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The A-Z Restaurant Challenge Metro Manila
Philippines
Here’s a scenario we’re all too familiar with: you’re out with your friends and you guys are having a good time. After hours of hanging around, everyone’s starving. No one can decide where to eat, but any suggestion gets shot down. Time keeps ticking and your hanger keeps growing. The challenge is simple: Eat at these restaurants in alphabetical order. You won’t have trouble finding a place to eat at now—all you have to do is look for a place that starts with your current letter. You’ll even discover places you might never have considered before! Note: The words the, a, and an don’t count.
On the first leg of this journey, go to this Spanish restaurant and be immediately transported to the countryside—a stark comparison to the busy city right outside the door. Alba offers delicious breakfast buffets and paellas served fresh from the kitchen.
- +63 2 8925 1912
Tomas Morato cor. Dr. Scout, Sct. Lozano St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines
A barely visible spot, Bari-Uma Ramen’s affordable bowls are extremely worth it. The dim sum sides and rice bowls are also cooked to perfection. If you’re looking for pick-me-up without breaking the bank, consider this your next meal!
- +63 906 336 0930
Ground, Serendra 2 Loading Bay, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
A great place to talk about nothing for hours, Chihuahua’s menu is the perfect companion to lively conversation with friends. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and so much more, each less than PHP100 (USD2). There’s even beer for PHP35 (USD0.70)! The ambient lighting and general atmosphere is a great place to relax and snack the night away.
- +6326250106
Ground Floor Greenbelt 2, Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
- http://www.chihuahua.ph
Don’t lean in too close! The grill is right on your table, so you know they’re serving the food as fresh as can be. They specialize in Okonomiyaki which is basically an egg, veggie, meat, and cheese pancake with the most amazing mix of flavors, textures, and consistencies you could hope for.
- +63 2 8372 4579
Bagong Bantay, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Eat Fresh serves authentic Hong Kong street food on skewers, perfect for the foodie on the run. The Laksa is an in-house specialty for those that prefer to sit down and enjoy their meal.
- +6324750789
100A Maria Clara St, Sto.Domingo, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila, Philippines
The Frazzled Cook’s interior and ambience evokes a sense of familiarity with each visit. The little knick-knack displays make you feel like you’ve been lost your whole life and finally found where you were meant to be. The Truffle Pasta and Herbed Chicken Salad only add to the cozy feeling of comfort!
- +6323746879
78 Sct. Gandia St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines
Any self-proclaimed tofu fan must try Golden Empire’s Soya Cake; otherwise, they haven’t had some of the best bang-for-your-buck tofu in Metro Manila yet. If tofu isn’t your thing, there are plenty of dim sum choices that will satisfy any flavor you’re looking for.
- +63 2 8241 2405
835 Banawe St, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila, Philippines
The lowest-priced Michelin-starred establishment in Singapore has two branches in Metro Manila. Both locations serve the critically acclaimed Soya Sauce Chicken, which you can sample with the rest of their menu. If budget’s a problem, but you still want the best, then this is the place for you.
Ground Level Entertainment Mall SM Mall of Asia, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
A restaurant lost in time, Ilustrado can be found in the old Spanish capital of Manila is a remnant of romantic colonial architecture and craftsmanship. Next time you’re out with friends in the historical Intramuros, consider lunch at the Ilustrado.
- +63 2 8527 3674
744 General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
Fans of live music will love the stage and lights at Johnny B. Good and their stage. The rock and roll electrifies the atmosphere and will get you pumped up to tap your feet and bang your head. A roasted chicken with a side of nachos and a drink of your choice (There’s a bar!) will be enough to dance the night away.
- +63 977 390 1589
Level 3, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
From the moment you set foot inside, you’ll be completely enthralled by the design. The walls are draped with natural flora and the overall atmosphere will make you want to stay for hours. Order some pasta and a cup of tea for those late night talks with friends here.
- +6323724504
1103, 113 Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines
Sometimes, you just want a place to hangout with your friends and food is just a bonus. Ludo is a great place for a battle of wits with your friends. They have an extensive collection of board and tabletop games perfect for game night. If you’ve taken too many losses, you can always cool down with a milkshake.
- +6328107125
38 Jupiter Street corner Planet Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.ludogames.ph/
When you eat out, you might want to try every single kind of flavor there is; but, sometimes, the only thing that can really hit the spot is a traditional dish like kare-kare, sisig, or crispy pata. Pay a visit to Manam where there are a few twists thrown in of our usual favorites such as crispy palabok or puto bumbong with muscovado.
- +63 2 7625 0515
Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City, Philippines
- https://momentgroup.ph/brands/show/manam
Japanese and Latin American may seem like an unusual pairing, but Nikkei manages to make it work. The ambience and the scene sets a nice dark and relaxed mood. Make sure to order your own meals and appetizers because you won’t have much to share when you taste the teriyaki chicken.
- +63 995 908 3145
Doña Julia Vargas Ave The Podium Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
A modern Japanese restaurant that serves some of the best sushi and maki, Ooma is an awesome place to sit around with friends, have mouthfuls of sushi, and not notice you’ve actually had 12 pieces by the end of the meal.
- +6326214052
Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonficaio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/oomaph/
There’s just so much to explore when it comes to Chinese food in Metro Manila. Other than the dumplings and the noodles, Paradise Dynasty specializes in the Dynasty Xiao Long Bao that adds a colorful twist with new unique flavors.
- +6328288333
Level 2, S Maison, Seaside Boulevard Corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
If city nightlife is what you’re looking for, give Quattro a try. When you come here, you’re getting no frills, no gimmicks, no flashy signs. It’s just a nice bar with good food and great beer. It’s the perfect late night hang with your friends.
- +63 2 8928 1681
96 Timog Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines
Although it may look like your average restaurant, Rico’s Lechon stands out from the rest when it comes to their signature Lechon (roasted pig). Theirs come straight from Cebu, a city that specializes in roasts that are a cut above anything you can find in Metro Manila.
- +63 2 8828 9352
The Fort Entertainment Complex, 5th Ave cor 28th St, Bonifacio Global City 350.44 mi, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines
The New York burger chain has a few branches in Metro Manila. You may think how different could a burger from The Big Apple be compared to local burger joints? Well, a lot. The double cheese ShackBurger, Crinkle Cut Fries, and Milkshakes all live up to the hype.
- +6322553240
Ground Floor, Central Square, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://shakeshack.ph/
Three words: Unlimited Japanese grill. If that doesn’t convince you, perhaps the fact that Tajimaya uses only the highest quality meats for their yakiniku and their wagyu dishes might. Make a reservation ahead or be prepared to wait in a really long line!
- +6328699816
Ground Level One Rockwell, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines
Satisfy your craving of wagyu beef and scallops at Urameshi-Ya. The place is always jam-packed, but that can’t distract you from the selection of meats and seafood.
- +6322501102
2303 G and, A realty corporation, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines
Mamma mia, that’s some good truffle pasta! Va Bene Pasta Deli stays true to its authentic roots, so get ready to take a seat in little Italy with any classic Italian dish.
- +6322169879
Third Floor, Cinema Level, Central Square Building, Bonifacio High Street, 5th corner 30th, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
- http://www.vabenepastadeli.com
Congratulations on making it so far in the list, but you’re not done yet! If you’ve been following along this whole time, then you haven’t exactly been eating what we’d consider a “healthy” amount. Here’s a nice little break with organic, healthy, and hearty dishes to give your body a break.
- +6328487777
Ground Floor The Infinity Tower, HV Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
- http://www.thewholesometable.com
You might think this is your usual Cantonese restaurant with standard items like Peking Duck, Hot Prawn Salad and such, but Xin Tian Di offers a few items that breathe new life into the mix. Try some neo-Chinese dishes like Deep Fried Chicken in Coffee Sauce or Sauteed Beef Tenderloin with Goose Liver in Black Pepper Sauce.
- +63 2 8633 7222
Ortigas Avenue, Corner ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila, Philippines
Sometimes, it’s hard to function in life without a cup of coffee—and today might be one of those days. If you’re itching for a caffeine fix, Yardstick has a wide array of brews to suit different tastes. Try a slice of Lemon Pie to give a sweet and sour contrast to your drink!
- +6328450073
Universal LMS Building, 106 Esteban, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
To end this 26-stop trip, try this unlimited Japanese grill with some of the best sashimi you can find. Unlike most buffets, waiters will come and serve your food straight to your table; a good place to sit down, loosen your belt, and marvel at your gastronomical resilience. It’s worth the weight!
- +63 2 8929 1069
Dallas Square, 168 Tomas Morato Ave Corner Roces Avenue, Sacreo Heart, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines
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