wouldn’t be complete without dropping by Intramuros, literally meaning, ‘walled city’. Intramuros is one of the oldest districts in Manila and is home to the most beautiful and historical structures in the city. While you immerse yourself in its history, fill your tummies with the many old and new restaurants in the area.
9 Spoons – Bayleaf Hotel
9 Spoons is located at the 9th floor of the hotel in a penthouse kind of setting. The restaurant is managed by the Lyceum Culinary School that consists of interns, graduates and other full-time employees.
Reservations are accepted
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The Bayleaf, Muralla cor. Victoria St, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 5318-5000
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant – Gen. Luna St.
If you’re looking for authentic Filipino food to add to your historical day trip, Barbara’s, located in front of San Agustin Church, is the perfect place to go to. Come hungry so you can try all of the dishes from their grand buffet, while enjoying cultural dance performances.
Reservations are accepted
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Plaza San Luis Complex, Gen. Luna St, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 8527-4086 | (02) 8527-3893
Ilustrado – Calle Real Del Palacio
Ilustrado is a fine dining Filipino-Spanish fusion restaurant set in an old Spanish era home–the kind of restaurant you should be trying when in Intramuros to complete your immersion. We definitely recommend you try the Paella Ilustrado.
Get up to ₱300 off your bill!
Reservations are accepted
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744 Calle Real Del Palacio, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 8527-3674 | (02) 8527-2675 | (02) 8527-2345
Ristorante delle Mitre – CBCP Bldg.
Ristorante delle Mitre, named after the traditional bishop headdress, is an ecclesiastical-themed cafe run by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and shares the compound with them just around the corner from the Manila Cathedral. Its fun dishes are named after Philippine bishops, priests and nuns.
Reservations are accepted
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CBCP Bldg, 470 Gen Luna St, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 8559-5220
Cioccolata Churros Cafe – Bayleaf Hotel
Located inside the Bayleaf Hotel, this cafe serves everyone’s favorite Spanish pastry, deep fried churros served with a dip of your choice: coffee caramel or the Spanish tsokolate. The Brazo in a Cup is also a popular dessert choice here.
No reservations accepted
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G/F The Bayleaf Hotel, Muralla cor. Victoria St, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 5318-5000
Patio de Conchita – Beaterio St
This ‘sosyal na carinderia’ type of restaurant is a favourite by many students and office goers nearby because of its delicious and affordable eats. The old Spanish interiors makes the place extra cozy and picturesque. Must-tries include the Kalderetang Baka, Seaweed Salad, Sinigang na Itlog ng Isda sa Miso and of course, their tall glass of Buko Juice!
No reservations accepted
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680 Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila
(02) 8243-2700
TAFT AVENUE
You’ll find many yummy restaurants that have student-friendly prices along Taft Avenue as its nearby De La Salle University (DLSU) and University of the Philippines – Manila (UP). It’s a diverse set of eating places such as breakfast spots to cafés and freshly grilled food.
Holy Grill – Torre Lorenzo
You’ll find the best-selling rib-eye steak at Taft here at Holy Grill. Good food at affordable prices, it’s the best place to get the bang of your buck! From steaks, seafood, nachos, and more… it’ll satisfy you and your barkada’s cravings.
Get up to ₱500 off your bill!
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2 Torre Lorenzo, Taft Ave, Malate, Manila
(02) 8253-5748
24 Chicken – CTC Bldg.
At 24 Chicken, you can enjoy 8 different flavors of Korean fried chicken like garlic, spring onions, spicy BBQ grilled, Jack Daniels, and other unique flavors.
Insider tip: They also have other branches in Manila!
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CTC Bldg., Taft Ave cor Pedro Gil St., Malate, Manila
(0977) 425-3756 | (0977) 425-3757
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.
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2/F Bellagio Residence , Leon Guinto cor Estrada St., Malate, Manila
(02) 8775-7028 | (02) 8775-7029
Kanto Freestyle Breakfast – Leon Guinto St.
Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is one of Kapitolyo’s most popular 24/7 breakfast diners. It is a modern and upgraded ‘carinderia’ that offers value-for-money meals, which include a build your own breakfast plate with all your favorite toppings.
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2466 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila
(0919) 478-8055
Café Noriter – Reyes Bldg.
Noriter is Korean for ‘playground’. True to its name, Noriter Cafe is a big quirky playhouse to hang out with friends, choose your spot by the window or a private bunk.
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2/F Reyes Bldg., Estrada St cor Taft Ave., Malate, Manila
(02) 516-1430
Phillypinas: The Artisanal Cheesesteak – 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. Aside from their cheesesteaks, They also offer fresh salads, nachos, wings, onion rings and various beverages.
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G/F One Oasis Place, Sandejas St., Malate, Manila
(02) 405-0054
Sinangag Express – Nakpil St.
A Filipino fast food chain serving everyone’s breakfast “-silog” favorites. Also known as SEx. It’s open 24/7 for your early morning and late night cravings. Their bestsellers include Tapsilog, Bangsilog and Chicksilog.
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868 Nakpil St cor Taft Ave., Malate, Manila
(02) 536-2182
Ate Rica’s Bacsilogan – Agno St.
An Agno Food Court (or ‘Hepa Lane’) favorite, If you love tapsilog and all -silogs, then you’re gonna love Ate Rica’s Bacsilog, that’s bacon-silog.
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Agno St., Malate, Manila
(0927) 752-0693
Café Adriatico – Remedios Circle
Cafe Adriatico is a 36-year old Filipino-Spanish bistro located in the heart of Manila. It is a pioneer and the iconic flagship restaurant of the LJC group of restaurants. Despite being old, one cannot discount the old charm it continually brings to its loyal patrons, including stars and politicians.
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1790 M. Adriatico St. Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila
(02) 738-8220
UNIVERSITY BELT | MENDIOLA
Similar to Taft Avenue, Mendiola is filled with extra affordable restaurants as its nearby a cluster of universities such as the University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of the East (UE), and Far Eastern University (FEU).
Chicks and Fins – 2nd St cor Concepcion Aguila St.
The restaurant offers chicken wings, fries, siomai, and other dishes at affordable prices. It’s owned by actress, Kiray Celis.
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Doña Carmen 2, 2nd St cor Concepcion Aguila St., San Miguel, Manila
(0977) 739-2800
The Hashery – Padre Paredes St.
The Hashery, conveniently found in the heart of U-Belt, is a casual food spot that cultivates a chill vibe paired with quality food. Hash out a good time with a menu full of international favorites and great company at The Hashery.
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Avail at 1 branch
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944 Padre Paredes St., near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
Hokusai – Vantage Bldg.
Conceptualized and owned by an Architecture student from UST, this Japanese restaurant gives everyone a chance to enjoy Japanese food at very affordable prices!
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2 Torre Lorenzo, Taft Ave., Malate, Manila
(02) 253-5748
Mang Tootz – P. Noval
This street side carinderia is iconic to Thomasians. They serve all time favorites such as sisig, liempo, and even chicken kebab in turo-turo style. You must not leave without trying their famous sweet signature turon. Mang Tootz just opened a second branch at the Valero Plaza in Makati.
1135 P. Noval St, near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
(02) 404-4561
Lopez Canteen – P. Noval
This small canteen has been in service for more than 50 years. Students, teachers, and employees alike enjoy the excellent food and service of Lopez Canteen.
1203 Unit A-4 I. Delos Reyes St, near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
(02) 736-0971
ERMITA
Ermita is the center of Manila where you’ll find many of the main government offices such as the Manila City Hall and the Court of Appeals, famous landmarks points of interest like the National Library and The Manila Hotel, and many more. You’ll find a variation of eating places here from grab and go’s to casual dining.
Champagne Room – Manila Hotel
Often tagged as one of the most beautiful fine dining restaurants in Manila, Champagne Room, over the years, has been able to maintain its classic, elegant and royal charm to its multitude of loyal patrons. Its regal interiors and high-quality dishes make it a top choice for couples spending Valentine’s Day or their anniversaries.
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Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila
(02) 527-0011
Bodhi – SM Manila
Bodhi Vegetarian Restaurant is a hidden gem for vegetarians and health conscious foodies alike. Serving affordable and delicious vegetarian dishes, their fan favorites are Asado, Chicken Curry, Sweet and Sour Pork, and other popular Chinese-Filipino dishes.
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L/G Foodcourt SM City Manila, Concepcion cor Arroceros, Ermita, Manila
Pub Express – SM Manila
Pub Express is a casual restaurant that serves all-day breakfast and java rice meals that pack a flavorful punch. Try the Creamy Kawali, Spicy Sisig, or the Bourboun Chicken. They’ve got all the guilty pleasures in one plate!
Insider tip: They have Buy 1 Get 1 offers! Check them out here.
Mai Wei Fang – Robinsons Place Manila
First in Philippines offering their signature pan fried soup dumpling (Sheng Jian Bao) from Shanghai, China. They are a casual Chinese restaurant focused on wheat flour inspired recipes found throughout China.
BINONDO
Binondo is bursting with culture from Escolta to El Hogar to Binondo Church and the many small businesses that line up Chinatown. Binondo is actually the oldest Chinatown in the world so you’re sure to be immersed in this melting pot of heritage and Filipino-Spanish-Chinese culture.
Sincerity Restaurant – E.T. Yuchengco
Try a different kind of fried chicken at Sincerity with a side of the special oyster cake and the classic kikiam. These flavors bring back so many memories for many. It’s definitely a must-try if you want to take a trip back memory lane, no other restaurant has been able to copy their homegrown secret recipe.
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497 ET Yuchengco St (formerly Nueva), Binondo, Manila
(02) 241-9991;(02) 241-9990
Eng Bee Tin – Ongpin St.
Eng Bee Tin is known for their signature purple color, even the owner Gerry, fondly called “Mr. Ube”, is always seen in a purple t-shirt polo. They’re popularly known for their delicous hopia.
650 Ongpin St cor Nueva St., Binondo, Manila
(02) 288-8888
Dong Bei Dumplings – E.T. Yuchengco
A tiny hole-in-the-wall dumpling place away from busy Ongpin, where you can watch their expert rollers roll dumplings all day long. It’s mesmerizing how they work with these dumplings – making it their unique art form.
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642 ET Yuchengco St., Binondo, Manila
(02) 241-8912
The choices are endless!
Have you decided which restaurant to visit for your food trip to Manila? If you want to check out more, you could open the Booky app and type “MANILA” and search over 100 restaurants in the area. If you spotted a new restaurant near you, shoot us an email at support@phonebooky.com with all the details.
