Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for January 2017

Aburi is a modern Japanese restaurant specializing in torched sushi dishes. ‘Aburi’ pertains to the preparation of sushi where your usual nigiri is torched to have that distinct grilled flavor, which is also the highlight of their menu. It’s for sushi lovers and yakitori fans, especially those with a liking for all things slightly torched. It’s not for authentic ramen hunters. We recommend the Salmon Aburi, Waygu Beef Cubes, and the Lorenzo Maki. Our insider tip: Affordable aburi bento boxes are available–comes with 1 viand of your choice, sushi, veggies, rice and soup. Read our full feature here.

Farmer’s Orchard is a farm-to-table cafe that specializes in drinks and dishes using only the freshest fruits. Aside from desserts and shakes, their menu selection includes sliders, eggs Benedict, and tuna tartare. It’s for fruit lovers who appreciate high-quality ingredients and healthy dishes. It’s not for people who want a wide array of mains to choose from. We recommend the Tostadas Angelisas, Chicken Avocado Pesto Wrap, Mango Chai Latte. Our insider tip: They also serve fruits by the kilo!

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.

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.

One of the South’s best kept secrets, Bar Pintxos Y Mas is a little neighborhood Spanish restobar serving authentic Catalan and Basque-inspired tapas, pintxos and more by Miguel Vecin and Tinchu Gonzalez. In case you didn’t know, pintxos are bite-sized pieces of bread with various delectable toppings, usually spiked with a toothpick. It’s a great place for catch ups with your squad over good food and wine. It’s not for those unwilling to brave the Southern commute. We recommend the Salmon Pintxos, Ternera (ribeye) Pintxos and Butifarra (sausage and beans). Ask for the daily specials! Our insider tip: Parking slots may be limited, especially during peak hours. See more food photos here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.