Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila for May 2018

NIU is Vikings Buffet 2.0–the interiors are more modern and luxurious, definitely an upgrade from its pioneer sister brand. The restaurant can accommodate around 350 people per timeslot (lunch and dinner) and it boasts of 9 different food stations of various dishes and cuisines. It even has function rooms for your private events. It’s for families, friends and even couples celebrating special occasions. It’s not for people with small appetites. We recommend you first check out all the food available so you can plan and pace your intake smartly. Our insider tip: Request for their ‘by order only’ menu. Read more about NIU, here.

Grape Escape is a wine lounge and kitchen and is the first of its kind in Maginhawa. They first made its appearance a year ago in the food park, StrEAT: Maginhawa. The owners wanted a more permanent place for people to socialize and enjoy wine so they opened this full-fledged restaurant in March 1. It’s a place for catching up with family and friends since there’s no wifi in the restaurant. It’s not for people who are on a strict diet. We recommend their salpicao, pork chop, polpette and blueberry tiramisu. Our insider tip: The restaurant serves unlimited wine!

Soru Izakaya is a modern Japanese restaurant offering innovative takes on cuisine classics. The culinary style is referred to as the “new Nippon” which translates to new Japanese. It’s for Japanese food enthusiasts craving a different approach to their favorite dishes. It’s not for loyalists to traditional Japanese cooking. We recommend their Nori Tempura, Oh Umi Maki, Matcha Cheesecake, and their Wasabi Cocktail. Our insider tip: Their rainbow art work is actually mayonnaise, so don’t forget to dip your maki!

BITE (Buffet in Time Espalanade) is the first to offer a time-based buffet experience in the Philippines. A unique concept that allows you to pay for the time you spend in the buffet rather than paying for a flat rate, and with over 35 dishes to choose from (and a lot of desserts) it’s a sure sulit treat! It’s for groups looking for a sweet buffet deal. It’s not for people looking a quick meal. We recommend their Grilled Pork Chops with White Sauce (very addicting). Our insider tip is to try their Unli-time option for just ₱368/head!

Mendokoro Ramenba is a 20-seater ramen joint from the people behind popular Ramen Yushoken from Alabang; it is also called being tagged as Yushoken 2.0. It’s for people who don’t mind queuing a bit for a spot at the table. It’s not for people who want rice bowls and other Japanese favorites. We recommend the Tantanmen, Shio Ramen, and Super Chasu Bowl. Our insider tip is if you’re in a big group, be ready to be seated separately if you want to get seats faster.

Cafe Dominique is a casual family-run restaurant serving American fusion comfort food including buttered prawns, roast chicken, twice cooked pork belly, milkshakes, and desserts. It’s for big groups, especially families, who want enjoy and bond over good food. It’s not for small groups, you only get the full effect if you come in big. We recommend their Roast Beef with X.O. sauce and Kare-Kareng Bagnet.

The Lost Bread is a container shop that specializes in over-the-top milkshakes, while The Lost Bread HQ offers a more well-rounded menu that includes all-day modern Pinoy brunch menu, specialty French toasts, unique desserts, blue soft serve ice cream and a new collection of overshakes. It’s for the locals and students living, studying or working in the UP Village area. It’s not for party groups as it may be difficult to look for seats. We recommend the Fried Mashed Potato Balls, Sinigang Beef Sukiyaki and Beef Tapa with Coffee Rice. For desserts, try their Blue Soft Serve, limited Matcha Flan and milkshakes. Here’s a fun fact: You can get 2 Sorbe-Toasts for the price of one with Booky!

Kko Kko is a modern Korean chicken house that uses traditional and contemporary recipes that came from Grace Lee and her mom. Their menu is divided into three main categories – Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Street Food, and Dosirak (Korean lunch box) – each narrating a story about the dining setting and customs of Korea. It’s for foodies looking for new and unique Korean dishes. It’s not for people looking for grilled Korean BBQ. We recommend the Chicken Cheese Fondue, Snow Chicken Cheese, and Galbi Jim Dosirak. Our insider tip is the place is quite small and may get full quickly on peak hours, so make sure to book a table ahead of time. Fun Fact:  Kko Kko was named after the sound that a chicken makes.