By: Joan Mae Soco-Bantayan

Being a bustling convergence point in the Philippines, Metro Manila has so much to offer to a traveller’s pursuit of good food. Generally, the types of food that Filipinos enjoy are versions of different dishes from other countries; this is because of the country’s colonial history. Nonetheless, the varieties are delectable although they vary at some degree, mostly depending on the budget.

Here is a list of restaurants that are making waves among locals and tourists alike.

Restaurants in Manila

Casa Armas, an authentic Spanish restaurant in Manila

Casa Armas – The restaurant was found by the late Sr. Jesus Armas in the year. It is an authentic Spanish restaurant in the heart of the city. The restaurant’s must-tries include Paella Valenciana and Chuleto Segoviano. Casa Armas currently has 4 branches which can be found at Jupiter, Makati, Greenbelt 3, Makati, Trinoma, Quezon City & Podium, Ortigas City.

Casa Armas
Malate, Julio Nakpil St., Manila, Luzon, Philippines
(02) 523-0189

Another unique fine dining experience can be found at La Cocina de Tita Moning, where you actually dine in an ancestral house. Located at San Rafael, San Miguel Street in Manila, the place is only a few steps from the Malacañang Residential House (the official residence of the President of the Country). It is only open for booked guests and reservations must be made 24 hours ahead. The meals, served on a multi-course menu, definitely guarantee a hearty feast!

La Cocina restaurant in Manila

La Cocina de Tita Moning
Address: # 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel District, Manila
Telephone Number (+632) 7342146, (+632) 7342146, (+632) 7342141 (+632) 7342141
From Manila (+63) 917 – 531 – 5203, (+63) 917 – 531 – 5203
Email address: talktous@lacocinadetitamoning.com
lacocina@pldtdsl.net

One more resto that is sure to appease one’s epicurean feat rests at the Chef’s Table. Serving exotic dishes across the Philippines but with Chef Bruce Lim cooking it right before your eyes, the Chef Table exudes a charming and friendly ambiance to the diners. Chef Table ‘virgins’ are advised to try Roasted Tomato Halaan (clam) soup, the Prawn Aligue (crab fat), My Way: sumptuous baked prawns on aligue-flavored vermicelli, and the Chill-a-fino, steamed fillet of stone grouper nestled on an ube mash twist.

Chef's Table looking rather scrumptious

Chef’s Table

Address: Unit 106 The Infinity Tower 26th Street The Fort Global City, Taguig
(+632) 399- 1888
www.insideachefslife.com

Aubergine, one more top choice had been selected as one of Best Restaurants in Asia for 2009-2010 by Miele’s Guide gives out healthy options of international cuisines. The name of the restaurant is the French word for eggplant, a dark purple-colored fruit that comes from the family of potatoes.

Must-try from Aubergine is their Aubergine Seafood Medley: a Chilean sea bass, Norwegian salmon, prawn, scallop, New Zealand green lip mussel and lobster tail, served with saffron potatoes and vegetables in bouillabaisse fizz.

Aubergine
32nd and 5th Building 5th Avenue cor. 32nd Street Fort Bonifacio 1634 Taguig
www.aubergine.ph
For reservations, e-mail the restaurant at dine@aubergine.ph or call
[63] 02 856 9888 [63] 917-557-1675 | [63] 949-641-9468

Aubergine: Great food and dito ambience

Diner Dash Restaurants in Manila: Eat & Run

These dining hubs are well known for serving short orders but equally delectable dishes!

Mang Inasal serves barbecue and Inasal (chicken soup) at the most affordable budget. For only PhP45, one can enjoy a rice and barbecue combo. Customers who are on budget are satisfied with the soup and papaya salad they serve with the orders. For dessert, Mang Inasal’s Maiz Con Yelo is a must-try. It is easily accessible with its numerous branches all over the Metro Manila.

Last but not the least comes Gayuma ni Maria (Maria’s Love Potion). The restaurant’s most sought-after meal is French Kissing, a combination of ox-tongue and mushroom glazed with cream sauce. The restaurant is also highly recommended for lovers who are on the go or on a tight budget.

Gayuma ni Maria

gayuma.gourmet@gmail.com
+6324414872