Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila for February 2018

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.

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.

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!

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!

Gen is a popular Korean restaurant chain from Los Angeles, California. The word “GEN” means “the beginning” and is actually an open invitation to the art of Korean BBQ. If you’ve been to LA, then chances are you’ve seen the long lines outside this popular resto. It’s for groups who want to enjoy some grilled meats. It’s not for people who want a quiet night out, they usually blast music. We recommend going as a group, grilling meats is best eaten with others. Our insider tip: Go there on your birth month! They usually have free group promos for people celebrating their birthdays within each month.

Roice’s is a restaurant and bar with a cozy ambiance. It is run by a group of friends who are all foodies and drinkers. This OG home in QC is definitely the place to be. It’s for people looking for good food and good drinks. It’s not for people on a budget. We recommend their Roice’s Modern Adobo Pork Belly and Marinated Pork Chop.

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!

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!

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.

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!