Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for June 2017

Soban is modern Korean restaurant inspired by the different “K-Town” communities in Los Angeles, 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: Sets are served with unlimited rice, salad, soup, and egg rolls.

Rock & Seoul is a homegrown Korean restaurant from the Wee Nam Kee restaurant group. It’s for friends and families craving modern Korean flavors. It’s not for those looking for a wide array of traditional Korean dishes. We recommend the Original Bibimbap, Korean Nachos, and Jajangmyeon. Our insider tip: Their bibimbap isn’t as spicy as what you’d normally find in a traditional Korean restaurant, so go crazy with their sauces!

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.

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 and pintxos by Miguel Vecin and Tinchu Gonzalez. In case you didn’t know, pintxos are bite-sized pieces of bread with various delectable toppings. It’s a great place for catch-ups over good food and wine. It’s not for brunch dates or breakfast runs. We recommend the Salmon Pintxos, Ternera (ribeye) Pintxos and Butifarra (sausage and beans). Ask for the daily specials! Our insider tip: Not willing to drive all the way to Alabang? They also have a branch in BGC!

Tajimaya is an eat-all-you-can yakiniku restaurant serving high quality Japanese Wagyu Beef, US Prime Beef, and US Wagyu amongst other meat and seafood selections. It’s for meaty appetites and fun grill-your-own dining experiences. It’s not for diners on a tight schedule. We recommend the P599+ package for unlimited meat, rice, iced tea and salad. Our insider tip: Smoking is allowed inside the establishment.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Puzzles is not your typical board game lounge. Aside from a wide selection of games for you to play, they also offer hearty comfort food and drinks. It’s for friends and families looking for a fun, interactive way to dine out. It’s not for solo diners or for groups that have little time to spare. We recommend the Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Mushroom Rice with Bacon & Egg, and their famous Oreo Afraid of the Dark dessert. Our insider tip: Can’t decide which board game to play? Check their menu for their top 10 games or consult with any of their game masters!