Best Places to Eat in Manila

Best Dishes to Try in Manila (Philippines)

Tired of searching for “places to eat near me?” Here is a selection of ten street foods to try in Manila, with details on ingredients, dietary options, and prices.

• Kwek Kwek (Quail Eggs)

  Kwek Kwek, a well-known street dish in the Philippines, is made of deep-fried quail eggs covered in orange batter and usually served with a vinegar dipping sauce.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 28

• Isaw (Grilled Chicken Intestines)

  Isaw consists of marinated chicken intestines skewered and grilled to perfection, often enjoyed with a tangy vinegar sauce.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 8 per skewer

• Balut (Fertilised Duck Egg)

  Balut is a unique street food featuring a fertilised duck egg with a developing embryo, usually enjoyed with salt and vinegar.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 21

• Fish Balls

  Fish balls are deep-fried snacks served on skewers and are often enjoyed with dipping sauces, including sweet and spicy options.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 2 per ball

• Turon (Banana Lumpia)

  Turon is a sweet snack made of caramelised bananas wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried until crispy, often served as a dessert.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 17

• Halo-Halo (Mixed Dessert)

  Halo-halo is a refreshing dessert featuring crushed ice mixed with sweet beans, fruits, and jellies, topped with leche flan and ube ice cream.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 28

• Pancit Palabok (Savoury Rice Noodles)

  These rich and sticky rice noodles are topped with chicharron, tofu, adobo squid, garlic, egg, and green onions in a thick shrimp paste gravy. This dish is a must-try at Jolli Dada's Eatery.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 114

• Lugaw (Filipino Rice Porridge)

  A hearty rice porridge with beef offal or plain options, seasoned with ginger and garlic and topped with chicharon and calamansi. Try to find Eddie Wow Lugaw's popular cart near Quiapo Church.

  • Type: Both
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 114

• Sotanghon (Glass Noodle Soup)

  This light, flavourful glass noodle soup is infused with fish sauce and annatto oil. Topped with crunchy lettuce, it is perfect alone or with added pork belly and egg for extra richness.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian (optional vegetarian)
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 114

• Fresh Lumpia (Vegetable Spring Roll)

  Fresh lumpia is a delicate Filipino spring roll filled with palm hearts, lettuce, carrots, and peanuts, wrapped in a thin egg wrapper and topped with sweet soy sauce and garlic.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 50

*Disclaimer: All prices are approximate and subject to change at the time of travel.

Philippines Food Guide: Best Restaurants and Street Food Stalls in Manila

Filipino cuisine and delicacies offered in Manila are one of the best. The city has everything from acclaimed restaurants to popular street food spots. For in-depth information, you can search for “places to eat around me” or “food near me” to see the extensive list of eateries in Manila.

Here is the guide to some of the best places to eat in Manila, capturing the city's unique culinary culture:

• M Dining

  A modern dining restaurant in Manila, M Dining prioritises offering innovative dishes like truffle risotto and pan-seared duck breast in an elegant setting.

  • Location: Alegria Alta Building, 2294 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, 1231, Philippines.
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 2 PM; 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM

• Rodic's Diner

  Rodic's Diner is known for its tender, shredded tapsilog, a Filipino breakfast of cured beef, garlic rice, and fried egg. It is loved for its accessible texture and flavour.

  • Location: University of the Philippines, Balagtas St, Diliman, Quezon City
  • Opening Hours: 6 AM - 9 PM

• Toyo Eatery

  A Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases Filipino flavours through locally sourced ingredients, Toyo Eatery offers inventive dishes like sinigang na wagyu and ube cheesecake.

  • Location: Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Ext., Makati, Philippines
  • Opening Hours: 6 PM - 11 PM

• The Alley by Vikings

  Known for its upscale buffet, The Alley offers diverse international and Filipino dishes, including sushi and lechon, all served in a stylish environment ideal for food lovers.

  • Location: Pasay City, SM Mall of Asia
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 2:30 PM; 5 PM - 10 PM

• Bistro Remedios

  Bistro Remedios is a beloved spot for traditional Filipino cuisine, which serves classic dishes like kare-kare and lumpiang shanghai in a cosy setting, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

  • Location: 1911 M. Adriatico Street Malate
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 3 PM; 6 PM - 10 PM

Vegetarian Restaurants in Manila

Looking for vegetarian “places to eat around me?” Manila's vegetarian dining scene has various options, from traditional Filipino dishes to international flavours. If you are searching for “pure veg restaurants near me,” here are some top vegetarian spots to enjoy a satisfying meal.

• Pipino Vegetarian

  Pipino serves a Filipino-inspired vegetarian menu, with popular items like kare-kare made with plant-based ingredients. It is ideal for those seeking traditional flavours in a vegetarian style.

  • Location: 39 Malingap Street, Teacher's Village, Quezon City
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

• Hummus Elija

  This vegetarian restaurant specialises in Middle Eastern dishes, offering hummus, falafel, and pita items. All preparations are vegetarian, using fresh, quality ingredients.

  • Location: 2/F, 7850 Makati Ave, Poblacion, Makati
  • Opening Hours: Opens 24 hours

• Corner Tree Cafe

  Offering a cosy atmosphere, Corner Tree Cafe serves a selection of globally inspired vegetarian dishes. Their menu includes veggie burgers, pastas, and salads with organic ingredients.

  • Location: 150 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

• Wabi Sabi Noodle House

  Wabi Sabi Noodle House brings a taste of Japan with affordable vegetarian dishes, including ramen made with veggie broth and tofu-based veggie unagi. The restaurant's ambience reflects a traditional Japanese ramen house.

  • Location: Pos Building, Scout Madriñan St, Tomas Morato Ave, Quezon City
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM - 9 PM

Best Vegan Cafes/Restaurants in Manila

Manila now offers many plant-based options, making it easy for vegans to find tasty meals around the city. You can enjoy everything from Filipino to international flavours, with vegan cafes and restaurants offering healthy dishes. If you are looking for “healthy food near me” or vegan “places to eat in Manila,” the following spots have something for everyone:

• The Wholesome Table

  Known for its organic, plant-based menu, The Wholesome Table offers dishes like smoothie bowls, salads, and pizzas made with fresh ingredients.

  • Location: 30th Street corner 7th Ave, BGC, Taguig
  • Opening Hours: 8 AM - 11 PM

• Cosmic

  A vibrant vegan restaurant with an extensive menu, Cosmic serves Filipino and Asian-inspired vegan dishes, including vegan sisig and kare-kare.

  • Location: 2/F, 5045 P. Burgos St, Makati
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

• The Vegetarian Kitchen

  A budget-friendly, family-owned restaurant, The Vegetarian Kitchen serves classic Filipino dishes in a plant-based style. Dishes include crispy kare-kare and lumpiang shanghai.

  • Location: 62B Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM

• iVegan

  iVegan is a hidden vegan gem in Makati's business district. It offers an array of international vegan dishes, such as shiitake mushroom gyoza, tofu bulgogi bibimbap, and portobello steak. It is perfect for a satisfying, plant-based lunch.

  • Location: LPL Tower, 112 Legazpi St, Legazpi Village, Makati
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

FAQs

• Q1. Where can I find international cuisine in Manila?

  Ans. Manila offers diverse international cuisine spots, such as Ramen Nagi for Japanese ramen, La Piazza for Italian pasta, El Chupacabra for Mexican tacos, Ministry of Crab for Sri Lankan seafood, and Café Ilang-Ilang for a global buffet.

• Q2. What are some unique dining experiences in Manila?

  Ans. Manila’s dining scene offers unique experiences like The Penthouse 8747’s 1920s decor, Van Gogh is Bipolar’s quirky dishes, live music at 12 Monkeys, Ninyo’s garden fusion cuisine, and The Dessert Museum’s interactive dessert-themed rooms.

• Q3. Where can I find family-friendly dining options in Manila?

  Ans. Manila has great family-friendly dining spots like Bizu for French treats, Vikings for festive buffets, Chili’s for American classics, Cibo for Italian, Mad Mark’s for ice cream, and Dohtonbori for interactive Japanese cooking.

• Q4. Where can I find food delivery options for popular Manila restaurants?

  Ans. GrabFood and Foodpanda deliver across various cuisines from Manila spots like Gerry’s Grill, Manam, Frankie’s Wings, Tim Ho Wan, Jollibee, S&R Pizza, and Wai Ying Dimsum.

• Q5. What are the best dishes to try when looking for Chinese food near me?

  Ans. Must-try dishes include dim sum, Peking duck, sweet and sour pork, dumplings, hot pot, and kung pao chicken.

• Q6. Which rooftop restaurants offer the best views in Manila?

  Ans. Sky Deck at The Bayleaf in Intramuros and Top of the Alpha in Makati provide stunning city views and a memorable dining experience.