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The best restaurants in Manila keep with the cosmopolitan feel of this city, which blends a myriad of influences from all around the world, both in its history and its cuisine. Filipino food itself has already been shaped by aboriginal, Spanish, North American, Indonesian and Chinese cuisines, so you’re almost certain to find something to your taste in Manila.

Manila’s dining scene includes an eclectic list of eateries which only have 1 point in common: they’re mostly  are good. From upscale hotel’s restaurants to unpretentious budget cafés, and from local to international restaurants, the best places to eat in Manila are ready to serve you mouth-watering meals.

1: Spiral

Great for: Couples | Families | Food

Spiral Restaurant is located in Sofitel Philippine Plaza and offers one of the best-known buffet spreads in the country. The restaurant features an interactive gourmet dining experience with 21 ateliers that give you a taste of dining in 21 different countries in a single place. At the front of the dining area is a list of all the ateliers and what they offer, from the French station to the Japanese hot and cold stations.

Location: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, 1300 Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 6.30am to 10.30am, from 12pm to 2.30pm and from 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 573 5555

2: Café Ilang-Ilang

Great for: Couples | Luxury

Café Ilang-Ilang is a luxurious restaurant located in the historic Manila Hotel. It’s known for an extensive buffet selection that includes Japanese cuisine, Italian, Chinese, western, Asian, Filipino, and more. Their live cooking stations ensure that the food is well presented and of the highest quality.  Sample their salad station, cold cuts and seafood station, burrito and shawarma station, and bread and cheese station. 

Location: The Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 6am to 10.30am, from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 10.30pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 0011

3: Sky Deck View Bar

Great for: Adults | Nightlife

Sky Deck View Bar is a stylish lounge and restaurant on the rooftop of The Bayleaf Intramuros. The venue is a stunning sundowner spot, offering views over Manila Bay. Food-wise, you can enjoy both Filipino and international cuisine, served in big portions at fair rates. A live music band is in charge of the entertainment on some nights, but the highlight of the Sky Deck remains the sunset over Manila.

Location: The Bayleaf, Muralla St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 5pm to 1am

Phone: +63 (0)2 318 5000

4: My Kitchen by Chef Chris

Great for: Couples | Luxury

My Kitchen by Chef Chris is a modern trattoria that serves a wide range of Italian dishes. Located within The Oasis Paco Park Hotel, the kitchen is led by Chef Chris Locher, who hails from Switzerland. Try the signature panizza, which comes in a variety of toppings like Genovese (pesto-infused cream sauce, shrimp, capers and grouper slices), Stefano (plain cheese with rosemary, parmesan and garlic), and Angelico (chorizo, salami, bacon and mushrooms).

Location: Paco The Oasis Paco Park Hotel, 1032-34 Belen Street, Paco, Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 7am to 10.30pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 521 2371

5: Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant

Great for: Filipino Cuisine

Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant serves genuine Filipino cuisine with a real Filipino ambience. Located on General Luna Street, resident musicians play serenades during lunchtime, before being joined by dancers in the evening, offering guests a very pleasant show while they enjoy their dinner. If you come to Manila and want to have an authentic Filipino experience, then Barbara’s should be your place of choice.

Location: Plaza Sans Luis Complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday–Thursday from 11am to 2pm and from 6pm to 9pm, Friday–Sunday from 11am to 2.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 4083

6: Bistro Remedios – Malate

Great for: Chic Venue | Filipino Cuisine

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.

Bistro Remedios (formerly Ang Bistro sa Remedios) opened in 1984 at the corner of Remedios and Adriatico Streets. It was named after the street it was on.

The restaurant moved to its present location at M. Adriatico Street in 1998. The Restaurant draws in foreigners as well as locals hankering for authentic, homestyle Filipino food. It remains in the heart of Malate as a hands-down favourite for Filipino Cooking for over 33 years.

From gising-gising (spicy Filipino vegetable soup) to kare-kare (meat stew), many classic local foods are available here, and they are simply exquisite.

Location: 1911 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila

Open: Monday – Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM and 6 PM – 11 PM

Phone: +63 (0)2 523 9153

7: Movie Stars Café

Great for: Fun Environment | Photos | Classic Western Food

Movie Stars Café is a family-friendly restaurant that offers cool photo ops with statues of blockbuster movie characters like Spiderman and Batman. There are also entertaining shows with singing, dancing and acrobatic moves. Food-wise, enjoy an international menu featuring classic western favourites, including burgers, pasta and pizza.

Location: G/F Centris Station, EDSA cor, Quezon Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Friday–Saturday from 10am to midnight, Sunday–Thursday from 10am to 11pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 987 1111

8: Harbor View Restaurant

Great for: Mix of Asian & Western Food | View

Harbor View Restaurant has been around since 1985 and is a great go-to place for fresh and affordable seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Flanked by the panoramic skyline and the scenic view of Manila Bay, it can be a romantic dining experience for 2 or a casual meal among friends.

Harbor View Restaurant’s menu is a delightful mix of Asian and western cuisine, but the star of the show is obviously the seafood selection. You can choose live seafood straight from the aquarium and have it cooked to your preference. There’s no shortage of fishes, crabs, and lobsters.

Location: South Dr, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 10am to 1am

Phone: +63 (0)2 710 0060

9: The Aristocrat

Great for: Serving Filipino Specialties

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 specialities at reasonable prices, though the house speciality of honey-cured chicken barbecue has been a favourite for generations. Drinks include beer, juices, soft drinks and mineral water.

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

Open: 24/7

Phone: +63 (0)2 524 7671

10: Ilustrado Restaurant

Great for: Global Cuisines

Ilustrado Restaurant has been attracting crowds with its excellent cuisine and impeccable service since its opening in 1992. Serving Spanish, Filipino and global cuisines, the restaurant has had the honour of heads of states and dignitaries – including the King and Queen of Spain – among its diners. Prices are relatively affordable, and Ilustrado Restaurant is a good choice if you’d like to sample local delicacies with a strong Spanish twist.

Location: General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 11.30pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 2345