It’s the love month once again, and you know what that means, right? It’s the perfect reason for gifts, dates, and all sorts of surprises for your loved ones! Make sure to prepare ahead to avoid late deliveries, full bookings, and other last minute fuss. Let us help you with your search for promising restaurants for that special date.
P.S. – We’ve grouped these dining places by their general location, so no matter where you’re at, you’ll have an option or two to check out!
East of Metro Manila
1. Marita
The couple behind Marita loves Italy so much that they decided to put up their own Italian restaurant. The wife, Marita, where the restaurant got its name, initially wanted an all-Italian menu. Eventually, they decided to include other cuisines as well such as Filipino, American, and Spanish dishes for variety. In just a year in the business, it has been a favorite dining place in Marikina. Check out their four-course candle-lit dinner with acoustics this Valentine’s day!
2. Savage
Tucked in a cozy location in BGC is Savage, a restaurant from the same people behind The Bistro Group. What’s special about this place is the fact that all their dishes are cooked with a grill–even their desserts! No gas or electric stoves–definitely something different from the modern style of cooking that we are accustomed to. The highlight of the place is their open-fire kitchen where they use oak wood that gives more flavor to the dishes they prepare for their guests. Visit this place if you want a more rustic and laid-back dining experience.
If you are after a good breakfast, homey ambiance, and comfort food, then head over to Rustic Mornings by Isabelo in Marikina. This place is one of the best garden restos in the metro open for breakfast and brunch. They have a variety of breakfast dishes from omelets, pancakes, and breakfast platters, as well as pizza, pasta, and rice bowls as lunch options. They have been in operation for six years now, so we’re pretty sure they won’t disappoint.
North of Metro Manila
Lemuria is a perfect hideaway foodie spot in Quezon City known for its expressive French Mediterranean cuisine. It has a classic yet homey vibe with impeccable staff service. Horseshoe Village is a largely residential compound and Lemuria is formerly part of the owner’s home. Potted plants, hanging flowers, and a nice garden make the place different from the typical boxed-type restaurant buildings. The food is beautifully cooked and plated, and is sure to impress one’s palette. If you want a romantic setting away from the busy and chaotic metro, this place is for you.
Van Gohg is Bipolar is one of the well-known and established restaurants in Maginhawa. The owner, Jetro Rafael shares the same mentall illness, Bipolar Disorder, as Vincent Van Gogh, the popular painter whom this place is named after. A lot of things are admirable in this restaurant. The place is a haven where guests can “celebrate their imperfections” and “embrace flaws”. No judgment here. The staff have mental health issues or are suicide survivors themselves. They also give back to the community through psycho-social sessions for people who suffer with mental health issues and accept pre-loved items which they give to the less fortunate. With the rising reports of suicide and and mental health cases, this unique restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
6. Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie
Can’t decide if you are craving for German, Italian, or Spanish cuisine on your date? Worry not as Vanderlust Bistro can definitely satisfy those European taste buds! The owners behind this place are couple, Val and Anthony Tan. The name Vanderlust came from their names, Van + Anthony + Wanderlust (for their passion for traveling). This resto offers European dishes at affordable prices, and have been getting good reviews for their food and service.
South of Metro Manila
7. Finestra Italian Steakhouse
“Finestra” meaning windows is one of the signature restaurants in Solaire Resort. It has floor to ceiling windows with artworks from local artists, all in all creating a sophisticated ambiance. And who would say no to the Manila bay and pool view? They even have an open kitchen giving the guests a live performance of the dish they want to order. Popular dishes from the menu include the antipasto spread, handmade pasta, and wood fire cooked pizza, and of course, a variety of meat samplers and steaks.
Located in the Nielson Tower in Ayala Triangle, this venue was once a radio tower of the old Manila International Airport. With their contemporary European and Asian food, guests can choose from day, night, weekend brunch, and afternoon tea menus. Guests may choose to dine in one of the many areas of the restaurant, such as the grill room, the main oval dining room with art deco features, the cabin–the former control tower of the building that can be booked for exclusive private dining of bigger groups–the garden and terrace for pre- or post-dinner and drinks, or for a relaxed and informal dinner. They also have a chic lounge and bar, which is a great place for cocktails.
9. Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar
Caviar is the one of the top-of-mind places in the South if you are looking for delectable food and of course, wine. They offer lavish European cuisine and signature wines with an ever-changing set of tasting menus. You can choose from their set or order from the ala-carte menu for lunch or dinner. One of the highlights of this restaurant is their glass cellar that shows their extensive collection of wines. They even have wine bottle art on their wall! You can also head on over to their champagne bar for their signature whiskeys from Scotland that also are worth a try.