The 5 Best Restaurants in Manila

Kanin Club

Kanin Club is near and dear to the hearts of many travelers, and it is widely cited by locals and visitors alike as Manila's top hidden gem. This restaurant is all about the food, and it caters specifically to traditional, regional tastes, with locally inspired dishes cooked to perfection. The crispy dinuguan is one of the restaurant's most popular dishes, and its extensive selection of rice options is awe-inspiring. If you're unfamiliar with Filipino cuisine, allow the helpful service to guide your meal. They won't steer you wrong at Kanin Club, one of the best restaurants in Manila.

Café Ysabel

A list of the best restaurants in Manila is not complete without Café Ysabel, one of the most beloved and storied restaurants in the Philippines. Café Ysabel has been featured in many food-centric publications, and world famous chefs make a point of enjoying a meal here if they find themselves in the city. Ysabel offers diners over 150 dishes, ranging from simple breakfast items, to sandwiches and burgers, to high-end dishes like Norwegian salmon steak with grilled apples, or a gaucho steak served with balsamic glaze and chimichurri. Be sure to try one of the many coffee-based drinks as well, which are a signature of the café. Insider tip: For a more personal evening, the chef will happily prepare a customized meal based on your taste preferences. Call ahead to make reservations, or consult your hotel's concierge.

Café Juanita

If romance is in the air, the best restaurant in Manila is Café Juanita, whose incredible atmosphere and ambience can make any night especially memorable. Juanita's décor is best described as a cacophony of textures, images, and eclectic lighting, and while this may sound peculiar, it somehow adds up to offer the most romantically cozy and intimate dining experience in all of Manila. The food here is local in nature, and you can taste the love that the chef put into the pork belly, grilled fish, pan-broiled prawns, and other Asian favorites. For dessert, look no further than the sticky toffee pudding and caramel flan, which are incredible. Café Juanita provides guest with a uniquely intimate atmosphere, where each table seems to reside in its own nook. But if you're looking for something extra special, reserve a table on the second floor, which has become a go-to dining spot for engagements.

Robinsons Mall Food Court

Those seeking the best restaurants in Manila may not always have time to set aside for a special meal, and the Robinsons Mall food court offers a quick, delicious alternative for travelers on the go. A dizzying array of stalls offers cheap, delicious food, which lets you grab a bite on the run. Or, if you're a real foodie, try a bunch of different foods without burning through your meal budget. Grab a tray and go wild.

The Crystal Room at The Establishment

If you ask around for the best restaurant in Manila, many of those in the know will point you toward the Crystal Room at The Establishment. Here, Chef Godfrey Laforteza serves top notch, meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on sashimi. A veritable sashimi mad scientist, Chef Laforteza's impressive resume includes time spent catering to numerous A-list celebrities, and he has brought his extensive training to Manila. He oversees all aspects of the menu's creation, and he is constantly inventing new foods and methods. If you want to end your trip with a bang at one of the best restaurants in Manila, look no further than the Crystal Room.

When you've finished your meal, head out to explore the city's nightlife at any of these 5 best clubs in Manila.