Fact: Filipinos love food. Fact: Filipinos are close to their family. Fact: Filipinos love to eat food with their family! Knowing this (and because it’s Buwan ng Wika), we decided to round up seven drool-worthy Filipino restaurants for you. Now these restaurants don’t just serve typical Filipino food–they each have their own modern take on traditional Filipino food without being too elaborate and pretentious! Hungry yet? If you keep scrolling you just might be!
From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll instantly appreciate the interior done by Ivy and Cynthia Almario. While browsing through the menu, you’ll notice the innovative ways the restaurant paired local ingredients with different cooking techniques like the Smoked Bangus Pate with Pandesal Chips and Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan. Tell me, what’s not to love?
32 Scout Tucson Street, Quezon City | (02) 332-7273
Azumi Boutique Hotel, Alabang | (02) 556-1443
148 Jupiter Street, Makati | (02) 478-6406
Sarsa isn’t your typical everyday Filipino restaurant. The modern technique used by Chef JP Anglo for traditional dishes easily becomes a new refreshing way to enjoy Filipino food. Every dish is packed with rich flavor that’ll have you coming back for more!
109 Rada Street, Makati | (02) 754-9943
Forum, BGC | (0917) 529-7333
Mega Mall Building B, Ortigas | (02) 914-3482
3. Locavore
Locavore is the work of the one and only Chef Mikel Zaguirre. Instead of serving up Filipino food in the conventional way, he decided to use his knowledge of French techniques to elevate local ingredients and recipes. The Sizzling Sinigang, Oyster Fried Sisig, Baked Scallops with Aligue Butter, and Pandesal Pudding are a few of my favorites here! You can thank me later.
Kapitolyo, Pasig | (02) 632-9600
Forbestown, BGC | (0917) 574-2017
4. Manam
What makes Manam stand out are its fresh ways of serving quintessential Filipino comfort food. Once you see the menu, you’ll notice that there are two columns: classics and twists. For example, they have your typical Sinigang na Baboy sa Sampaloc and Sinigang na Beef Short Ribs and Watermelon. They’ve got something for everyone–people looking for some home comfort food and people willing to try something new.
Greenbelt 2, Makati | (02) 625-0515
5. Aracama
Chef Fernando Aracama’s restaurant is the manifestation of his love for the Filipino people and cuisine. His menu is fashioned in a way that does justice to regional Filipino food and highlights his culinary sophistication and creativity. Some of his notable dishes are the Malunggay Mozzarella Dip, KBL, Sinugba na Baka, and Dulce Gatas with Bunuelos. You’ll be craving for seconds in no time!
The Fort Strip, BGC | (02) 519-6815
Ever heard of Sinigang Paella? I’m guessing this is the first time! Chef Neil Ramos’ restaurant is filled with new ways to enjoy traditional Filipino food. There’s Bagoong Paella with Kare-Kare, Crab Cake Torta with Aligue Pasta, the combo of fried Suman, Mangga, and Chocnut, and more! It’s no surprise that this is one place you’ll have to go to in the South.
Westgate, Alabang | (02) 710-8962
7. Tiago: Progressive Filipino Cuisine
Instead of approaching Filipino fusion in an overbearing manner, Tiago simply changes a few elements in every dish. If you’re looking at the menu, I’m sure you’ll be delighted to see some unusual pairings like Humba with Poque Poque Salad and Leche Flan cooked with coconut cream, and even Tinapa Ice Cream! Definitely a must try!
85 Scout Fuentebella St, Quezon City | (02) 668-4240