Filipino cuisine has experienced an explosion in popularity recently, thanks to reimagined dishes featuring Asian and Latin ingredients served up with luxurious flair in cozy jewel-box locations.
Experience classic Filipino fare such as mechado, kare-kare and crispy lechon kawali while leaving room for unique desserts such as yema and tsokolate!
1. Cafe Adriatico
Malate District in Manila boasts this popular culinary destination with an inviting ambience and delicious menu. Classic wooden furniture and artwork embody the rich cultural traditions of the Philippines while the menu includes both Filipino and Spanish favorites such as adobo and pasta dishes.
The restaurant features an extensive selection of desserts, from meringues to blueberry cheesecakes, in addition to offering coffee, tea and chocolate beverages.
LJC Restaurant was established by journalist Larry J. Cruz in 1979 with the intent to offer great food and coffee while hosting social gatherings for locals and visitors alike. The name derived from its street location and soon became a beloved eatery among Filipinos; famous dishes here include squid tacos, bopis and crispy pata.
2. Bistro Remedios
Bistro Remedios in Malate offers traditional Filipino fare with its extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere – perfect for enjoying delicious meals with family and friends alike! The restaurant provides an impressive selection of dishes, providing an impressive dining experience!
This restaurant offers classic Filipino fare such as succulent adobo and flavorful sinigang, along with local favorites such as Gule Magalang (vegetable dish from Magalang town) and Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas, featuring tender bangus fish paired with unique guava flavors for an unforgettable flavor experience. And for something sweet to finish it all off, don’t miss Sikreto ni Maria Clara as dessert.
Pacita Tecson, who has been offering tapa since 1949 and her version is tender and sweet, shreds the beef to make it easier for children and older people alike to chew, creating an outstanding dish beloved by many Filipinos.
4. The Singing Cook & Waiters
Poblacion offers an exciting, modern take on Filipino dishes and beverages at this restaurant, located in an unassuming apartment building and boasting an impressive menu from RJ Ramos, Prince Tan and Alphonse Sotero of Poblacion’s NeoFilipino cuisine paired with cocktails and wines including local selections such as capiz bihod and diwal by chef Fores who has become well known for her French-Italian cooking in her restaurants as well as her appreciation of locally produced foodstawares of Fores who has also expressed her love of local ingredients such as capiz bihod and diwal!
Grace Park provides guests with the same sophisticated and reliable service found at its other restaurants. Try some signatures like organic lechon or lamb adobo; seasonal specialities like adlay or tumbong soup may also be offered here.
Jordy Navarra has played an essential part in elevating how London’s cuisine and fine dining scene are perceived internationally. His innovative use of local ingredients with their rich traditions to craft something exciting yet fresh stands him in good stead.
5. MilkyWay Cafe
MilkyWay Cafe is a cafe/restaurant offering light meals and refreshing beverages at affordable prices, including breakfast sandwiches and rolls that customers adore. Their staff are welcoming, creating an enjoyable atmosphere in this fun space with democratic pricing structures.
Milky Way Cafe was first established by Chef J Gamboa of Cirkulo Restaurant. Reminiscent of its 60-year history, Milky Way features nostalgic elements such as narra walls, granite counters, molded ceilings and soliha chairs reminiscent of its past glory days. Popular dishes prepared by original 1960s cooks include Crispy Hito with Bagoong and Mustasa, Baby Crispy Pata and Kare-Kare (an award-winning dish). Milky Way also provides private function rooms as well as al fresco seating!
Be sure to taste a Halo-Halo dessert, served with sparklers and dry ice. Its thirteen variations correspond with Zodiac constellations for an unforgettable treat!
6. Pamana Restaurant
Pamana Restaurant is renowned for combining an inviting ambiance with delicious cuisine. Their menu offers traditional favorites and innovative interpretations of Filipino classics like bulalo and squid adobo with pinakbet featuring shrimp and lechon kawali; each plate is an expression of Philippine culture and heritage.
Pamana offers authentic local flavors through generations-old family recipes prepared using modern cooking techniques, creating dishes with an authentic taste that appeals to both locals and visitors. Don’t miss their signature Okoy Bites; crispy deep-fried fritters drizzled in mildly spicy vinegar dip. Indulge in one of Pamana’s refreshing Ginumis desserts which resemble halo-halo but with less ingredients!
Pamana Restaurant can be found along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway in Silang East and provides an inviting dining experience to families and friends alike. Their welcoming staff are always ready to serve them and help diners explore Filipino flavors.
