Your answer to “Babe, saan tayo kakain?”
When it comes to food, San Juan is more popular for its iconic Greenhills malls, neighborhood cafes and night drinking spots best suited for families and barkadas. More often than not, it is overlooked as a destination for romantic and date-worthy places. Big mistake.
Because let’s face it, it’s not always convenient to drive all the way to Makati or Fort for a date night when you live just around San Juan. So for nights when you don’t feel like leaving the comforts of your neighborhood, you can check out these subtle romantic dining destinations in the heart of San Juan.
We got you covered, from breakfast to dinner dates!
Francesco’s – A. Mabini St.
In the mood for some Italian cuisine? Head over to Francesco’s and get a taste of classic Italian dishes cooked to perfection. They offer a selection of fresh pasta, grilled plates, paninis of various kinds, and of course, some delicious wine to make your night more romantic!
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863 A. Mabini, St, San Juan
8)777-9777 | 0917-1444395
Cowrie Grill – Promenade
Nothing like a big piece of delicious, juicy steak to celebrate a special day! If you and bae want the real thing–we’re talking quality meats, flavorful and mouth-watering dishes, and not to mention the place’s calming ambiance–you better visit Cowrie’s!
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Promenade 3 San Juan, Philippines
Wildflour Café + Bakery – Wilson
Wildflour Café + Bakery offers international fare and specialty pastries, famous for being the first purveyor of the wildly popular cronuts in Manila. If you and your partner are more of a breakfast couple, this place is definitely a must-try for brunch!
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G/F, O-Square Wilson St corner, Ortigas Ave, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
8775 3543 | 0917 627 9679
Chef Laudico Guevarra’s – P. Guevara St.
Named after its founding chef, Chef Laudico Guevarra’s prides itself in serving affordable and quality Filipino buffet in a converted 1920’s heritage home. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, couples will enjoy the ambiance, the food selection and most of all the rates. Signature dishes such as the classic sinigang and heart stopping crispy pata, lechon and roast beef carvings are also served.
Rates: Buffet Rate: P699 NET | Seniors and PWDs: P499.29| Kids Rate: Below 3.5ft = Free, 3.5ft to 4.5ft = Half Rate, Above 4.5ft = Full Rate
Reservations are recommended
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387 P. Guevarra cor. Agnonne St., Addition Hills, San Juan
0998 881 3200 | 8705 1811 | 8705 1874
Tomo Japanese Dining – Araullo St.
‘Tomo’ means ‘friend’ in Japanese and its kitchen is helmed by Chef Tom, formerly from Sugi, whose San Juan branch closed down a few years ago. Loyal patrons of Sugi should expect the same quality of dishes and specialties here. You’ll love their selection of sushi, maki, donburi, noodles, and more!
Reservations are accepted
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137 Araullo Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City
(0977) 859-7622
Cafe Sanso – V Cruz
Cafe Sanso is a small cafe serving Spanish specialties such as chorizo platters, paella, callos and churros. It serves as an ode to Juvenal Sanso, an internationally-renowned painter. Recommended dishes include the Serano Especial platter, Francesinha sandwich, and their Churros and Leche Frita (or Fried Milk) for desserts.
Insider tip: Next door is the Sanso Museum, which is a showcase of the legend’s 65 years in art. It houses the artist’s personal collection with many works and award-winning masterpieces that have never been seen by the public.
Reservations are accepted
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32 V. Cruz, San Juan City 1500 San Juan
09685400847
Calderon Cocina Tapas Y Bebidas – Little Baguio
Calderon is a quaint little restaurant most known for serving authentic home-style Spanish dishes, tapas and sangria. Signature dishes include the Paella Negra and Pollo Iberica. Pre-ordering is recommended as best sellers usually run out on a full night.
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403 F. Calderon Street 1500 San Juan
(0926-7279465 | 0919-8060358
XIÙ: Fine Cantonese Dining – Connecticut
This two-floor, 230-seater restaurant exudes every bit of ‘elegance’ its names implies–from the interiors, to the falling leaves installation, down to the food. Prominent chefs from HK come together to bring the finest Cantonese dishes including their most talked about Baked Lobster with Cheese.
Reservations are accepted
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115 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan
(02) 650-7189
Carousel Creamery – Missouri St
Not all dates have to be fancy-schmancy, a good time can very well be in an ice cream paradise where you can be laid back and chill–the Carousel Creamery! Of course, this place is also the best spot to get dessert, especially because they offer tons of different ice cream flavors!
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8 Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan Manila
(0977) 899 1010
Cafe Ysabel – Paterno St
You’ll be in awe of Cafe Ysabel’s interiors, with it being one of the metro’s oldest restaurant that serves the best of Filipino and European cuisine. The place mirrors an ancestral home from the 1920’s and is the best place for weddings, parties, and special celebrations.
Reservations are recommended
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175 M.Paterno St. Brgy Pasadena San Juan City Metro Manila
0995 5905515
If you still haven’t, download Booky, free on iOS and Android, to get a handy list of restaurants in Greenhills, Metro Manila, Tagaytay and Baguio that don’t even require internet!