Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for March 2017

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.

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 dining 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: Check out their off-menu specials!

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.

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.

Rock & Seoul is a modern Korean restaurant offering a playful twist on the traditional bibimbap. Customers can customize their stone bowls exactly how they want it, with toppings ranging from different proteins, vegetables, sauces, and more. It’s for friends and families looking for a unique and interactive dining experience. It’s not for those looking for a wide array of traditional Korean dishes. We recommend their unique World Baps, which come in flavors like American Breakfast, Pork Salpicao, and even Shawarma. 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!

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!

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.

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.