Top 5 Most Loved Restaurants Down South for October 2014

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen is one of South‘s biggest neighborhood secrets, but because good restaurants can’t hide forever, it is now a foodie’s destination for authentic Italian eats. It’s for families and children who enjoy eating in a homely setting. It’s not for people who don’t like to brave the Southern traffic (but good news, they’re opening a branch up North soon). We recommend the Risotto Tartufo Funghi, Spaghetti Seafood Olio and Pizza Tabarnes. Our insider tip is you can request to have 1 pizza halved in 2 flavors.

Army Navy is a local quick-service navy-inspired restaurant serving mainly a small array of American/Mexican dishes like burgers, burritos and quesadillas. It’s for people on the go. It’s not for people who want rice meals. We recommend the Bully Boy Burger and Longganisa Breakfast Burrito. Our insider tip is they have branches that are open 24/7. Here’s a fun fact: Army Navy is founded by Eric Puno, originally of Yellow Cab Pizza Co. fame.

Yabu is the leader in all things Katsu (meaning cutlet in English); they have set the standard of what all other katsu-serving restaurants should aim to emulate. Owner John Concepcion of Uniliver RFM Ice Cream, Inc. brought in Chef Kazuya Takeda from Tokyo to partner with and create this specialized dining experience with him. It’s for people of all ages who like all things fried. It’s not for people looking for a wide menu selection. We recommend the Kurobuta Premium set (‘Kurobuta’ is also known as the kobe beef of pork). Our insider tip is talk to the manager, he/she might give you free ice cream! P.S. If you don’t already know ‘The Yabu Promise’, it’s 20 minutes serving time or it’s free.

The Girl + The Bull is the brainchild of hip and young couple Gab Bustos (the bull) and Thea de Rivera (the girl). Their combined passion for food and art is translated onto every plate they serve. It’s for people who loves to Instagram their food. It’s not for people who want privacy. We recommend the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Wagyu Flat Iron and the wildly raved about Faux Twix bar. Our insider tip is the Buttermilk Chicken is only available on Fridays and Saturdays, and we heard that only about 14 are served in a day.

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 live up North. We recommend the Miso Tonkotsu Ramen or the spicy Tantan-men with Aji-Tamago on the side. Our insider tip is ask for what’s NOT on the menu.