Italian Restaurants in Manila

Living in the metro is somewhat hassle. You will have to deal with crowded streets, endless traffics, unclean environment, and of course, a fast-paced lifestyle in a day to day basis. All of these can really be exhausting and can surely sap you out of your energy. But since you are in the metro, a lot of stress-relieving places and undertakings are available to get you on your feet again.  You can enjoy a pampering night at the posh Spa; take a road trip to a nearby town while enjoying the sceneries along the way; or you can have a taste of other country’s specialties in the various restaurants swarming along the Metro Manila.

            Treat yourself a fleeting trip to Italy as your palates enjoy the savory Italian dishes.   Here is a list of restaurants in Manila that offer the best Italian cuisine that could help you in your Italian adventure.

            The Spiral offers the “ultimate buffet in the country”. Located at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay City, Manila, the Spiral’s innovative approach to dining made it as one of Manila’s most frequented and best-loved restaurant.  The Italian dishes serve here are beyond par.  The main feature of this restaurant is its 21 dining ateliers where the secret recipes of their sumptuous banquet are being unfolded before your very eyes.

            Finding this next incredible Italian restaurant can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s all worth it! Situated in a small street in Paco, Manila, My Kitchen by Chef Chris is real gem in the Italian cuisine.  Your taste buds will never get enough of the traditional Italian dishes, yet unique enough to have you crave for more.  Don’t forget to try the Panizzas – the main reason that’s bringing in eaters in droves!

            L’Opera Ristorante Italiano is also a must-try Italian Resto.  Stepping in the restaurant will already transport you in the heart of Italy as the ambiance; murals on the walls, quaint background music being played are all very Italian.  The patrons can dine on extensive menu: homemade pastas, lobster, Carpaccio, duck-filled raviolis, and a wide array of Italian cheeses.  Their wine selection is also to be applauded and can even compete with the town’s best enoteca bars.

            Italian restaurants are traditionally family-owned, thus a warm and friendly accommodation is expected when you dine in. This atmosphere somehow makes the Italianni’s Restaurant in Greenbelt 2 a favorite among the Italian food-lovers.  A wide selection of Italian dishes are on hand, and undoubtedly very tasty.  The excellent service plus the picturesque oasis if you opted to dine outdoor definitely make this restaurant worth a visit!

            The list of restaurants in Manila that offers a great Italian gastronomical adventure can be long and wide.  Make it a point to try each restaurant if you really want to have a feel of Italy!

The Fort Restaurants

The Fort Bonifacio or also known as Bonifacio Global City is probably one of the most high end places in Metro Manila. This is one of the most highly urbanized districts in Taguig. In the past years, this area in Metro Manila went through a lot of development in terms of commercial industry. This was possible because of the proceeds from the sale of the military estate owned by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
Local and foreign tourists will definitely delight themselves with the endless list of food establishments in this area. The options in list of restaurants in manila which are capable of offering a wide range of gastronomical treats would include establishments in the posh area of The Fort.

Below are some of the most notable restaurants around The Fort:

If you are looking for fresh and light dishes, STELLA wood fire bistro is the right place to go. This food establishment can offer the best meals which are cooked through the use of wood fire oven. This is a sister company of Chelsea and comes from the owners of Museum Café. It aims to be the most salient resto in around the Bonifacio High Streets which offers the best dishes.

SLICE is another place for homey and cozy resto which offers natural and healthy food products. This is owned by Senator Pia Cayetano which is a health buff herself.

ARIA is another destination for food lovers in The Fort. This has been one of the most popular food places in Boracay back in 2003. This resto boasts home-made pasta and pizzas baked through wood fire ovens.

If you love the New Yorker lifestyle, NOLITA is a perfect place for you. This is an NYC-inspired resto in Bonifacio Global City owned by Chef Cuit Kaufman. Food fans will surely love authentic and huge New York style pizzas alongside famous American comfort food included in their menu. The laid back ambiance of the resto is a perfect get away for those who would want to spend time with friends after a long day of work.

One of the most unique concepts for a resto is the ‘Cue. This is a modern day barbecue house which is home for customizable or more personalized barbecue rendezvous. Guests can choose the type of meat that they would want and how it should be cooked. The toppings and sauces are the choices of the guest themselves. This is definitely one of the most unique culinary places in the Fort.

These are just some of the many restos in a long list of restaurants in Manila. Food lovers will surely adore The Fort for the diversity and boldness of the gastronomic treats in this posh side of the metro.

Restaurant List: Restaurants You Can Propose In

Here is a cutesy list we came up with, inspired by a dear friend who just got engaged! 

You’ve been going out with your girl for more than a few years now, and you feel it in your bones – it’s time. You know she’s ready to tie-the-knot too, but a simple proposal just won’t cut it. This is the girl of your dreams we’re talking about, she deserves more than a sudden urge on your end to ask for her hand while, say, watching TV at home. What better way to elicit the coveted word “yes” from her than in a fine dining restaurant in Manila, right? A grand gesture won’t hurt. Besides, it makes for good memories. Here’s a list of fine dining restaurants in Manila you can check to make your proposal memorable:

 

      1.      The Tivoli, Mandarin Oriental Manila

The Tivoli claims to be the “finest European dining in the heart of Manila,” and rightly so. The contemporary menu and elegant surroundings will definitely set the romantic mood for your proposal. We suggest ordering the Home-smoked Duck Foie Gras-artichoke Terrine or the US Angus Prime Beef Rossini.

 

2.      Kashmir

If you and your girlfriend are the adventurous type, especially when it comes to food, then bring her to Kashmir, a formal Indian, Malaysian, and Middle Eastern restaurant. Choose from the Tandoori Peshkash, Ayam, or Aquil Saluna dishes to start your feast. You might want to cleanse your palate with Lassi before starting the proposal. “Will you marry me” with bad breath can be an interesting memory, though.

 

3.      Ilustrado

Intramuros’ rich history and amorous vibe make it one of the best places to propose in. Bring her to the Walled City’s favorite fine dining Filipino restaurant, Ilustrado. Choose from the range of delicious Filipino and international meals, such as Callos Madrilena, Oxtail Ragout, or Baked Aklan Scallops on Half Shells.

 

4.      Lolo Dad’s Café

Here’s a prominent fine dining restaurant in Manila that you and girlfriend will love – Lolo Dad’s Café. The ambiance is warm and the seats are few, making it intimate. Tasting menus are around P2,650 but is worth it. Do Lobster Carpaccio and Sea Urchin Flan with Moluga Caviar or the Goose Liver and Duck Breast Roulade with 
Spiced Apple Tartlet and Balsamic Reduction sound good to you? Then make a reservation now!

 

5.      La Cocina de Tita Moning

Another superb place to bring your sweetheart is La Cocina de Tita Moning. The old mansion turned restaurant, which the Legardas own, is a feast for the eyes. The well decorated rooms and preserved mementos allow diners to share in the lives of the Legarda family. Reservation is a must, so call ahead of time.

 

6.      Champagne Room, Manila Hotel

The lavish Champagne Room isn’t like any other fine dining restaurant in Manila, which usually takes on a minimalistic, homey, or industrial design. The Champagne Room’s Victorian-esque interiors simply spell ROMANTIC – what you need for your equally lavish marriage proposal.

For comparison here is another take on Manila's most romantic restaurants.

Restaurant List - Ortigas Center

List of Restaurants - Ortigas

Ortigas Center is Metro Manila’s central business district and second to Makati. It is a nest for skyscrapers, shopping malls, and restaurants. With such a busy area, there is bound to be great food lying ahead. Ortigas is home to a list of restaurants in Manila that can arguably be among the top in the country.

Filipino food prides itself in the distinct taste of its dishes cooked to the liking but very dependent on the local’s palate. Each region usually has their own version of a staple dish like lechon, adobo, and crispy pata. Mangan has a variety of dishes that every local can binge on. Their signature dishes consist of kare-kare, adobong baboy at manok, and halo-halo (which every restaurant claims is special). Thinking of being a bit more fancy? Then Cafe de Bonifacio raises the standard in Filipino cuisine with its “revolutionized” food. They take local favorites and add a bit of class in both taste and presentation. Their Ensaladang Talong is a great appetizer leading into the main dishes such as Sinigang na Tadyang ng Baka and Crispy to the Bone Hito ni Ka Freddie. Ube macapuno roti is a good end to a wonderful meal. For those with a bottomless gut, Dad’s buffet is love. This family favorite restaurant serves everything from buffalo wings, paella, lengua, callos to pasta and tempura. Starving for a day may be the best way to enjoy a buffet at Dad’s.

Just about every Filipino loves their burgers. And Charlie’s Grind and Grill, Brothers Burger and Good Burger prepare them best. Black Angus burger is the staple at Charlie’s Grind and Grill. For the ultimate food session, order some buffalo wings and truffle fries to go along. Usually caters to people on the move, Brothers Burger is a perfect stop.  Flame-broiled burgers are served in different sizes along with a range of ingredients. Best known for their classic Brothers’ burger made with a juicy beef patty, lettuce, tomatoes, catsup, and oatmeal bun. Lamb burger and a grilled chicken sandwich is a good choice for those abstaining from beef. And for those looking for the unorthodox burger, Good Burger is the joint. It starts off with a choice of white or whole wheat bun. Next is a choice between chicken or veggie patty for the vegetarians and those just simply wanting to try. And to finish it off, choice of flavors which include but not limited to Cheesy Mushroom, Salsa Mex, and Garlic Barbecue. Certainly a lighter choice for the health conscious.

Persian cuisine has always favored the local palate. And some notable restaurants can be found in Ortigas. Arya is a family owned and operated restaurant that serves authentic persian food. Kebabs are what you look for upon dining. Chicken or beef kebabs go perfectly with grilled tomatoes, hummus, and pita bread. The prices are a bit higher, but service and food quality is definitely up there. For those looking for affordable persian meals, Uncle Moe’s is right on the money. Shawarma rice meals and kebabs keep the stomach full without murdering the wallet. To push it all down, a cool yogurt shake does the job.

Great food for working people or passersby can be found around Ortigas. Its best to ask around or survey the internet for great eats. Certainly in a list of restaurants in Manila, Ortigas is home for several great ones.