Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Manila for May 2017

Churreria La Lola, from the same group behind Rambla, is a dessert shop featuring this popular Spanish dough pastry: deep fried churros. They offer classic churros served with their signature Belgian chocolate dip and a variety of xuxos or stuffed churros, alongside summer Spanish drinks like horchata. It’s for anyone craving a filling dessert or snack. It’s not for people looking for lunch or dinner options. We recommend the Classic Churros with Hot Belgian Chocolate Cup or the Mixed Churros to get 2 flavors in one cup. Our insider tip: Check out their unique flavors like matcha, strawberry, and ube!

Yurakuen is an award-winning Japanese restaurant serving unlimited yakiniku in an extravagant space within Diamond Hotel. It’s for special occasions with your family or with a date. It’s not for nights when you don’t really feel like dressing up. We recommend the U.S. Tenderloin Steak, Salmon Teppanyaki, and their maki. Our insider tip: Make a reservation; seats fill up fast!

Cafe UK Co is a 24/7 coffee shop with all the makings of a student’s hell week hideaway. It has available sockets, free 10mbps Wi-Fi, and even drafting tables for architects-to-be. It’s for study or work sessions with a friend or by yourself. It’s not for huge, loud groups. We recommend the Caramel Macchiato, Coffee de Leche, and their cake selection. Our insider tip: Not a coffee drinker? They have tea, too.

Yabu is the leader in all things katsu, which is Japanese for the word ‘cutlet’. Owner John Concepcion of Unilever RFM Ice Cream, Inc. brought in Chef Kazuya Takeda from Tokyo to partner with him in creating this specialized dining experience. It’s for people of all ages who like their food deep-fried and can eat unlimited sides. It’s not for people looking for a wide Japanese menu selection. We recommend the Kurobuta Premium set. Our insider tip: Fill out their VIP form and get a ‘surprise’ e-mail (a.k.a. free Katsu) on your birthday.

CoCo Ichibanya Curry House, Japan’s #1 curry house, was brought to Manila by the UCC Group. Guests can customize their plates from the amount of rice, spiciness of the curry, to the toppings and sides. It’s for anyone who loves spicy curry with lots of rice. It’s not for people who should stay away from rice and fried food. We recommend their Pork Cutlet, Cheese Hamburger, and Shrimp Cutlet curries. Our insider tip: Save room for their coffee jelly dessert.

Ramen Kuroda is a ramen house that serves authentic and affordable Japanese tonkotsu ramen using homemade noodles and quality ingredients. It’s for quick Japanese ramen meals that won’t hurt your wallet. It’s not for foodies who want customizable bowls with various toppings. We recommend the Shiro (salt-based), Kuro (milky-base with garlic oil), and Aka (spicy) ramen bowls. Our insider tip: Check out their value-for-money ramen sets.

Tim Ho Wan is one of the most affordable Michelin star-rated restaurants in Hong Kong. Its claim to fame? BBQ. Pork. Buns. It’s for fans of dim sum who only want the best of its kind. It’s not for diners unwilling to withstand long lines. We recommend the Spareribs Rice, Pork Dumplings with Shrimp, and their signature BBQ Pork Buns. Our insider tip: Come early if you want sure seats as they don’t do reservations.

Tim Hortons is Canada’s world-renowned coffee house. It’s for all coffee lovers who have a taste for premium caffeine blends and all the pastries that go with it. It’s not for third-wave coffee enthusiasts. We recommend the Original Blend Coffee, Iced Capps, and their donuts. Our insider tip: Tim Hortons now brews 24/7!

My Kitchen by Chef Chris is one of the hidden gems in Malate serving European dishes by notable chef, Chris Locher. It’s for tourists living in the area looking for a casual diner with a good ambiance. It’s not for people dining on a budget. We recommend the Pannizza Kristina, Slow Roasted Lamb Ribs, and Tinlou Risotto. Fun fact: Chris Locher is also the man behind popular C’ Italian Dining in Salcedo Village.

Ippudo is a popular ramen joint specializing in Hakata-style Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen produced in their kitchen and tailor-fitted for the Filipino palate. It is a joint venture with the guys at Yabu. It’s for straight up ramen minus the fancy embellishments of modern cuisine. It’s not for people looking for an extensive Japanese menu, although special items are occasionally introduced. We recommend their Shiromaru Motoji Ramen and the Pork Buns–plus the new Tsukemen Ramen. Our insider tip: Cute “kiddie sets” may be requested for your little ones.