Top 10 Hottest New Restaurants in Manila for October 2014

SALT is a humble little steakhouse located next to the Rockwell compound. It is a creation borne out of three dudes’ search for a relaxing end-of-day retreat that can serve no-frills steaks that won’t hurt their pockets. It’s for people looking to get the best value for their Php 200. It’s not for people looking for a big menu. We recommend the T-bone Steak, Grilled Tuna and their signature Frozen Brazo de Mercedes. Our insider tip is only street parking available.

Señor Pollo Philippines is the home of the ‘Famous Latin Chicken’ and second brainchild of the currently hustling-and-bustling team behind El Chupacabra. Their menus may be different but the amount of crowd and attention both Latin-inspired restaurants draw are quite neck and neck. Their secret? Good food and cheap beer! It’s for the younger crowd who don’t mind breaking a little sweat while eating or the smoke in the air. We recommend the Roast Chicken with Spicy Rice and Chimichuri on the sides. The sound of the new Wagyu Beef Bacon might be worth a try. Our insider tip is to turn the black light on in the restroom for a cool surprise!

The Farm Organics Resto is a semi self-service farm-to-table concept restaurant that serves certified organic grass-fed beef sourced from their own breeding cattle farm in Masbate, a socially conscious agricultural business operating since 1976. It’s for health minded meat lovers. It’s not for people who don’t like beef.  We recommend their bestselling Organic Rib Eye Steak and Avocado Burger. Our insider tip is avocados may be seasonal.

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, a backyard burger concept from Hawaii, finally made its way to Manila this year ready to compete with the current pool of make-your-own burger joints. It’s for people who hates nitpicking burgers for unwanted pickles. It’s not for people looking for fast food service and prices. We recommend the Monster Double Burger and Kailua Burger. Our insider tip is form a group of 4 and take on the Monster Double Dare challenge.

La Cabrera is an Argentinian steakhouse found amidst the busy office district of Makati. The old rustic feel adds to the elegance and charm of the restaurant. They serve all-meat entrees with unlimited side dishes . It’s for groups who love to share orders. It’s not for vegetarians. We recommend the Provoleta, Ojo de Bife and Rogel De Dulce De Leche. Our insider tip is call ahead for reservations, the place gets quite full especially during dinner time.

St. Marc Café is a specialty bakery and patisserie that offers freshly baked breads, pastries, coffee and desserts. It is a Japanese cafe franchise best known for its ‘Choco Cro‘ (chocolate + croissant). It’s for casual coffee dates. It’s not for someone without a sweet tooth. We recommend their signature Choco Cro and Mt. Fuji. Our insider tip is the desserts are good for sharing.

12/10 is a tiny creative Izakaya studio from the famed ‘The Girl + The Bull‘ couple. Contrary to their first project that’s bright and sunny, 12/10 has an industrial dim-lit vibe. It’s for nearby Makati residents who don’t fancy the trip south to The Girl + The Bull and office-goers who are looking for a casual afterwork hangout spot. It’s not for breakfast goers. We recommend the Salmon Kushiyaki, Toro Onigiri and KFC (Korean Fried Chicken). Our insider tip is that ‘Izakaya’ means it’s a drinking establishment that also serves food so make sure to check their extensive beverage menu.

Despite its name, The Breakfast Club is an amalgam of cuisines. More than just Filipino breakfast staples, they also serve popular Asian, American and Italian dishes. It’s for people who want more than just breakfast options. It’s not for people who appreciate beautifully plated dishes. We recommend the Trio Omelette, Korean Beef Stew, Lava Cake in Cup. Our insider tip is there’s everday breakfast buffet for only Php 299 that includes free-flowing coffee.

After the quick rise to success of Sensei Sushi, Chef Bruce Ricketts is back with a bang with his creative kitchen studio Mecha Uma–the newest kid on the block hidden in the quieter side of Fort Bonifacio. Mecha Uma, which means absurdly delicious, serves mostly Japanese-inspired dishes that are sure to tickle your eyes and buds. It’s for people who are adventurous and want an out-of-the-box culinary experience. It’s not for people who are looking for a full plate. We recommend you to try their 10-course Omakase, which literally means ‘I’ll leave it to you’. Our insider tip is make sure to get one from the 10 most coveted seats at the degustation bar for a complete experience.

Niu by Vikings is the newest upscale buffet restaurant in town. It’s a far stretch from the Vikings Luxury Buffet that we’ve become accustomed to. Niu is elegantly designed and spacious with better interiors and a grander 9-station buffet. It’s for families, friends and even couples celebrating special occasions. It’s not for people with small appetites. Our insider tip is request for their ‘by order only’ menu. P.S. It’s Niu as in ‘nee-uh’, not ‘new’.