‘Travelling Foodie’’s where to eat in Manila

At Kipp’s Fried Chicken

As a Traveling Foodie, I travel the world to explore a destination’s food scene. This time, I went back to my home country, Philippines, where I ate my way in Manila, finding some of the best restaurants in the National Capital Region.

Every time I visit Manila, I find that the food scene has grown and changed in a rapid pace. It’s really a testament to how much Filipinos love food that popular worldwide chains are opening in Manila as well.

Here’s your guide on where to eat and what to order in Manila.

1. Akimitsu Tendon, a Tempura restaurant hailing from Japan. Must Order: Ebi Tempura Roll, Hokkaido Tempura
2. Barcino, an authentic Spanish restaurant.
Must Order: Paella de Rabo de Toro (oxtail paella), Gambas Al Ajillo
3. Coral Garden, a Fujian-Chinese restaurant with unique dishes. Must Order: Crispy Bean Curd, Coral Supreme
4. Crisostomo, a Filipino restaurant by multi-awarded Chef Florabel Co- Yatco. Must-Order: Calamares ni Tales, Lengua Laruja
5. Eastwood Richmonde Café, a hidden gem in Eastwood City. Must Order: Baked Bass, Ensaymada
6. Fresh at Solaire, all-you-can-eat with fresh meat and seafood grilling station. Must Order: Grilled Lobster
7. Gallery by Chele, one of the best tasting menu restaurants in Manila. Must Order: Tasting Menu
8. Gloria Maris.
Must Order: Peking Duck, Crispy Fried Pigeon
9. House of Zhou, imperial Chinese cuisine.
Must Order: Tiger Prawns with Superior Stock and Butter, Sauteed Beef with Shimeji Mushrooms in Black Pepper Sauce
10. Ilustrado, a Spanish-Filipino restaurant in a historic setting. Must Order: Paella Ilustrado, Lengua Con Setas
11. Japan Fudo Street, one-stop-shop for Japanese food. Must Order: Mix Seafood Roll, Beef Heart
12. Kamayan, the best all-you-can-eat for Filipino food. Must Order: Buffet
13. Kipp’s Fried Chicken, hidden gem fried chicken joint. Must Order: Fried Chicken with gravy and Spanish rice
14. La Creperie, best place to eat crepe.
Must Order: Salted Butter Caramel Mille Crepe Cake, Mango Hazelnut Au Chocolat Crepe
15. Locavore, innovative Filipino restaurant.
Must Order: Fried Oyster Sisig, Green Curry Bicol Express
16. Lucky Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, best value dim sum. Must Order: Yansuy Dumplings, Ham Soy Cok
17. Lugang Café, Taiwanese restaurant hailing from Shanghai. Must Order: Xiao Long Bao, Peanut Smoothie
18. Manam, Filipino comfort food with a twist. Must Order: House Crispy Sisig, Crispy Pancit Palabok
19. Mendokoro Ramenba, a locally owned ramen joint that beats Japanese franchises.
Must Order: Super Chashu Ramen, Tatanmen Ramen
20. Mesa, Filipino Restaurant owned by Mega Star Sharon Cuneta. Must Order: Kare Kare Short Ribs, Baby Squid in Olive Oil
21. Project Pork, take-out/delivery place with the best crispy pata. Must Order: Crispy Pata, or Crispy Ulo
22. Sarsa, innovative Negrenese restaurant.
Must Order: Sizzling Kansi, Twice-cooked Pork Belly
23. Seascape Village, the best Dampa-and-Paluto place.
Must Order: Salted Egg Crab and Baked Scallops at Asian Taste, Bubble Waffle with Avocado Ice Cream at Ya Dang 
24. Seven Corners Buffet, all-you-can-eat US Ribeye and Beef Ribs Must. Order: Buffet
25. Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew, Latin American restaurant with a great space to hang out. Must Order: Garlic Shrimp BBQ Pizzadilla, Frozen Brazo de Mercedes
26. Wonderbowl, modern Izakaya restaurant.
Must Order: Saikoro Steak Skewers, Shrimp and Spring Onion Kakiage

Raymond Cua is a traveling foodie, always thinking about his next destination and meal. He’s a food and travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Travelling Foodie. Raymond and his work have been featured in top media outlets including Travel + Leisure, BBC Travel, and Huffington Post. Follow his adventures on Instagram: @TravellinFoodie for Food and @JourneyTraveler for Travel.