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To make things easier for you, we've created a list of Manila's finest Filipino restaurants, which offer the ultimate Filipino dining experience.
Photo by Mesa
If you're looking to indulge in traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon (roasted pig), laing (dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), and sinigang (sour soup with meat or seafood), Mesa is the perfect spot for you. Mesa's take on these classic dishes combines a modern twist with the comforting flavors that Filipino cuisine is renowned for. Make sure to try their signature dish, Crispchon, served table-side, for an unforgettable culinary experience. Additionally, don't miss out on the Laing-Two Ways and sisig (chopped pork seasoned with onions and chili) in a pouch. And for dessert, the crispy leche flan, a creative variation of caramel custard, is an absolute must-try at Mesa.
Photo by Pamana Restaurant
Next on our list is Pamana Restaurant, which boasts an impressive menu. We highly recommend their pakbet bagnet dish - a delectable medley of vegetables stewed in shrimp paste and crowned with crispy bagnet. For those who prefer a healthier option, the binakol, a hearty chicken soup, is a must-try. Another popular dish is the pancit Ivatan, a flavorful noodle dish topped with egg and dried pork adobo. Don't forget to sample the adobo flakes, which are a crowd-pleaser among the restaurant's patrons.
Photo by Kanin Club
Get ready to savor some of the best Filipino cuisine at Kanin Club, featuring mouth-watering dishes such as kaldereta, crispy pork binagoongan (deep-fried pork in shrimp paste), adobo, and crispy dinuguan (a blend of crispy pork and blood stew). As the name suggests, rice is the star of the show here, with the term "kanin" (Filipino for "rice") referring to a range of rice dishes that are perfect for sharing or for solo dining. The rustic wooden interiors, Capiz decorations, Pinoy-themed paintings, and long communal tables at any of the Kanin Club locations will instantly make you feel at home. Be sure to try the restaurant's regional specialties, which are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a culinary journey across the Philippines.
Photo by Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico
Guevarra's by Chef Laudico in San Juan City is a household name in the restaurant scene, and it's not hard to see why. Set in a beautifully converted house, the restaurant boasts a charming exterior and stunning interiors that add to the overall dining experience. Delight in the fusion of traditional and contemporary Filipino dishes that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Sink your teeth into their famous Angus roast or indulge in the crispy and sinfully delicious bagnet. A single bite of Chef Laudico's Bicol express, a delectable pork stew cooked in coconut milk and cream, will instantly transport you to the province of Albay, where the dish originates.
Photo by Café Juanita
When dining at Café Juanita, it's best to order dishes to share, as with many other Filipino restaurants on this list. Savor traditional Filipino favorites like bistek Tagalog, chicken pandan, and their renowned nutty beef stew kare-kare, which is so delicious that you don't even need to add bagoong (shrimp paste) for extra flavor, although it's an option if you prefer. The atmosphere at Café Juanita is warm and inviting, with vibrant decor and plenty of good lighting that has remained unchanged for many years. Once you're lured in by the restaurant's mesmerizing lights, be prepared to be enchanted by their unique interpretation of classic Filipino cuisine.
