Best Restaurants in Manila

Manila moves at full volume, full color, and usually full speed, blending centuries of history with the unstoppable rhythm of modern life. Spanish-era churches stand beside glossy shopping malls, jeepneys weave through busy avenues, and the scent of street food drifts through neighborhoods at almost any hour.

The body of Manila’s restaurant scene is an energetic blend of heritage and experimentation. Traditional Filipino eateries proudly serve classics like adobo, sinigang, and crispy pata, dishes that arrive at the table with bold flavors and zero concern for dietary restraint. Nearby, contemporary restaurants reinterpret these same staples with artistic plating.

Seafood shines across the city, whether grilled simply with calamansi or transformed into elaborate feasts that require strategic planning and possibly a nap afterward. Street food, meanwhile, continues its reign as the great equalizer, where skewers, noodles, and sweet treats attract everyone. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in Manila;

Barcino

Barcino has built a strong reputation in Manila as a go-to destination for authentic Spanish dining. The chic locale specializes in tapas, paella, and a wide range of traditional dishes that reflect its Barcelona roots. The restaurant combines culinary heritage with a lively atmosphere, often featuring local bands on select evenings so guests can enjoy music alongside their meals.

A notable highlight is its extensive Spanish wine collection, with knowledgeable staff ready to recommend pairings that complement each dish. With branches spread across major districts like SM Aura, Makati, Alabang, and Eastwood City, Barcino remains widely accessible while maintaining a consistent standard of quality.

Also Read: Guide to Spending a Weekend in Manila.

Coral Garden Restaurant

Coral Garden Restaurant has been welcoming diners since 1978 and remains a favorite among Manila locals. It’s one of the few restaurants serving genuine Chinese and Fujianese flavors rather than the usual buffet-style fare. Run by two close friends, the restaurant carries a warm, personal atmosphere that feels more like a long-standing community fixture than a passing trend.

The menu focuses on distinctive Fujianese specialties rarely seen elsewhere in the city, including adventurous options such as stir-fried pork kidney. Signature dishes such as Crispy Bean Curd with House Special Black Sauce, Coral Supreme, oyster cake, and stir-fried pork liver or kidney consistently earn praise.

Crisostomo

Crisostomo is widely regarded as one of Manila’s standout dining spots, known for presenting Filipino and Spanish classics alongside other Asian influences. These are elevated through the creative touch of Chef Florabel Co-Yatco. With several branches spread across the city, each location carries its own distinct interior style while maintaining a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant operates throughout the day, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, which makes it an easy choice regardless of schedule. Must-try dishes include; the Tarsilo Squid Al Jillo, the rich and tender Lengua Laruja, and the ever-popular Sizzling Linares pork sisig.

Gallery by Chele

Formerly known as Gallery VASK when it opened in 2013, Gallery by Chele rebranded in 2018. Despite this overhaul, it continued to hold its reputation as one of Manila’s most celebrated dining destinations. The restaurant is widely recognized for presenting Filipino and Southeast Asian flavors through modern culinary techniques.

Most food blogs praise it for transforming familiar ingredients into imaginative tasting menus that feel both experimental and deeply rooted in local culture. Awarded one Michelin star, the kitchen emphasizes the use of Philippine produce while constantly exploring new flavor combinations and presentations. Also, rotating multi-course menus and inventive cocktails keep the experience dynamic.

Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant

Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant in Greenhills is widely regarded as one of Manila’s standout destinations for refined Chinese cuisine. The restaurant delivers a polished fine-dining atmosphere while focusing on both classic family-style dishes and interactive favorites such as dim sum and hot pot.

Ingredients are carefully sourced from high-quality local suppliers, while many chefs are brought in from Hong Kong to maintain authenticity in flavor and technique. Its spacious private rooms and large banquet halls make it a favored venue within the Chinese community. It often hosts weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate gatherings, and other major events.

Signature dishes include roasted Peking duck served two ways, crispy fried pigeon, live sua he, steamed sea bass with soy sauce, salted egg prawns, fried taro puff, suckling pig, birthday noodles, and mango sago.

House of Wagyu Stonegrill

Since opening its doors in 2007, House of Wagyu Stonegrill has earned a reputation in Manila as a standout destination for steak enthusiasts. The restaurant turns dinner into an interactive event rather than a passive plate delivery. Guests are presented with premium wagyu cuts and a heated volcanic stone, allowing each steak to be cooked at the table to personal preference.

This hands-on approach remains relatively rare, which adds to the restaurant’s appeal and sense of novelty even years after its debut. Located in Eastwood City, the venue pairs an intimate, refined atmosphere with high-grade selections such as wagyu ribeye and tenderloin.

Signature options often include richly marbled ribeye graded at 8 or 10. Also, the daily lunch set menu, when available, offers a more accessible way to experience the restaurant’s celebrated quality without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Ilustrado

Founded in 1989, Ilustrado has long been regarded as one of Manila’s standout dining institutions for Filipino and Spanish cuisine. Located within the stone walls of Intramuros, the restaurant places diners in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Spanish colonial era. Here, heritage architecture and classic interiors enhance the cultural experience as much as the food itself.

The menu, curated with the creative direction of Chef Bernice Pimentel, blends traditional Filipino recipes with Spanish influences. It also touches of broader Asian and international flavors, resulting in dishes that feel both nostalgic and refined. Signature selections include; Paella Ilustrado, Lengua Con Setas, Bagnet with Classic KBL Sauce, and the rich Tsokolate Ilustrado.

Conclusion

Manila’s best restaurants do more than feed visitors; they introduce them to a city that celebrates flavor with unapologetic enthusiasm. Every meal feels like a small festival, every dish carries a story, and every table invites conversation that lasts longer than intended.