Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Manila for February 2017

Yakimix is a pioneer in the eat-all-you-can restaurant category. They serve various Japanese, Chinese and Korean dishes ready for eating or for grilling at affordable buffet rates. Aside from grilled meats, the buffet also includes cooked dishes, sushi and desserts. It’s for people who can load up in one sitting. It’s not for people who want a relaxed sit-down dinner. Our insider tip is there are no phone reservations on weekends so better come early to have your name listed.

Korean Palace Restaurant is a 30 year-old gem in Malate known for saving authentic Korean cuisine. It’s for big and small groups craving for traditional Korean dishes from bulgogi to bibimbap. It’s not for diners looking for fusion dishes. We recommend the Dolsot Bibimbap, Kalbi Jim, and Shrimp Tempura. Our insider tip: The place is also good for parties or private events.

Ippudo is a popular ramen joint specializing in Hakata-style Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen produced in their kitchen and tailor-fitted for the Filipino palate. It is a joint venture with the guys at Yabu. It’s for straight up ramen minus the fancy embellishments of modern cuisine. It’s not for people looking for an extensive Japanese menu, although special items are occasionally introduced. We recommend their Shiromaru Motoji Ramen and the Pork Buns–plus the new Tsukemen Ramen. Our insider tip: Cute “kiddie sets” may be requested for your little ones. P.S. Ippudo just opened their SM Mall of Asia branch!

Anything Fried is a boardgame cafe located along Strada Street Food Park. It offers fried comfort food from rice meals to fun desserts and milkshakes. It’s for friends and families who want an interactive afternoon of food and games. It’s not for diners on a diet. We recommend their Bagnet in Kare-Kare Sauce, Fried Matcha Oreos, and their Chicken Wings. Our insider tip: On a tight budget? Don’t worry, almost all their dishes are just P99 and below!

Ramen Nagi is a Tokyo-hailed restaurant considered to be one of the most popular ramen joints in the country today. It’s for Japanese food enthusiasts with high standards for their ramen. It’s not for diners looking for quick items to go. We recommend the Original King (Butao) and the Black King (Kuroo), which is made with squid ink. Our insider tip: You can customize your ramen from your toppings down to the firmness of your noodles.

Cyma is a Greek and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that was quick to gain a following because of its flavorful dishes. The “Opa!” cheers from the service crew also draw much attention and curiosity from passers by. It’s for groups of all sizes looking to relax and fill their bellies with authentic Greek comfort food. It’s not for people with short lunch breaks. We recommend the Roka Salata Salad, Moussaka, and Cyma Lamb Chops. Our insider tip: They have endless side salads if you order one of their specials on a weekday. P.S. They have a “to-go charge” for takeouts.

CoCo Ichibanya Curry House, Japan’s #1 curry house, was brought to Manila by the UCC Group. Guests can customize their plates from the amount of rice, spiciness of the curry, to the toppings and sides. It’s for anyone who loves spicy curry with lots of rice. It’s not for people who should stay away from rice and fried food. We recommend their Pork Cutlet, Cheese Hamburger, and Shrimp Cutlet curries. Our insider tip: Save room for their coffee jelly dessert.

Gregory Park is a Mexican-inspired bistro dedicated to serve wholesome, vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes. It’s for tex-mex lovers who want a great variety of tacos and burritos. It’s not for diners who prefer a fixed menu as their dishes change daily. We recommend their Soyrizo Quesadilla Burger, Vegan Tax Burrito, and their Southern Fried Chicken. Our insider tip: Make sure to try their craft soda too!

Pablo is one of Japan’s (and the world’s) most popular cheese tart specialists. Apart from their famous original cheese tarts, they serve premium-flavored tarts, sabrel cheeses, puddings, and soft-serve ice cream. It’s for the cheese lovers and dessert fanatics. It’s not for those trying to keep a low sugar intake. We recommend the Mini Cheese Tarts, Matcha Premium Cheese Tart, and their Golden Brulee Cheese Pudding. Our insider tip: Aside from their famous tarts, you have to try their equally delicious Cheese Soft Serve. See the full feature here.

Tim Hortons is Canada’s world-renowned coffee house. After months of its rumored arrival to the Philippines, we’ve confirmed that it’s soon to open in BGC and Ermita! It’s for all coffee lovers who have a taste for premium caffeine blends and all the pastries that go with it. It’s not for third-wave coffee enthusiasts. We recommend the Original Blend Coffee, Iced Capps, and their donuts. Our insider tip: We have unconfirmed news that it’s opening this month of February. Read more here.