Restaurants
Manila's cuisine is a blend of Malay, Chinese and Spanish influences; food stalls in Pasay offer roast suckling pig, Chinatown serves up dim sum, and tapas is on offer at Gaudí in Makati. The sophisticated restaurants of Ermita and Malate districts cook up international flavours, with upmarket eateries clustered around cosmopolitan Remedios Circle. Restaurant staff expect a small tip even if service is included in the bill. Opening hours are around 12pm-2.30pm and 7pm-11pm daily.
Sala
Sala is a busy restaurant in Makati that serves classic European dishes with a contemporary twist, complemented by a decent wine list and tables dressed with linen cloths. On the first Sunday of the month, the restaurant hosts a brunch, a popular option for meeting with friends or family. Booking is advisable for dinner.
Address: Podium Level, Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Avenue, Makati City , Manila, 1226
Telephone +63 (0) 2 750 1555
Sushi Tsumura
Sushi Tsumura in Makati serves fresh sushi and tempura, made to order by star chef Masamichi Tsumura at his sweeping bar.
Address: Third floor, 828 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati, Manila, 1200
Telephone +63 (0) 2 812 8393
Gaudí
Gaudí has a flamboyant interior, all curves and patterned tiles, well worthy of its Catalan namesake. The restaurant specialises in a contemporary twist on tapas, prawns steeped in garlic, steaks sold by the kilogram and paella. Sit on the illuminated terrace for romantic views over the Greenbelt shopping centre and buzzing Makati.
Address: 114, Jupiter Street, Bel Air Village, Makati City, Manila, 1200
Top of the Citi
Top of the Citi in Makati is popular for a casual work lunch and its French menu with Oriental influences. Located on the 34th floor of the Citibank Tower, the restaurant comes into its own at night with breathtaking views over the illuminated skyscrapers of Makati. To avoid disappointment, make reservations for the evening.
Address: 34th floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, Manila, 1228
Telephone +63 (0) 2 894 7437
Ihaw-Ihaw, Kalde-Kaldero
Ihaw-Ihaw, Kalde-Kaldero in Pasay is worth a visit for sheer novelty value as the waiters and chefs belt out pop songs while you wait for your food. The Pinoy (Filipino) menu ranges from roast suckling pork and platters of seafood to sugary desserts. Come with a crowd of friends who are prepared to laugh along with the irrepressible staff.
Address: 81, West Avenue, Quezon City, Manila, 1100
Telephone +63 (0) 2 371 9137
Harbor View
At Harbor View, you get the sensation you are on a cruise on Manila Bay, but the restaurant actually sits on a jetty. From here you enjoy a marvelous view of the bay and Roxas Boulevard. The nilasing na hipon (deep-fried shrimps) is delectable and likewise the crispy pata (pork knuckles).
Address: Gate A, South Boulevard, Rizal Park, Manila Bay, Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 524 1532
Ilustrado
A reconstructed 19th century house in Intramuros, Ilustrado comprises a coffee shop, a dining area and a ballroom for functions.White table cloths and polished wood furniture impart a certain formality to the dining area. Paella and other Spanish dishes are featured on the menu, along with the exotic house specialties like Adobadong Usa (venison cooked in vinegar and soy sauce) or Kalderetang Kambing (goat stew).
Address: 744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna Street), Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 301 0133
Tropical Forest
A theme bar and restaurant designed around a tropical forest motif, serving Western food with a touch of Filipino taste. On the menu are soups, salads, pasta, pizza and barbecue specialities including steaks and ribs. The Lunch Special, served Monday to Friday, offers good value, and likewise the Sunday Buffet. From this vantage point, you can watch Manila Bay's famous sunset.
Address: South Boulevard, Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 400 7438
