Filipino food is a grand stew of flavors and styles developed across the Southeast Asian country. Flavors often lean toward sour in savory dishes. But you’ll also see the influence of many other countries’ flavors in the mix, from Spanish cuisine to Chinese. The restaurant scene ranges from relaxed open-air spots that focus on local food to high-end dining at resorts. If food is your top reason to travel, consider sticking around from Philippines. You won’t go wrong with the top list here!

Milky Way Café

Milkyway, 900 Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines

Halo-halo is a popular everyday dessert whose name is a Tagalog word meaning “mix.” It’s composed of many ingredients, including various beans, fruits, and jelly-like coconut-based sweets. These toppings are put over a big bowl of shaved ice with milk; finally, the mixture is topped with a slice of leche flan (cream custard) and ube (purple yam). Halo-halo is available everywhere, from public markets and local food chains to ice cream bars and the most luxurious hotel restaurants. But serious connoisseurs go for the classic one at the Milky Way Café. The eatery has been serving halo-halo for more than 40 years, and their iteration boasts 20 premium house-made ingredients and ice that is finely shaved using a hand crank.

Zubuchon

One Mango Mall, General Maxilom Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

Cebu-hailing restaurant known for its all-natural take on lechon. This perfectly prepared pig keeps its moisture generously covered and insulated with a layer of pork belly fat.

Try the lechon in the Philippines. And make sure you have Zubuchon at least once!

Bellini’s

Cubao Expo, 3 General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila, Philippines

Little Italian Gem in the Backroads of Cubao

If you’re craving for Italian food in Manila, and love those little quaint places, you should visit this place.

The Cubao area is more known to the locals as it houses a large wet market, as well as to the sports and live concert enthusiasts who attend events at the popular Araneta Coliseum. In the past, kids loved this area too as there used to be a large indoor carnival. Recently, the commercial area has been rehabilitated, and now also includes a large upscale mall and hypermarket.

The owner of Bellini’s is an Italian married to a Filipina and both are heavily involved in their restaurant business since 1999.

Their food is great as they are all freshly made and uses quality ingredients. Try their pasta and pizza!

Bar Pintxos

G/F Fairways Tower, 5th Ave. cor Mckinley Road, BGC, Taguig City

A hidden gem in BGC, this cool and casual hangout has become a favorite for those looking to enjoy authentic Spanish bites. Choose from their wide selection of pintxos and tapas, and pair it with a gin and tonic or two—a crowd favorite for this joint. Though its original outpost is still located in Alabang, high demand has also brought it to new locations within Makati City allowing more gourmands to enjoy its delectable food.

Gallery By Chele

5/F Clipp Centre, 11th Avenue cor. 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

The revamped Gallery VASK surpasses its predecessor by continuously elevating the dining experience they offer. Chefs Chele González and Carlos Villaflor lead a team of culinary experts in creating a menu that is made and inspired by locally sourced ingredients with flavors that capture a spirit that’s uniquely Filipino. Beyond the bill of fare, a mix of classic and original cocktails made with predominantly natural ingredients and different craft techniques may complement one’s meal or be enjoyed on their own.

Metronome

G/F The grand Midori Makati, Bolanos street, Legazpi Village, Makati city

Metronome’s perfectly calibrated experience is a lesson in French cuisine. Refined yet casual; light not heavy; finessed yet far from stiff or rehearsed. Chef de cuisine Miko Calo, restaurateur Elbert Cuenca, Alain Borgers (formerly the GM of celebrated Shangri-La Paris as well as the Makati Shangri-La, Manila), and marketing man RJ Galang, have each contributed their skill set to give the city a concept it didn’t even know it wanted. From the handsome Noel Bernardo designed dining room to the divine degustation-oriented ‘small plates,’ expertly created by the Joël Robuchon-trained Calo to the fine selection of pours, Metronome is a dining gem that is here to stay.

Sala

Podium Level, LV Locsin Building, Ayala Avenue cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City

With its space revamped and menu enhanced a couple of years back, Colin Mackay’s Sala Restaurant upped the ante on its already superb fine dining experience. Its private setting in a prime location makes it the ideal place for any occasion, resulting in their tables being perennially reserved. Loyal patrons understand why—Sala’s exquisite European dishes and on-point service are hard to top.

Bistro Remedios

1911 M. Adriatico St, Remedios Circle, Malate, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines

Bistro Remedios is a chic venue dedicated to Filipino cuisine and culture. Located right opposite Remedios Circle – hence its name – this elegant venue is famous for the quality of its local dishes. Many locals eat here for its festive ambience, rocked by a trio of talented guitarists and singers. From gising-gising (spicy Filipino vegetable soup) to kare-kare (meat stew), many classic local foods are available here and they are simply exquisite.

The Aristocrat

423 San Andres St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines

The Aristocrat is a long-established restaurant in the capital city of the Philippines, dating back to 1936. It’s so successful that The Aristocrat has several branches throughout Manila. The restaurant serves a wide range of Filipino specialties at reasonable prices, though the house specialty of honey-cured chicken barbecue has been a favorite for generations. Drinks include beer, juices, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Manam Comfort Filipino

Ayala Center Makati, Makati City, Esperanza St, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manam Comfort Filipino is a chain of restaurants that counts 4 branches in Manila. Featuring a contemporary Filipino décor, the restaurant serves home-cooked Filipino cuisine, including classic and slightly twisted dishes. The house crispy sisig (pork hash with rice and egg) and the original sinigang (sour and savory stew) are some of Manam Comfort Food. 

The Singing Cook & Waiters

Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

Get ready for the ultimate musical dining experience at The Singing Cook & Waiters. The restaurant was founded by Chef Ongpauco, who also created the crispy pata – a deep-fried pork delicacy that’s very famous all around the Philippines.

This unique restaurant serves delicious local cuisine prepared by an energetic kitchen team, who sing and dance at the same time. Mixing food and entertainment is a great idea, especially when both are of quality.

Sarsa Kitchen + Bar

SM Mega Mall, 202 EDSA Cor Dona Julia Vargas Ave Ortigas Center, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines

Sarsa Kitchen serves contemporary Filipino food with a twist. This popular chain of restaurants has around 6 branches around Manila. Featuring a modern and warmly coloured décor, the restaurant is not only reputed for the quality of the food it serves, but also for its courteous personnel and relaxed atmosphere. The most popular dishes include some classics of Filipino cuisine such as kalabasa, gising-gising, and binakol.