Mystery Critic
The Best Restaurants Out There - And Much More!
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Best Casual Dining Restaurants in Metro Manila In Manila, restaurants are plenty and it is not hard to find a casual place with decent and reasonably-priced food. After all, eating out is part of life in any big city, and there is definitely a huge demand for quality food in this city with its quickly-rising middle-class population. I have, nevertheless, developed some of my own favorite over the last year that I've been here. This list will definitely grow as I extend my tenure in this city. BTW, both Rating and Price are out of FIVE. High rating is good and high price is what is means - high. Barrio Fiesta [All Around Metro Manila] Rating If you want a simple, solid, hearty (i.e. heavy!) yet satisfying Filipino party meal, you should try Barrio Fiesta. It's REAL casual but clean and has everything you need to enjoy down-to-earth kare-kare, crispy pata, seafood chowder, etc. Don't expect them to look yummy because they don't - think of them as good home-cooked dishes!
Cibo [All Around Metro Manila] Rating Yes, it's not cheap and portions are small, but it's good. It's almost authentically italian. From salad to appetizers to pizzas and spaghetti, you'll like the high quality ingredients and well-balanced flavors. Almost no one would really LOVE this place, but no one would dislike it either. While the furnitures aren't that comfortable, it's elegantly casual and suitable for kids. Coffee and desserts are decent but not great, and drinks are way overpriced. Lydias Lechon [All Around Metro Manila] Rating While it's not the BEST lechon there is (CNT in Cebu is ALWAYS the best!), Lydias' standard is far above most lechons that you'll in Metro Manila. The only problem is consistency - you can't trust those outlets in the mall food courts, but the restaurants are typically good. Another thing: their beef bulalo (that's right, the MOO - is actually one of the best I've tasted anywhere. This is by no means a cheap place, but you'll get a protein fix for sure!
Ma Mon Luk [Quezon City] Rating This is ultimately nolstagic restaurant for Chinese Filipinos - so I heard, and also according to the pictures on the wall. The noodles (mami) and siopaos are what they are known for, but it is the history that answered my long-existing question - Cantonese food is so popular among the Chinese Filipinos precisely because this one pioneer restauranteur is Cantonese, unlike 99.99% of rest of the Chinese Filipinos who are Hokkien speaking. Frankly the food is not that great and there's no A/C, but the whole experience is quite enjoyable if you are a fan of history. BTW, the siopao may not be spetacular, but you've got to try it with their sauce and even sprinkle some calamansi juice on it like locals would. It's actually pretty good!
Marina Seafood [In all mall food courts] Rating It might look scary - WHY do they display all the food, hot or cold, out in open air?? But this palce is good, even the meat dishes are. I can't claim I've tried every single one, but at least those that I've eaten at are definitely better than the other food court joints (which some are downright yucky). Try all things grilled, but also their kare-kare, salmon sinigang, seaweed salad, bitter melon with egg yoke.... BTW if you really can't eat in a food court, they actually have some outlet in malls like Glorietta. Mickey's Delicatessen [Makati] Rating In Manila, same as in many other places, casual doesn't mean cheap. Mickey's is definitely not a cheap place, but it's pretty casual, both in terms of decoration and atmosphere, but it brings you right to Europe in the middle of Makati. Sausages, steaks, pizzas, pastas and salads are all authentically European in flavors and texture, and everything is served the right way - beers are huge, sausages come with two types of mustard, and breads come with pate. Speaking of bread, it really doesn't hurt to have a excellent French bakery, Lartizan, right in the same property! Shinjuku Ramen House [Makati] Rating This noodle joint is not in Little Tokyo section of Makati, but it's surprisingly good. The ramen might be a bit bland compared to the style popular in Japan, but considering that it has a wide variety of dishes like sashimi, gyoza, tofu, rolls and of course noodles.... It's a very cool place to remember that workaholic country while enjoying your lunch at this super slow pace metropolis. OH try the chirashi, it's excellent!
Sumo Sam [Metro Manila] Rating I don't particularly like the food in this restaurant, but it is a well-run business. The decorations are cool, tables huge and clean, the menu as thick as an encyclopedia, and the waitresses.... Better not say anything that'd get me into trouble, just pay close attention to the last picture.... Overall, it's a nice place to have a casual meal if you are not too picky about authenticity of the food, which is decent.
Tokyo Cafe [Manila / Pasay] Rating I love this Japanese place! It's small and somewhat casual, but it's lovely that I wrote a full review for it. YES, defying my own standards, but you really can't beat it - very solid food, friend and efficient ALMOST Japenese service, amazing location that even has its own restroom and best of all great dessert and coffee! Be sure to read my full Tokyo Cafe review!
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BON APPETITE!
