Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Pasig for January 2017

Sangkap (meaning “ingredient”) is a casual family-style restaurant that offers traditional Filipino cuisine with a modern spin off to provide a unique dining experience. The focus is on regional food fare using local ingredients and techniques by Chef Raymar Reyes. It’s for for family and friends who enjoy trying new dishes. It’s not for people looking for traditional home-cooked style dishes. We recommend the Ivatan Kilawin, Cebu Lechon Sinigang and Inihaw na Tiyan Kare-Kare. Insider tip: Get a free dessert when you “Submit Feedback” in the app anytime you visit or when you visit on your birthday. Read full feature here.

Tipsy Pig is a man pub most popular for its signature brews, extensive beverage list and good food. It’s the newest venture from the group that brought us Reserve, URBN, and Relik. It’s for after work drinks, evening diners and the late-night pub crawlers. It’s not for people looking for a quiet night. We recommend the Vineyard Pizza, Tipsy Wings and draft beers. Our insider tip is they start allowing smokers inside by 10pm. The Tipsy Pig group just opened a spinoff called, The Barn.

Inspired by the popular Hawaiian dish, Poke Poke is a poke joint where guests can choose from signature bowls or build their own bowls in six easy steps–starting with the base, protein, mix-ins, flavor, toppings and lastly, the crunch. Various ingredients like rice, salad, salmon, unagi, steak, rice, bacon, avocado, and more are available. It’s for foodies looking for a new healthier meal alternative. It’s not for people who are craving fast food meals. We recommend the Basic, Samurai and Dragon signature bowls or have fun and build your own. Our insider tip is if you’re not a fan of raw seafood, you can always pick from their cooked meats: fried chicken, pork or shrimp.

The first of its kind, Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina is a rustic local restaurant serving the best of Mexican comfort food with a Filipino twist. It is a homegrown concept from Dagupan, Pangasinan and is now one of the most popular restaurants in Kapitolyo. It’s for friends looking for a quick bite and drink. It’s not for people looking for milkshakes or desserts. We recommend the Beef Nachos, Cheese Quesadilla, and Calliente Wings. Our insider tip is servings are quite big so order in moderation and add when needed, service time is quick.

Little Bear is a globally inspired new wave diner focusing on a small menu of indulgent comfort food made from scratch using the best ingredients available. It’s for smaller group gatherings as the place is tight. It’s not for beer drinking buddies. We recommend the 24-hour belly porchetta kimchi rice and the half-baked Belgian chocolate chip cookie topped with handcrafted ice cream. Our insider tip is since the place is rather small, reservations are encouraged for groups of 6 or more.

Shinsen is a homegrown Japanese bar and restaurant serving the freshest and finest of this widely popular Asian cuisine. The kitchen staff is proudly Filipino and was trained professionally by Japanese chefs. It’s for fun hangouts when you’re craving authentic Japanese food. It’s not for those looking for fusion dishes or modern twists. We recommend the Norwegian Salmon Sashimi, Dynamite and Dragon Roll, Kari Kari Kari Yaki Oysters, and their special Japanese Panna Cotta. Our insider tip: If you’re looking for something affordable, get their donburi bowls, which already come with soup on the side. P.S. There’s free house tea, too. Fun fact: The murals on the wall are portraits of the owners and their staff. Look for Alden Richards! Full feature here.

Nikuya is a local concept that’s first to offer Korean grill with Japanese hotpot in one place. Nikuya, along with new restaurants like Kko Kko, Buta+Wagyu, etc.  is owned by TV personality and host, Grace Lee. It’s for foodies who love both Japanese and Korean cuisines. It’s not for people looking for sushi and other Japanese specialties. We recommend the Korean BBQ samgyupsal and karubi (boneless short rib), as well as their value-for-money shabu shabu set good for 2-3 persons. Insider tip: Nikuya, which means “butcher” in Japanese, houses a mini-butchery that offers a selection of high-caliber wagyu beef from Buta+Wagyu. Read full feature here.

Shinsen is a homegrown Japanese bar and restaurant serving the freshest and finest classic Japanese dishes. The kitchen staff is proudly Filipino and was trained professionally by Japanese chefs. It’s for anyone craving for authentic Japanese food. It’s not for those looking for fusion dishes or modern twists. We recommend their well-loved Norwegian Salmon Sashimi, Chirashi Donburi, and special Japanese Panna Cotta. Our insider tip: New branch, new dishes! Try the Spicy Seafood Salad (adjust the spiciness to your liking) and Salmon Cheese Maki (make it an aburi for those who don’t like it raw. Our insider tip is: Enjoy two hours of free parking at Sapphire Bloc, have your tickets validated at Shinsen. Full feature here.

True to its name, Locavore serves only locally grown and produced Filipino dishes with a French touch from Chef Mikel Zaguirre (of Empingao, Taqueria 101 and newly opened Carnivalé). The open kitchen and industrial interiors adds to the modern hipster vibe of the restaurant. It’s for people who enjoy a twist to the classics. It’s not for an intimate occasion. We recommend the Sizzling Sinigang (ask for extra gravy!), Lechon & Oyster Sisig, and its underrated Ginataang Kalabasa. For rice lovers, it’s good to know they also serve brown rice. Our insider tip is to watch out for their seasonal market specials and new menu items. P.S. Locavore BGC offers a special brunch menu starting at 9AM.

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.