10 Best Restaurants in Manila

Spiral Restaurant is located in Sofitel Philippine Plaza and offers one of the best-known buffet spreads in the country. The restaurant features an interactive gourmet dining experience with 21 ateliers that give you a taste of dining in 21 different countries in a single place. At the front of the dining area is a list of all the ateliers and what they offer, from the French station to the Japanese hot and cold stations.

Café Ilang-Ilang is a luxurious restaurant located in the historic Manila Hotel. It’s known for an extensive buffet selection that includes Japanese cuisine, Italian, Chinese, western, Asian, Filipino, and more. Their live cooking stations ensure that the food is well presented and of the highest quality. Sample their salad station, cold cuts and seafood station, burrito and shawarma station, and bread and cheese station. 

Sky Deck View Bar is a stylish lounge and restaurant on the rooftop of The Bayleaf Intramuros. The venue is a stunning sundowner spot, offering views over Manila Bay. Food-wise, you can enjoy both Filipino and international cuisine, served in big portions at fair rates. A live music band is in charge of the entertainment on some nights, but the highlight of the Sky Deck remains the sunset over Manila.

My Kitchen by Chef Chris is a modern trattoria that serves a wide range of Italian dishes. Located within The Oasis Paco Park Hotel, the kitchen is led by Chef Chris Locher, who hails from Switzerland. Try the signature panizza, which comes in a variety of toppings like Genovese (pesto-infused cream sauce, shrimp, capers and grouper slices), Stefano (plain cheese with rosemary, parmesan and garlic), and Angelico (chorizo, salami, bacon and mushrooms).

The Aristocrat is a long-established restaurant in the capital city of the Philippines, dating back to 1936. It's so successful that The Aristocrat has several branches throughout Manila. The restaurant serves a wide range of Filipino specialities at reasonable prices, though the house speciality of honey-cured chicken barbecue has been a favourite for generations. Drinks include beer, juices, soft drinks and mineral water.

Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant serves genuine Filipino cuisine with a real Filipino ambience. Located on General Luna Street, resident musicians play serenades during lunchtime, before being joined by dancers in the evening, offering guests a very pleasant show while they enjoy their dinner. If you come to Manila and want to have an authentic Filipino experience, then Barbara’s should be your place of choice.

Bistro Remedios is a chic venue dedicated to Filipino cuisine and culture. Located right opposite Remedios Circle – hence its name – this elegant venue is famous for the quality of its local dishes. Many locals eat here for its festive ambience, rocked by a trio of talented guitarists and singers. From gising-gising (spicy Filipino vegetable soup) to kare-kare (meat stew), many classic local foods are available here, and they are simply exquisite.

Movie Stars Café is a family-friendly restaurant that offers cool photo ops with statues of blockbuster movie characters like Spiderman and Batman. There are also entertaining shows with singing, dancing and acrobatic moves. Food-wise, enjoy an international menu featuring classic western favourites, including burgers, pasta and pizza.

Ilustrado Restaurant has been attracting crowds with its excellent cuisine and impeccable service since its opening in 1992. Serving Spanish, Filipino and global cuisines, the restaurant has had the honour of heads of states and dignitaries – including the King and Queen of Spain – among its diners. Prices are relatively affordable, and Ilustrado Restaurant is a good choice if you’d like to sample local delicacies with a strong Spanish twist.

Harbor View Restaurant has been around since 1985 and is a great go-to place for fresh and affordable seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Flanked by the panoramic skyline and the scenic view of Manila Bay, it can be a romantic dining experience for 2 or a casual meal among friends.

Harbor View Restaurant's menu is a delightful mix of Asian and western cuisine, but the star of the show is obviously the seafood selection. You can choose live seafood straight from the aquarium and have it cooked to your preference. There's no shortage of fishes, crabs, and lobsters.