Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Mandaluyong and San Juan for February 2015

Sunrise Buckets is a surfers’ paradise, a Hawaiian-themed joint famous for its bucket full of chicken wings and flavored beers. It’s for friends looking for a casual hangout spot after school or work. It’s not for business meetings. We recommend the Garlic Parmesan Cheese, Honey-Jalapeno and Jack Daniel’s wings.Our insider tip is get 1 refill of their Sunrise Iced Tea for only P10.

Torch Restaurant serves International Fusion Cuisine, their specialties include thin crisp pizzas, sizzling marbled angus steaks and oven baked sushis. The place transforms from bright and casual in the morning to dimmed and intimate in the evening. It’s for everyone that enjoys wide menu variety. It’s not for people looking for a quiet and private venue. We recommend the Chili Cheese Crispers for starters, and the Salpicao Medallion and Baked Fish Fillet in Tangerine Teriyaki for mains. Go for their pizza selections as well. Our insider tip is they serve unlimited wine from Mondays to Thursdays.

Ippudo is the first branch of this international group in the Philippines.  A joint venture with the guys at Yabu, it specializes in Hakata-style Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen produced in their kitchen and tailor-fitted for the Filipino palate. It’s for all the people who wants straight up ramen minus all the fancy embellishments of modern cuisine. It’s not for people who don’t like queuing (sometimes 2 hours long). We recommend their Shiromaru Motoji ramen and the pork buns.  Our insider tip is to come in pairs for quicker accommodation. “Kiddie sets” may be requested for your little ones.

Joining the make-your-own burger wagon is the highly raved about 8Cuts Burger Blends. ‘8Cuts’ is a reference to the eight cuts of beef used in the five custom blends that only they offer. It’s for people who enjoy getting their hands dirty. It’s not for people looking for a quick take out burger. We recommend the Q-Daddy Burger.

Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 600 stores in the U.S. The popular chain offers a variety of cool treats including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruits, available in over 65 flavors. It’s for the kids and the kids at heart. It’s not for people watching their sugar intake. We recommend their Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard with Mango Ice.

Frankie’s is a local joint that boasts of serving the biggest wings in town. A brainchild of a group of friends with a common passion and love for delicious chicken wings, Frankie’s offers 11 different and carefully crafted wings flavors. It’s for anyone who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. It’s not for people looking for a wide menu selection. We recommend the Garlic Parmesan, the Carribean Jerk and Hickory Barbecue. Our insider tip is their mild spicy wings are not mild at all so careful with your choice of spice level.

Yabu is the leader in all things Katsu (meaning cutlet in English). Owner John Concepcion of Uniliver RFM Ice Cream, Inc. brought in Chef Kazuya Takeda from Tokyo to partner with and create this specialized dining experience with him. It’s for people of all ages who like all things fried. It’s not for people looking for a wide Japanese menu selection. We recommend the Kurobuta Premium set (‘Kurobuta’is also known as the kobe beef of pork). Our insider tip is talk to the manager, he/she might give you free ice cream! P.S. If you don’t already know ‘The Yabu Promise’ is they will serve you within 20 minutes or it’s free.

Executive chef Chiloy Santos drew inspiration from his culinary travels to San Francisco and New Orleans, came back and created Kettle. Kettle offers traditional American comfort food like hamburgers, fried chicken and steaks and amped them up with their own sauces and spices. It’s for people who enjoy American style platters. It’s not for solo diners, servings are generous. We recommend the Pork and Potato Strips for starters and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Miso Glazed Salmon for mains. Our insider tip is all Kettle desserts are made by Chef Chiloy’s mom, Vilma Santos (no, not the actress). Try her Instagram-worthy Checkered Cake.

Green Pastures, another farm-to-table concept restaurant created by Chef Robby Goco of crowd-favorite Cyma, promises to deliver wholly organic and locally-sourced dishes. It’s for people who love salads and higher quality produce. It’s not for people who are craving a rice meal. We recommend their salads, homemade cheeses and juice selection. Our insider tip is Chef Robby constantly updates the menu ‘based on what’s in season, what’s new and what’s fresh,’ which is why their menu is stamped with a validity period.

Tim Ho Wan is Hong Kong’s most celebrated dim sum restaurant, after all it’s the cheapest One Michelin star in the world. It’s for affordable and fast dim sum. It’s not for people who don’t want to queue. Their crowd stealer is the Baked Bun with BBQ Pork. We also recommend their Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumpling and Steamed Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp. Our insider tip is to queue after lunch rush hour or 2 hours before closing time for shorter lines. P.S. The buns are P145 for 3 pieces, VAT exclusive.