Because you guys deserve the best.
With all the restaurants opening across every city, street and corner, you’d wonder which ones are worth your time of the day. It’s pretty hard to determine the best that truly serves jaw-dropping, delicious dishes worth every buck, but if that’s what you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place.
Giving you Italian, Filipino, American, Thai, Japanese or even Indian, you can’t go wrong with these top notch neighbourhood restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and one-of-a-kind hidden gems that truly serve good food that you deserve.
Update: Check out our new Buy 1 Get 1 deals this week!
Insider tip: To make your dining experience even better, whip out your smartphones and download Booky so that you can get up to ₱500 off your total bill on any of these restaurants. And if that’s not enough, you even get a free dessert when you answer our quick survey form! Sounds like a good deal to us.
Basil – multiple branches
Basil is Katipunan’s once secret garden restaurant gem. It serves authentic and traditional Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden-inspired house designed by the owners who are both plant and art enthusiasts. Some of their bestsellers include the tom yum, pad thai, and sticky mango rice!
Little Bear Diner – Kapitolyo
Little Bear Diner is a small restaurant with an eclectic menu and a big personality. The menu doesn’t subscribe to one cuisine; in the past, they experimented with burger, brunch, taco, and pasta menus. The current set-up – which they call The Cardamom Club, is their take on modern Indian cuisine.
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23 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(0917) 819-0650
Alter Ego – Quezon City
Alter Ego serves Asian-European mashups inspired by the owners’ travels all around the globe. Some of their must-tries include the Pumpkin Soup Souffle, Twice-Cooked Pork Belly and more. Read our full feature here.
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41 First St cor Dona Hemady St, Valencia, Quezon City
(02) 622-6109
Your Local – Legaspi Village
Your Local is a neighbourhood bistro serving South East Asian dishes with a twist. Opened by Chef Denny Antonino and Nicco Santos, the restaurant has a hipster meets industrial vibe serves all day brunch together with their standard menu.
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Universal LMS Building, 106 Esteban St, Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 823-6206
Mama Lou’s – multiple branches
From humble beginnings to a success story, Mama Lou’s definitely hits the spot when it comes to Italian comfort food. Some of their must-tries include the Spaghetti Seafood Olio and Vesuvio.
Restoran Garuda – Legaspi Village
Hailed as “Indonesia’s most popular restaurant”, Garuda has branches in Medan, Jakarta, Singapore and is finally in Manila to give us a well received Southeast Asian high five. Read more here.
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G/F Beneficial Life Building, 166 Salcedo St, Legazpi Village, Makati
(02) 824-3440
Earth Kitchen – Katipunan
Earth Kitchen, a joint project of the Got Heart Foundation and Hizon’s catering, is a farm-to-table concept restaurant dedicated to promote the products of local farms and indigenous people.
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Lot 10-B-10 White Plains, Katipunan, Quezon City
(02) 577-9138
Holy Smokes BBQ – Poblacion
Holy Smokes BBQ serves authentic Texas-style barbecue such as smoked brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, chicken, sausage, bacon, and pulled pork – all smoked using local fruit wood. They are known for their brisket which is USDA certified Angus beef that is smoked between 12-16 hours. Read more here.
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Matilde cor Jacobo St, Poblacion, Makati
(0917) 503-6544
Fino Deli – Marikina
The first wine bar and delicatessen in Marikina City, Fino Deli brings rustic Italian and Spanish flare in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. They serve wide variety of imported wines, cheeses and cold cuts. Read more here.
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151 Dao St, Marikina Heights, Marikina
(02) 997-5024
Keizo Gastropub – BGC
Keizo Gastropub, the casual offshoot of Keizo Restaurant. They serve authentic and alternative Japanese dishes, sake, or sochu. Read more here.
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Unit F 134, Forbes Town Center cor Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 831-6380
Nikkei – multiple branches
Nikkei is Manila’s first ever Japanese-Peruvian sushi bar and restaurant serving curated specialties like ceviche, sushi, causa, tiraditos, and Japanese craft spirits. It is refreshing and new to the palate, boldly marrying the finest Eastern and Western cuisines together.
La Spezia – Tomas Morato
La Spezia is an Italian hole-in-the-wall that serves timeless pasta dishes and dessert standouts. Read our full feature here.
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90 Scout Dr Lascano St, Laging Handa near Tomas Morato, Diliman, Quezon City
(0956) 517-8452
Locavore – multiple branches
Locavore serves locally grown and produced Filipino dishes with a French touch from Chef Mikel Zaguirre. It’s consistently on our monthly Top 10 lists and is really a top choice for reinvented Filipino dishes.
Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe – Quezon City
Owned by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe serves food from around the world. Read our full feature here.
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25 A Roces Ave, Quezon City
(02) 662-0880
Don’t forget to download the Booky app to get unlimited access to prime restaurants around Metro Manila where you can get up P500 of your bill, Buy One Get One Coupons, and dessert freebies!
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!
