Best 10 Restaurants in Manila 2025

The Philippines is a culinary paradise, offering a rich blend of flavors influenced by its diverse history and vibrant culture. Whether you're indulging in crispy Lechon, savoring a bowl of comforting Sinigang, or enjoying a sweet treat from a local bakery, the food scene in the Philippines never fails to impress. For those planning a trip to this beautiful archipelago, we've compiled a list of 10 must-try restaurants that showcase the best of Filipino cuisine. From iconic dishes to hidden gems, this guide will help you explore the unique flavors that define the Philippines, complete with restaurant details, must-try dishes, and insider tips. Let’s dive into the Filipino food journey!

1. Rico's Lechon

• Address: 26TH COR 7TH AVE THE FORT, Taguig, 1634, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dish: Lechon (Roast Pig)
• Average Cost: Around 500 - 800 PHP

2. The Aristocrat Restaurant

• Address: 432 San Andres St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled Chicken, Sinigang (Sour Soup)
• Average Cost: Around 300 - 600 PHP

3. MESA

• Address: Greenbelt 5 Ayala Malls, Makati, 1228 Metro Manila, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dish: Crispchon (Crispy Roast Pig)
• Average Cost: Around 600 - 1,000 PHP

4. Manam Café

• Address: Podium Mall, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dishes: House Crispy Sisig, Sinigang na Baboy sa Sampaloc
• Average Cost: Around 500 - 800 PHP

5. Jollibee

• Address: Multiple locations (best to use a map app to find the nearest one).
• Opening Hours: Generally daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dishes: Fried Chicken, Burgers
• Average Cost: Around 150 - 300 PHP

6. 12ABE'S GRILL AND RESTOBAR

• Address: HXQ9+9GP, R.S, Roberto Oca St, Port Area, Maynila, 1118 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dish: Lamb Adobo
• Average Cost: Around 500 - 800 PHP

7. Globe Lumpia House

• Address: 740 Gonzalo Puyat St, Santa Cruz, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Must-Try Dish: Lumpia (Spring Rolls)
• Average Cost: Around 200 - 400 PHP

8. CNT Lechon

• Address: 8VGM+F37, V Rama Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Must-Try Dish: Lechon (Roast Pig)
• Average Cost: Around 500 - 800 PHP

9. The Aristocrat

• Address: 432 San Andres St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled Chicken, Sinigang (Sour Soup)
• Average Cost: Around 300 - 600 PHP

10. San Jose Bakery

• Address: Multiple locations (best to use a map app to find the nearest one).
• Opening Hours: Generally daily from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Must-Try Dish: Small Bread (Pan de Sal)
• Average Cost: Around 50 - 150 PHP

Practical advice

1. Try to choose a restaurant that is close to your accommodation. It is convenient not only to save time when eating, but also to have more time to taste other delicacies.
2. Traffic jams are serious in Manila. Take a Grab taxi or choose a nearby restaurant to avoid the evening rush hour (17:00-19:00).
3. Some restaurants only accept cash (such as the old restaurants in Chinatown). Prepare enough pesos or confirm credit card payment.
4. Give priority to shopping districts with better security, such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati.
5. Dinner in the Philippines usually starts after 19:00. Some restaurants are closed from 14:00 to 17:00. Check the business hours.
6. The bill may include a 10% service charge, which does not need to be paid separately; if the service is good, you can leave ₱20-₱100 cash.
7. Coconut, seafood and peanuts are often used in Philippine cuisine. Inform the waiter in advance for special needs.