Joanna James
When it comes to wining and dining in Manila, there are a plethora of exciting local restaurants to explore. Here are some of the top dining hubs in the Indonesian capital.
This roof-deck eatery is not only one of Manila's most luxurious restaurants but also a music lounge and a bar where the young and the restless in the city gather daily for a bite and a drink. With its interiors resembling the pages of Architectural Digest or Penthouse Living, the spacious and large dining spaces as well as its location with the Manila skyline at every turn.
Manila is not only known to have some of the best cafes in town but also a host of Spanish restaurants that are the envy of Asia. The country's colonial period under Spanish rule means that venues such as BCN offer authentic Spanish dishes that are the toast of town. As a part of the Rambla restaurant chain which is based in Barcelona, Spain, the venue offers diners an extensive menu of best loved favourites. Visitors based at hotels in Ortigas Pasig whether it's the Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila or any other, will find that they are within close range of BCN.
The brainchild of celebrated chef Josh Boutwood, the restaurant is a one of a kind space which offers the finest degustation encounter in all of Manila. Designed to resemble a theatre, the creative and innovative flair of Chef Josh Boutwood is evident in the many colourful and delectable dishes served at this experimental eatery which has taken the ethos of venues the likes of Test Kitchen and taken it further.
As the newest restaurant of Charles Paw's Tasteless Group, the Grid is a far cry from the food courts and food parks initiated by the group in the recent past. Known for their innovative restaurant ideas, the group's newest venture The Grid is another experimental food hub where appearances have taken a back seat to quality. With some of Manila's most celebrated chefs gracing its halls and kitchens, a dining experience at The Grid is not one travellers will likely forget.
Doing away with the phony sophistication of new restaurants boasting dishes made with foam and spherification, Savage takes the fine art of dining back to basics with a focus on quality, locally sourced ingredients and comfort food. Often described as a "breath of fresh air" in the local dining scene, the rustic menu and large portions make Savage an old fashioned restaurant with a lot of heart. Not only is its menu extensive but the appearance and the flavour of the dishes are unmistakable for their freshness.
With a name like Friends & Family it should come as no surprise that this popular eatery in the nation's capital is a well-regarded meet-up hub for locals as well as expats. Focussing on an array of comfort food all Filipinos love with a passion, the throwback restaurant allows diners to enjoy the taste of home within the plush confines of its cosy interiors. The portions are not only generous but befitting this family-friendly dining venue for the masses.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
