Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for February 2017

Soban is modern Korean restaurant inspired by the different “K-Town” communities in L.A, New York, and Hong Kong. It’s for diners looking to try Korean food with a unique twist. It’s not for those looking for strictly traditional Korean cuisine. We recommend the Korean Tapsilog, Kimchi Fries, and their special 6-Flavor Samgyupsal Set. Our insider tip: The set is good for 3-4 persons and is served with unlimited rice, salad, soup, and egg rolls.

After his short stint with Robot Restaurant & Lounge, Chef Bruce Ricketts opened Sensei Sushi Bar: a humble local and seasonal Japanese and Asian-inspired restaurant offering his popular 12-course Chef’s Omakase and other a la carte dishes. It’s for adventurous foodies who are up for a Japanese, hole-in-the-wall experience. It’s not for people who don’t eat raw. We recommend the Chef’s Omakase. For a la carte, order their Torched Salmon Belly and Chutoro Sashimi. Our insider tip is that there is no corkage fee, and you could BYOB (bring your own bottle). You should also try Chef Bruce’s newer Tsukiji-inspired restaurant, Ooma.

Exchange Alley is a new specialty coffee house by Jonathan Choi of crowd favorites Magnum Opus and Restock. It offers premium quality blends, breakfast favorites, and free WiFi. It’s for COCOL dates or study sessions by yourself or with a friend. It’s not for big groups as the restaurant space can be limited. We recommend the Avo Toast, Steak & Frites, and EACH Breakfast. Our insider tip: If your coffee of choice isn’t on the menu, let them know and they’ll try to concoct a special drink just for you!

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 and first gained popularity in Kapitolyo, Pasig. This is its third branch. It’s for friends looking for quick and affordable Mexican grub. It’s not for people looking for milkshakes or desserts. We recommend the Beef Nachos, Cheese Quesadilla, and Caliente Wings. Our insider tip: Servings are quite big, so order in moderation.

From the group that created Vikings Luxury Buffet and NIU by Vikings comes a new hotpot buffet concept. Designed with lavish and modern market interiors, Four Seasons Hotpot City serves a wide assortment of fresh and healthy ingredients, and a number of appetizers, mains and desserts. It’s for foodies looking for a unique hotpot experience in a grand buffet style setting. It’s not for people who easily get full. We recommend that you visit on your birthday to dine for free, but don’t forget to bring a friend. Our insider tip: the VIP rooms give each customer a personal hotpot to cook with. Get more insider tips at Four Seasons here.

The Nest is a rooftop dining destination located in Vivere Hotel, Alabang. It’s for romantic dates and fancy get-togethers with a great view of the skyline. It’s not for those who only want a casual dining experience. We recommend the Prime Angus Beef Tenderloin Steak, Mango Creme Brulee, and their wide selection of cocktails. Our insider tip: Looking to have a romantic breakfast date with a view? The Nest opens as early as 5:30am.

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.

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.

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.

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.