Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila for January 2018

Single Origin is a popular hangout spot where coffee and alcohol lovers can find common ground. It features a hefty all-day breakfast menu and a beverage list that includes specialty coffee and alcohol-based drinks. It’s for all types of eaters and drinkers, from breakfast to late night. It’s not for diners who want alone time as tables are meant to be shared here. We recommend the Single Origin Burger, Surf n Turf Beer Dough Pizza, S.O. French Toast. Don’t forget to try their Valrhona Mocha Latte, Orange-infused Cappuccino and Bacon-infused Bloody Mary. Our insider tip: They serve specialty Lamill coffee blends from California. Full feature here.

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.

BITE (Buffet in Time Espalanade) is the first to offer a time-based buffet experience in the Philippines. A unique concept that allows you to pay for the time you spend in the buffet rather than paying for a flat rate, and with over 35 dishes to choose from (and a lot of desserts) it’s a sure sulit treat! It’s for groups looking for a sweet buffet deal. It’s not for people looking a quick meal. We recommend their Grilled Pork Chops with White Sauce (very addicting). Our insider tip is to try their Unli-time option for just ₱368/head!

Vanderlust is a hidden restaurant serving up unique European pastries and dishes inspired from the owners’ travels in Europe. It’s for cafe lovers who want to explore unique new flavors of classic pastas, dessert, and more. It’s not for those who want a fine dining experience. We recommend you try their Schneeballen, Cacio E Pepe Mushroom Truffle, and Schweinekotelett with Mustard Cream Sauce. Our insider tip: WiFi and sockets are available!

Olivia & Co seeks to become the go to place for a gourmet experience. They serve artisanal coffee and tea to compliment food inspired by various cuisines of the world. The international franchise hails from Singapore and by the looks of it, they’re taking Manila by storm. It’s for families, friends, and individuals getting some work done. It’s not for crazy drinking (though they do serve alcohol) and loud partying. We recommend the Laksa Pasta, Tokyo Wings, and the Passion Fruit White Chocolate Cheesecake. Our insider tip: The full out restaurant has free wifi and sockets that you can plug your devices into. Read out full feature 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!

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!

A Michelin-star awardee for its Tokyo branch, Tsuta Ramen offers their signature shio, shoyu, and miso ramen as well as sides and small rice bowls. It’s for ramen aficionados and amateurs alike. It’s not for people looking for a wide menu with a varied selection. We recommend the Char Siu Ajitama Shoyu Soba. It’s on the pricey side of ramen but so worth it. Our insider tip: get that extra Ajitama. You know you want to.

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.