Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for April 2017

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen was one of the South‘s biggest neighborhood secrets, but because good restaurants can’t hide forever, it is now a dining destination for authentic Italian eats. It’s for families and children who enjoy eating in a homey setting. It’s not for people who don’t like to brave the Southern commute. We recommend the Risotto Tartufo Funghi, Spaghetti Seafood Olio and Pizza Tabarnes. Our insider tip: You may request to have 1 pizza in 2 halves–each with a different flavor.

Neil’s Kitchen is a modern Filipino restaurant by Chef Neil Ramos and his partners that serves dishes with a Pinoy twist. Before Neil’s Kitchen, Chef Neil is best known for The Hills at Silang, his catering business. It’s for weekend brunches with the family. It’s not for sushi or pasta lovers. We recommend their Sinigang and Bagoong Paella (order in advance), Crab Fat Palabok, and Fried Suman, Mangga’t Chocnut. Our insider tip is that Neil’s Kitchen is also home to My Father’s Bookstore, a curated Christian bookstore by Ardy Roberto and Miriam Quiambao-Roberto.

Burger Geek is a classic American cheeseburger joint that’s all about burgers, sides and milkshakes. It serves a custom blend of premium beef burgers pressed between 2 freshly baked potato buns with various toppings. It’s for burger lovers slash science geeks, check out their cool Periodic Table wall art. It’s not for hotdog fans. We recommend the Class President, B. Mac and the Hangover burgers. Our insider tip is that they give complimentary seaweed flavored crackers (kropek) for appetizers. P.S. Visit on your birthday week to get free rootbeer float! See list of unique restaurants at Molita Complex here.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen was one of the South‘s biggest neighborhood secrets, but because good restaurants can’t hide forever, it is now a dining destination for authentic Italian eats. It’s for families and children who enjoy eating in a homey setting. It’s not for people who don’t like to brave the Southern commute. We recommend the Risotto Tartufo Funghi, Spaghetti Seafood Olio and Pizza Tabarnes. Our insider tip: You may request to have 1 pizza in 2 halves–each with a different flavor. They’re also opening a new branch at Ayala Malls the 30th!

Confusion Diner is a Filipino-American fusion restaurant that combines traditional and modern comfort food. It’s for friends who love trying out different twists on familiar dishes. It’s not for diners who aren’t fans of local ingredients. We recommend the One More Chance, Haring Tulisan, and Volcano Dessert. Our insider tip: Check their website for event updates!

Sambo Kojin is a modern eat-all-you-can Japanese and Korean yakiniku (meaning ‘grilled meat’) restaurant focused on providing not only fresh and premium meat, poultry, seafood and produce, but also a relaxed dining experience. It’s for people who enjoy grilling your own meat on the table. It’s not for people who want their clothes smelling fresh out of the kitchen. Our insider tip: House tea is not on the house.

Ramen Yushoken serves tonkotsu broth ramen using a recipe from famous ramen master Yamagishi Kazuo. It’s a casual restaurant with traditional Japanese sensibilities like fast service and not offering any eating utensils other than chopsticks. It’s for ramen lovers in the South. It’s not for people who are closer to Megamall. We recommend the Miso Tonkotsu Ramen or the spicy Tantan-men with Aji-Tamago on the side. Our insider tip: Ask for their off-menu items. For foodies in Manila, you could also check out Mendokoro Ramenba (aka Yushoken 2.0) in Salcedo Village, Makati.

Vikings Luxury Buffet opened its first branch at SM by the Bay in 2011. Five years and 9 branches later, it is now considered the Philippines’ largest luxury buffet chain. This homegrown brand has expanded all around Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao (full feature here). It’s for families and groups who are looking to celebrate special occasions affordably. It’s not for people who prefer the quiet and relaxed ambiance of a hotel buffet. Our insider tip is it’s the only branch that serves shawarma. Also read: 8 reasons why you should visit Vikings SM BF.