MANILA, Philippines – With the Michelin Guide’s highly-anticipated arrival in the Philippines, it’s more eyes on Philippine cuisine as it gears up for the global spotlight. But beyond fine dining, what do Filipinos think is the best casual Filipino restaurant to introduce foreign friends to?
We asked Rappler readers: If you had to bring a foreigner to just one Filipino restaurant in Metro Manila, where would it be and why?
From heritage institutions that have been around for decades to modern crowd favorites known for creative twists, here’s where locals believe you can get the best taste of Filipino cuisine — starting with the most mentioned names by locals online.
Aristocrat
Leading the pack is one of the oldest Filipino restaurants in the country, Aristocrat, which was founded in 1936 by Engracia “Aling Asiang” Reyes.
From a humble mobile canteen serving home-cooked meals along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard), it has now become a heritage institution with multiple branches across Metro Manila and its flagship branch still booked and busy.
What’s Aristocrat without its signature Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice? “Nothing beats Aristocrat’s barbecue chicken and java rice. It’s a taste of history,” said one Facebook user. The Kare-Kare is also a classic, as well as Lumpiang Shanghai — “a staple for every Filipino gathering.”
“Ang favorite ko talaga ang Aristocrat Restaurant sa Roxas Blvd (My favorite is Aristocrat Restaurant along Roxas Blvd). I will take my foreign friends with me to that resto,” another user said. “It’s nothing fancy, pure lasang (taste of) Pinoy food.”
Manam
One of the younger restaurants on this list, Manam was founded in 2013 by The Moment Group and now has over 15 branches. It quickly rose to fame for its playful, modern takes on well-loved Filipino dishes.
Among Manam’s best-sellers: the House Crispy Sisig with a tangy twist; the Sinigang na Beef Short Rib and Watermelon and its sweet-tangy take on the classic sinigang; and the Ube + Sago Shake, a sweet, creamy drink that’s a hit with foreigners.
“It’s comfort Filipino,” one user said, while another said they go to Manam for “Filipino food that is not swimming in grease.”
“It is a default and easy to go to,” another user added.
Barrio Fiesta
“It’s the OG!” a user said. “Nothing too fancy and yet good food,” another added.
Also an institutional favorite, Barrio Fiesta was founded in 1952 by Sixta Evangelista Ongpauco — she opened the first restaurant in her home in Caloocan City.
A pioneer in serving traditional Filipino family-style meals, it is known for popularizing Kare-Kare and Crispy Pata in the restaurant scene (and its famous bagoong)! Over the years, Barrio Fiesta has expanded locally and internationally, with branches in the US and other countries.
Sarsa
Founded by Chef JP Anglo in 2013, Sarsa Kitchen + Bar is all about the bold and distinct flavors of Negros and the Visayas region. With multiple branches in Metro Manila, Sarsa is where locals go when they’re craving Negrense cuisine.
“Sarsa’s kansi is a must-try,” one user wrote, while another echoed the sentiment: “The inasal and kansi are perfect for first-timers to Filipino food.” Kansi is a hybrid of bulalo and sinigang; warm, beefy, comforting, and slightly sour. And how can you leave a Negrense restaurant without having Bacolod’s famous Chicken Inasal (grilled chicken)?
“For me, Sarsa offers a modern twist to Pinoy classics that are not overwhelming,” another user said. Sarsa also serves isaw and other street food-inspired dishes in a restaurant setting.
Via Mare
For “classic Filipino dishes,” head to Via Mare, many users wrote.
Founded in 1975 by Chef Glenda Barretto, Café Via Mare is a pioneer in offering familiar Filipino flavors in a refined, café-style setting. They’re known for their merienda options, kakanin, and seafood dishes (especially the oysters).
A meal at Via Mare isn’t complete without the Puto Bumbong and Bibingka, Pancit Luglug, Dinuguan at Puto, Pancit Molo Soup, Arroz Caldo, and more.
Cochi by Marvin Agustin
Cochi by Marvin — a food business founded by actor and chef Marvin Agustin – was praised by many users for its ultra-crispy cochinillo, a perfectly roasted, crispy and tender young suckling pig. Many order it for special occasions and home celebrations.
Abe
Part of the LJC Group, Abe is named after Abe Cruz, the father of restaurant mogul Larry J. Cruz. It specializes in Kapampangan cuisine, featuring heirloom recipes from Pampanga, the country’s culinary capital. Since its launch in 2006, it has expanded to several locations in Metro Manila.
One user lauds Abe for being “consistent” in any branch, and offering “true Filipino flavors.” “No fuss and served famiglia style,” he said.
Abe’s regional menu is extensive, but some of the famous dishes include Knockout Knuckles (premium take on crispy pata), Binukadkad na Pla-Pla (whole fried tilapia served with balo-balo sauce), Lamb Adobo, Biringhe (classic Kapampangan arroz valenciana), Rellenong Alimasag, and Abe’s Dinengdeng.
Kanin Club
Founded in 2005 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Kanin Club is known for serving Filipino, home-style dishes with an indulgent twist. The restaurant has branches across Metro Manila.
Kanin Club is beloved for its crispy dishes — Crispy Liempo, Crispy Dinuguan, Crispy Pata, and Crispy Pork Binagoongan — and the Sinangag na Sinigang (fried rice version of the soup) and Aligue Rice.
Other notable votes were Grace Park, the late chef Margarita Fores’ farm-to-table spot that opened in Rockwell in 2013 (it can also be found in Araneta City). It is loved for its organic, locally-sourced dishes like 24-hour Grass-Fed Beef Shortribs, Duck Adobo, Kansi, Baked Capiz Scallops, Roast Bone Marrow, and Lechon Sisig.
Toyo Eatery, the multi-awarded Filipino fine dining restaurant, was also mentioned. Known for its modern approach to Filipino cuisine, it transforms classic dishes using inventive twists, traditional techniques, and premium regional ingredients.
Other ‘special mentions’
Little Quiapo earned two mentions for its comforting Filipino home cooking. “Little Quiapo! Original Filipino home cooking, not fancified,” said one user. Guevarra’s, also with two votes, is a San Juan buffet favorite known for its heritage-inspired Filipino spread by Chef Laudico.
Locavore was also mentioned, famous for its sizzling sinigang and lechon oyster sisig, as well as the Noli Me Tangere-inspired Crisostomo for its refined approach to Filipino heritage dishes.
Floating Island Restaurant, based inside Makati Medical Center, got a mention for its well-loved Filipino comfort food, and Cafe Juanita was suggested by a foreigner himself.
Lorenzo’s Way – also part of the LJC Group – was mentioned for its lengua estofado and crispy tadyang, and Livestock’s crispy pata was given a special shout-out.
Cabalen was voted for its Kapampangan buffet featuring sisig, kare-kare, and bringhe, and Rodic’s in UP Diliman got a mention for its famous shredded tapa, a generational favorite among students and alumni.
Sosing’s, a beloved carinderia, got a thumbs-up for its simple yet rich dishes.
Other notable mentions include Wooden Spoon by Sandy Daza, which closed years ago but is still fondly remembered. “Me being a foreigner living in Manila for 20 years, I’d been to many of the restaurants mentioned here. However, I miss this one called Wooden Spoon. Used to be in Katipunan Ave but was closed some years ago. I used to like their food,” shared one user.
Goto Monster also earned a shoutout — “even the chefs from the fanciest restaurants go there for a meal because the food is so good,” said a user.
Other restaurants mentioned multiple times were Siklab, Romulo Café, Milky Way, Tatatito, Mesa, Casa Reyes, Gerry’s Grill, Dampa, Provenciano, and Gotō Monster.
Romulo Café, founded in 2009, honors the late diplomat Carlos P. Romulo. With branches in Makati, Quezon City, and BGC, it serves heirloom dishes like Lola Virginia’s Rellenong Manok, Kare-Kare, and more.
Provenciano, a rustic Maginhawa Street favorite, brings the warmth of home-style provincial classics like Crispy Bagnet, Pancit Habhab, Crispy Okoy ng Calamba, Tadyang ni Enteng, Sugpo sa Alavar, bibingka, and more.
Which is your favorite Filipino restaurant? – Rappler.com