Served with a plate of chismis on the side!
There’s no doubt that the titas of Manila have refined tastes and discerning palates. That’s why there are only a couple of restaurants in the Metro where you’d frequently spot Titas and their kumares and amigas enjoying a meal—or a cocktail or two—served with a plate of chismis on the side.
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If you want to walk, talk, and eat like a tita, this list is for you! These tita-approved restaurants are known for their high-quality food, attentive service, and attention to detail, making them a popular destination for every tita’s weekly “Tita-han” or chikahan session!
Mary Grace Cafe
Mary Grace Cafe is reminiscent of home. Enter the restaurant and you’ll be mesmerized by the warm lighting, the pretty interiors, and the calm yet energizing atmosphere. Anyone can definitely relax here while savoring Mary Grace’s homemade food offerings.
Why it’s Tita-approved: Apart from the cozy yet sophisticated interior design, they have a delightful selection of cakes and pastries that go well with coffee. They also offer hefty servings of savory dishes!
Buttery & Co.
Buttery & Co. started out as an online bakery that offers homemade, honest-to-goodness salted egg ensaymada, matcha mamon, cheese Tarts, and cheese rolls. Now, they’ve also ventured into baking cakes, specializing in caramel cakes of different flavors: Original, Ube Caramel, and Dark Valrhona Chocolate Caramel.
Why it’s Tita-approved: The bright and wide interiors are enough to invite any tita into their establishment. But the lightly sweetened desserts and to-die-for pastries will have you staying.
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104 Katipunan Ave. White Plains 1110 Quezon City
Conti’s
Conti’s is the place to be for memorable family celebrations. The place is homey and simple, serving up classic yet elevated Filipino dishes along with drool-worthy cakes and pastries.
Why it’s Tita-approved: From savory dishes to cakes and pastries, Conti’s—in any tita’s book—ticks all the checkboxes. They’re also the go-to for titas for party trays when they need them in a pinch.
Dean and Deluca
From New York to the Philippines, Dean & Deluca offers freshly baked bread and pastries, wine, milkshakes, rice meals, pasta, cakes, and coffee. Their marbled interiors, adorned with brightly lit warm lights, accentuate their pastries and other offerings, adding a certain calm to any breakfast meal.
Why it’s Tita-approved: A popular spot for titas and titos simply for its upscale ambiance, high-quality food offerings, and convenient locations in major business districts.
Nono’s
With Nono’s, you’ll know that it’s comfort food done right! Try their most popular dish—their homemade, crispy, fried chicken, paired with a side of waffles, fries, and even corn!
Why it’s Tita-approved: Offers a range of modern comfort food dishes that cater to the busy and diverse lifestyles, palates, and dietary restrictions of titos and titas.
Wildflour Cafe + Bakery
People who love brunch will definitely enjoy this cafe. Wildflour Cafe + Bakery offers international fare and specialty pastries, known for being the first purveyor of cronuts in Manila.
Why it’s Tita-approved: It has a modern rustic vibe with chic and cozy interior design across all its branches in the Metro. You could take your meals and hang out from day to night here.
Barcino
Love wine? Get your fill of wine and tapas at Barcino, a restaurant that offers authentic Spanish dishes that you can pair with the best wines and spirits that this resto can offer.
Why it’s Tita-approved: Perfect for those who want to unwind and relax after a long day at work or during the weekend. The restaurant’s warm and cozy interiors, complete with soft lighting and comfortable seating, create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Pair this with their extensive selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. It’s every tita’s heaven.
TABLO Kitchen x Cafe
Warm, comfy, and elegant—these are the vibes in Tablo Kitchen X Cafe. Begin your day with their selection of delicious coffee then dive into their comfort food dishes. The best part is…they also serve cocktails!
Why it’s Tita-approved: A unique and trendy place that appeals to both the younger and older generations. It offers visually appealing dishes that don’t compromise on taste.
Cafe Breton
Cafe Breton serves an all-breakfast menu and a lot of delicious crepe desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory or sweet crepe, you’ll surely find no other crepe like theirs.
Why it’s Tita-approved: Whether it’s catching up with a friend or simply me-time, its rustic and warm ambiance makes it the perfect spot for titas and titos to unwind. They also serve delicious and affordable French crepes, galettes (flat crusty cakes), and other pastries that titas love.
The Cafe Mediterranean
This restaurant in Manila serves up a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. From classic hummus and falafel (deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter) to Middle Eastern specialties like tabbouleh (salad) and kebab, the menu stays true to the Mediterranean lifestyle—living life to the fullest.
Why it’s Tita-approved: The restaurant serves dishes that are full of flavor and character, just like any tita. They use fresh ingredients to prepare these dishes while employing traditional Mediterranean techniques. It also boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere with classic Mediterranean-inspired decor, giving it a relaxing and sophisticated vibe.
Via Mare
Via Mare is an expert when it comes to serving classic Filipino dishes with an extra flair. From adobo, kare-kare to sinigang and crispy pata, Via Mare won’t let you down.
Why it’s Tita-approved: They have been around for several decades and have a wide range of dishes that showcase the richness and diversity of Filipino cuisine.
Milkyway Cafe
The best place to get halo-halo in the metro? For many, nothing quite compares to Milkyway Cafe! This restaurant in Makati has been around since 1962, serving classic Filipino dishes like their Award-Winning Milky Way Kare Kare, Baby Crispy Pata, US Bistek Tagalog, and Dinuguan at Puto!
Why it’s Tita-approved: The restaurant’s classic and traditional Filipino dishes remind the titas of simpler times and the flavors of their childhood. The establishment’s elegant and timeless decor, complete with vintage furniture and delicate china, creates a nostalgic and comforting atmosphere that appeals to them.
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900 A Arnaiz Ave, Milky Way Building, San Lorenzo, Makati
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