Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for July 2017

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.

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 Italian eats tailored to fit the Filipino taste. It’s for families and children who enjoy eating in a homey setting. It’s not for loyalists of strictly traditional Italian food. We recommend the Truffle Mac n’ Cheese, Mama Lou’s Special Pizza, and the Rollo di Pollo. Our insider tip: You may request to order 1 whole pizza in 2 different flavors.

Mr. Roboto is a new retro-inspired modern Japanese restaurant in the South. It serves reinvented Japanese classics, putting unique twists on sashimi, maki, katsudon, donburi, and more! It’s for South kids looking to try the newest eats in the area. It’s not for people looking for traditional sashimi or ramen. We recommend the Lamb Katsu and Nori Nachos. Our insider tip: Servings are quite big, so it’s better to share!

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina is a homegrown concept serving affordable Mexican comfort food with a Filipino twist. It first gained popularity in Kapitolyo, Pasig. 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.

La Chinesca is an authentic taqueria which began as a pop-up concept by Chef Bruce Ricketts of Sensei Sushi, Mecha Uma, and Ooma. It’s for taco fans looking to have the real deal when it comes to Mexican food—complete with the hole-in-the-wall experience. It’s not for people unwilling to brave the traffic. We recommend the Tripitas (beef intestines) and the Guisada de Res (beef shoulder and lengua). Our insider tip: Seating may be limited at this in-demand spot. Also make sure to check out their off-menu specials!

Picada is a Spanish restaurant that offers a great variety of pintxos, paella, and unlimited wine. It’s for families and friends looking to try Spanish classics done as authentic as possible. It’s not for diners out to find a quick meal on the go. We recommend the Smoked Salmon, Jamon & Brie Cheese Pintxos, Cerdo Asado, and Paella Valencia. Our insider tip: You can also enjoy your food and drinks in their veranda fora for a cozy romantic al fresco setting.

Ramen Yushoken serves tonkotsu broth ramen using a recipe from ramen master, Yamagishi Kazuo. It’s a casual restaurant with fast service and a tight menu. It’s for ramen lovers in the South. It’s not for Makati diners—Mendokoro Ramenba a.k.a. Yushoken 2.0 is right in Salcedo Village! 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.

Neil’s Kitchen is a modern Filipino restaurant by Chef Neil Ramos offering Filipino cuisine classics with a 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: Neil’s Kitchen is also home to My Father’s Bookstore, a Christian bookstore by Ardy Roberto and Miriam Quiambao-Roberto.

Mona Lisa Ristorante is an Italian restaurant with interiors that will take you straight to Europe. It’s for romantic dates and intimate gatherings. It’s not for nights out on a tight budget. We recommend the Miguelli Calabrese, Spaghetti ala Vongole, and Pollo Pizamente. Our insider tip: Pair your dishes with their vast selection of imported wines!

Market Basket is an Instagram-worthy seafood restaurant that modernizes the Filipino dampa experience. It’s for families and friends looking for a homey place to bond over delicious food and local favorites. It’s not for diners who prefer Western dishes. We recommend the Mussels with Baked Cheese, Seafood Hotpot, Grilled Squid, and Baked Crab. Our insider tip: Check out their fresh seafood section and have their chefs cook your dish your way!