Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in the South for May 2017

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!

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.

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.

Señor Pollo is a Latin American restaurant and bar, from the same team behind El Chupacabra, specializing in fried and roast chicken as well as bar bites. It’s for people who are hungry for some good affordable chicken. It’s not for people who don’t like chicken. We recommend their Señor Pollo Roast and Crispy Chicken Sisig.

8 Cuts is an American DIY burger joint serving premium all-beef burgers made with their own signature blends. ‘8 Cuts’ is a reference to the eight cuts of beef used in the five custom blends that only they offer. It’s for people who enjoy getting their hands dirty. It’s not for people looking for a quick take out burger. We recommend the Q-Daddy Burger. Our insider tip is to get 2 sets of Oreo Milkshake + Skinny Fries for the price of one with Booky‘s Buy 1 Get 1 Deal! Read more here.

Sambo Kojin is a modern eat-all-you-can Japanese and Korean yakiniku (meaning ‘grilled meat’) restaurant focused on providing not only fresh and premium meat, poultry, seafood and produce, but also a relaxed dining experience. It’s for people who enjoy grilling your own meat on the table. It’s not for people who want their clothes smelling fresh out of the kitchen. Our insider tip: House tea is not on the house.

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.

T.G.I. Friday’s has been serving up American classics in the Philippines since 1994. It’s for dining with groups of all ages, young and young-at-heart. It’s not for formal meetings or quiet working hours. We recommend the Jack Daniel’s Sampler, Cajun and Shrimp Pasta, and their DIY steaks. Our insider tip: Get FREE Mocha Mudpie when you fill out the customer feedback form on your Booky app!

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.