Presenting the 25 best restaurants in the Philippines, in alphabetical order.
12/10
A self-proclaimed nontraditional izakaya, this sleek establishment crafts mouthwatering uni toasts and katsu sandos paired with gorgeous cocktails. Their omakase menus are also a must-try.
A Mano
This cheerful Italian eatery dishes out a lovely Cipriani-style carpaccio, incredible handmade fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and indulgent mains like Bistecca and Pollo al Burro.
Antonio’s
Old-world charm and tropical greens make a gorgeous setting for chef Tony Boy Escalante’s reliable classic fare. The steak tartare must not be missed, nor the dirty martini.
Asador Alfonso
Stunning, geometric design by Carlo Calma and helmed by Chele Gonzalez. They have the best suckling-lamb ribs of your life―mouthwateringly tender with the crispiest skin.
Automat
Think of this establishment as the younger, quirkier and hipper sibling of Duhesme’s Metiz. No frills, no fuss, just good food, good booze and good times.
Blackbird
Art Deco inspiration runs throughout this space in the former watchtower of the old airport. Big, bay windows and starched linen are a lovely backdrop for chef Colin Mackay’s refined global fare.
Crosta Pizzeria
This chain does perfectly sized pies with a chewy, crunchy and airy sourdough base, topped with classic faves and fun combos. Plenty of choice for vegans, too.
East Ocean Palace
Hands down the best Chinese seafood restaurant in town. Take your pick of live catch from their aquariums and have them cook it perfectly to your liking.
Ember
Honest, elevated and flavorful: chef Josh Boutwood’s chic establishment makes finger-lickin’ smoked shrimp, rich brown-butter turbot and impeccably cooked steaks.
Gallery by Chele
Refined bites that champion Philippine cuisine, chef Chele Gonzalez marries technical expertise honed in Michelin-starred kitchens with his passion for his chosen island home.
Grace Park
Celebrating “farmhouse cooking,” Grace Park is chef Margarita Fores’s ode to all things good and simple: cheesy banana-heart dip, sisig tacos and grass-fed beef meatballs, for example.
Hapag
Chefs Thirdy Dolatre and Kevin Navoa whip up “modern but culture- and tradition-rich” cuisine with seasonal tasting menus that highlight different Philippines regions.
Helm
Chef Josh Boutwood’s fine-dining counter is a stage for his unapologetic creativity. Mastering meticulous technique, layered flavor, and plating perfection, the result is a feast for the senses.
Inato
Meaning “our way” in Bisaya, Inato is a personal expression of chef Jepe Cruz’s culinary journey, fusing heritage and worldly influences, from upscaled street food to elaborate tasting marvels.
Iai
Omakase-style cuisine from husband and wife Bruce Ricketts and Jae Pickrell. Achingly chic, dark interiors make the perfect canvas for jaw-dropping Japanese fusion.
Izakaya Geronimo
“Japandi” interiors with vibey beats, Izakaya Geronimo serves up luxe handrolls and addicting yakitori with perfectly pulled rafts and frosty highballs. Come for the food, stay for the cool crowd.
Kasa Palma
Chef Aaron Isip transports guests to a bohemian hideaway to experience reinterpreted Filipino cuisine infused with Asian and Latin elements. The produce-driven menu is a sensual delight.
Lusso by Margarita Fores
Old-world service in cozy jewel-box locations with luxe spins on classic dishes. Think creamy handmade pasta tossed in a saffron sauce with crab and lobster or devilled eggs topped with salmon roe.
Metiz
Run by French-Filipino chef Stephan Roxas Duhesme, Metiz focuses on oft-overlooked local produce and unique flavors, with fermentation and pickling some his preferred techniques.
M Dining
In the good hands of chef Tom Bascon, M Dining is a crowd favourite, with classic bistro-style fare like the crispiest duck confit, the fluffiest cheese soufflé, and to-die-for desserts.
Modan
This 12-seater omakase-style private dining space helmed by chef Jorge Mendez is inspired by his mother’s time as a band singer in Japan, specialising in “progressive Japanese.”
Roots Siargao
This multi-award-winning venue on one of our favorite islands takes culinary inspiration from the native lands of their founders and chefs, while harnessing the beauty of local seasonal produce.
Toyo Eatery
Rather than reinventing Filipino classics, Jordy Navarra’s delightful gem serves original dishes anchored in produce and provenance stewed with creative storytelling.
Tsukiji
Unparalleled in quality and always reliable, this is Manila’s go-to for Japanese fare, where seafood is flown in straight from Tokyo several times a week.
Wildflour
Displays of flaky dough deliciousness and inviting cakes and pies welcome you to this neighborhood café, serving all-day breakfast, brunch classics, and tasty comfort fare.
Discover all of our T+L Tastemakers 2024 winning bars and restaurants here.
Lede and hero image courtesy of Hapag.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Stephanie Zubiri
Stephanie Zubiri is a dedicated storyteller working as a journalist, author, host, and content creator ..Read More
