Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila for August 2018

Gringo is a homegrown restaurant serving Latin American and Tex-Mex specialties such as ribs, chicken, burritos and more. It’s a quick and casual concept brought to us by the same group behind the Tokyo Bubble Tea franchise. It’s for office goers’ lunch breaks, quick bites and afterwork drinks. It’s not for foodies looking for many rice meal options. We recommend the Southern Spice Chicken, Gringo Baby Back Ribs, Truffle Queso Quesadilla, Crispy Taco. Our insider tip is they also have kids menu for the little ones.

Bai Nian Tang Bao is a soup dumpling specialty restaurant. They serve an array of Chinese fried rices, noodles, and hot dishes but people come for the soup dumplings.  It’s for dumpling lovers who want to try out of the box xiao long bao. It’s not for foodies looking for fusion or modern cuisine. We recommend their Crab Roe and Pan Fried Xaio Long Bao and their famous Giant Tang Bao. Our insider tip: ask for a straw to go with your Giant Tang Bao. You’re gonna need it!

Grape Escape is a wine lounge and kitchen and is the first of its kind in Maginhawa. They first made its appearance a year ago in the food park, StrEAT: Maginhawa. The owners wanted a more permanent place for people to socialize and enjoy wine so they opened this full-fledged restaurant in March 1. It’s a place for catching up with family and friends since there’s no wifi in the restaurant. It’s not for people who are on a strict diet. We recommend their salpicao, pork chop, polpette and blueberry tiramisu. Our insider tip: The restaurant serves unlimited wine!

Cafe Dominique is a casual family-run restaurant serving American fusion comfort food including buttered prawns, roast chicken, twice cooked pork belly, milkshakes, and desserts. It’s for big groups, especially families, who want enjoy and bond over good food. It’s not for small groups, you only get the full effect if you come in big. We recommend their Roast Beef with X.O. sauce and Kare-Kareng Bagnet.

NIU is Vikings Buffet 2.0–the interiors are more modern and luxurious, definitely an upgrade from its pioneer sister brand. The restaurant can accommodate around 350 people per timeslot (lunch and dinner) and it boasts of 9 different food stations of various dishes and cuisines. It even has function rooms for your private events. It’s for families, friends and even couples celebrating special occasions. It’s not for people with small appetites. We recommend you first check out all the food available so you can plan and pace your intake smartly. Our insider tip: Request for their ‘by order only’ menu. Read more about NIU, here.

Soru Izakaya is a modern Japanese restaurant offering innovative takes on cuisine classics. The culinary style is referred to as the “new Nippon” which translates to new Japanese. It’s for Japanese food enthusiasts craving a different approach to their favorite dishes. It’s not for loyalists to traditional Japanese cooking. We recommend their Nori Tempura, Oh Umi Maki, Matcha Cheesecake, and their Wasabi Cocktail. Our insider tip: Their rainbow art work is actually mayonnaise, so don’t forget to dip your maki!

The Eatery by Chef Erick Congmon and Friends is a casual dining restaurant offering a wide range of menu out of a traditional family recipe. The Eatery gives us a welcome break from fast food to deliver on classic favorites: chicken, pasta, and salads, paired with bottomless drinks and unlimited rice. It’s for the people who answer, “Anything” when asked what they want to eat. It’s not for those with specific cravings. We recommend their Salt & Pepper Wagyu Cubes and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.

The Lost Bread is a container shop that specializes in over-the-top milkshakes, while The Lost Bread HQ offers a more well-rounded menu that includes all-day modern Pinoy brunch menu, specialty French toasts, unique desserts, blue soft serve ice cream and a new collection of overshakes. It’s for the locals and students living, studying or working in the UP Village area. It’s not for party groups as it may be difficult to look for seats. We recommend the Fried Mashed Potato Balls, Sinigang Beef Sukiyaki and Beef Tapa with Coffee Rice. For desserts, try their Blue Soft Serve, limited Matcha Flan and milkshakes. Here’s a fun fact: You can get 2 Sorbe-Toasts for the price of one with Booky!

Naughty Nachos is a casual dining restaurant offering comfort food such as cheesy nachos, burgers, fries, milkshake and UNLIWINGS. It is also known for their Nacho Volcano which is the largest serving of nachos in the country. It’s for all the cheese lovers out there, plus anyone who’d love to post a pic for the gram. It’s not for anyone lactose intolerant or anyone adverse to cheese. We recommend the Cheesy Beef Overload, Bacon Jalapeño, and the Nacho Volcano!!

Kko Kko is a modern Korean chicken house that uses traditional and contemporary recipes that came from Grace Lee and her mom. Their menu is divided into three main categories – Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Street Food, and Dosirak (Korean lunch box) – each narrating a story about the dining setting and customs of Korea. It’s for foodies looking for new and unique Korean dishes. It’s not for people looking for grilled Korean BBQ. We recommend the Chicken Cheese Fondue, Snow Chicken Cheese, and Galbi Jim Dosirak. Our insider tip is the place is quite small and may get full quickly on peak hours, so make sure to book a table ahead of time. Fun Fact:  Kko Kko was named after the sound that a chicken makes.