Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in San Juan for October 2017

Arroz Ecija is a modern Filipino restaurant specializing in Fil-Hispano cuisine. Their recipes are inspired from 1930s rice haciendas in Nueva Ecija with dishes such as Callos, Fabada, Lengua Estofada, Lechon, and Bringhe (Paella). It’s for rice loving people looking for something different but oddly familiar to pair their rice with. It’s not for those of you on a no carb diet. Our insider tip: They’re not open for early breakfast but their almusal menu is available all day long. We recommend the Callos Madrileno and Chorizo de Tuguegarao.

Sariwon is a Korean franchise famous for its Legendary Bulgogi and Galbi or barbecued beef short ribs. It’s for friends or families looking for a great place to do some group dining. It’s not for solo eaters looking for a place to have a working lunch. We recommend their Haemul Pajeon and the Sariwon Bulgogi. Our insider tip: They have a complimentary drink at the end of your meal. Fun fact: It has been awarded “The Best Korean Restaurant” by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Francesco’s Kitchen is a newly opened traditional Italian restaurant serving regional cuisine with a selection of homemade pasta, brick-oven pizza, and more.  It’s for  people looking for classic Italian dishes that are both familiar and new to their palates. It’s not for those of you looking for Pinoy spaghetti or sweet Italian food. We recommend the Burrata, Ossobucco in Gremolada Con Fettuccine Alfredo, and the Ortolano pasta. Our insider tip: they have both fresh and dry pasta so you noodle lovers know where to head to next!

Hai Chix & Steaks is a dining concept where East meets West. It is an Asian fusion restaurant specializing in steaks and Hainanese chicken. It’s for everyone craving some Asian and American specialties without having to visit 2 different restaurants. It’s not for vegetarians. We recommend their bestselling U.S. Angus Ribeye and the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Our insider tip: Have your steaks cooked medium. P.S. It recently opened a third branch in Salcedo Village.

First gaining traction in its Rockwell branch, Refinery is a third wave cafe that serves all-day breakfast and brunch items, international comfort food and specialty coffee–but what sets it apart is that it also serves wine and cocktails. It’s for ladies who brunch in the area; it’s also a solid working spot. It’s not for those who want quick and cheap breakfast. We recommend the Honey and Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Bread Pudding, Shirred Truffled Eggs, Angry Pasta and Orange-Infused Cappuccino. Our insider tip: Unlike their Rockwell branch, the Greenhills location is open until 1am.

Chef Laudico Guevarra’s, by chefs Roland and Jacqueline Laudico, is a 1920s heritage house converted into a restaurant and events place where guests can enjoy an upscale but affordable Filipino buffet dining experience. It’s for special business meetings or big family celebrations. It’s not a place to treat your friends if you’re on a tight budget. We recommend the angus beef tapa, kare-kare, grilled gindara and cream dory with mango curry sauce. Our insider tip: Their clean plate policy charges you P100 for every 100 grams left. P.S. Buffet price is half for kids 4 feet and below.

District 8 offers dishes like paella, oysters with uni, tuna tartare, banana beer beignets, as well as cocktails and other drinks. It’s for appetites that are on the more adventurous side and those who like to spice up their beer pairings. It’s not for quiet, intimate dining with a fine dining atmosphere. We recommend the oysters with uni for a unique seafood experience. Our insider tip: wear loose pants because you’re going to want to order the whole menu!

All the way from Tokyo, Dohtonbori is Japan’s #1 okonomiyaki restaurant chain that offers the first cook-your-own okonomiyaki experience in Manila. This is its first branch in the Philippines. It’s for foodies who enjoy DIY meals, but don’t worry as the servers can also cook for you. It’s not for people who prefer American-style pancakes. We recommend the Deluxe Okonomiyaki, Four-Cheese and Dohtonbori pizzas, and their premium yakiniku. Our insider tip: Skip the queue, you can book a table through Booky at their Greenhills and SM North branches!

Wildflour Café + Bakery offers international fare and specialty pastries, famous for being the first purveyor of the wildly popular cronuts in Manila. It’s for people who enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch in a place that always reminds you of Sunday mornings. It’s not for office employees who want quick meals for their weekday lunch break. We recommend their grilled cheese salad and soup combo, mushroom salad, pulled pork sliders and their bestselling kimchi steak fried rice. Don’t forget their über moist to-die-for chocolate cake for dessert! Our insider tip is to get pastries at 50% off after 7pm.

Sodam is an authentic Korean buffet best known for its all-you-can-eat grilled meat dishes and other cuisine staples. It’s for families and friends with huge appetites. It’s not for romantic date nights. We recommend their Samgyupsal, Japchae, and Haemul Pajeon. Our insider tip: Be ready to smell like grilled meat after!