Where to Eat in Manila: Must-Try Filipino Restaurants for Balikbayans & Foodies

ABBEY: Manila never runs out of dining options, whether you are looking for comfort food, classic Filipino dishes, or a relaxed place to unwind. During our stay, we managed to try several restaurants across different parts of the city. Here are the places we ate at and what we ordered.

Nono’s Comfort Kitchen and Bakery

We arrived in Manila in the afternoon and walked from our hotel to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. While strolling around, we stumbled upon Nono’s Comfort Kitchen and Bakery, which felt perfect for merienda time.

I ordered the Arroz Caldo with Bone Marrow and Tokwa’t Baboy. The rice porridge was flavourful and comforting, topped with garlic bits, crispy wonton strips, egg, and gelatinous bone marrow. A squeeze of calamansi brought everything together. Paired with tokwa’t baboy, it truly lived up to the restaurant’s “comfort” promise. Even though it was still early, we tried Engkanto beer since it was buy-one-get-one, and it was a good deal.

Casa Reyes Bistro

After our hand and foot spa, the sun had already set, so we headed to Casa Reyes Bistro for dinner. We chose to dine al fresco, which added to the relaxed evening vibe.

I ordered pork barbecue served with unlimited java rice in a tiny caserola and a side of atchara. The barbecue was tender and sweet, while the atchara added a nice sour and tangy contrast. We also shared a serving of crispy pata. The skin was impressively crispy, and the meat inside was juicy. Dipping it in the toyo-suka helped balance the richness. For dessert, we had the Bibingka Cheesecake. It had that familiar char flavour from the coal, though the taste was just average for me.

Lechoneria

We had lunch at Lechoneria before watching a movie with ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia. Given the restaurant’s name, I probably should have ordered lechon, but I went with the beef caldereta instead.

Aside from lechon belly, Lechoneria also serves other Filipino favourites. My order came with rice, soup, and ensaladang talong. The beef was tender, and the thick, mildly spicy sauce went perfectly with rice. I mixed the eggplant, onion, and tomatoes with a small portion of bagoong on the side, just to be safe. It added balance and completed the meal nicely.

Where to Eat in Manila: Filipino Food Spots Balikbayans Will Love

Where to Eat in Manila: Filipino Food Spots Balikbayans Will Love

Where to Eat in Manila: Filipino Food Spots Balikbayans Will Love

WILL: Are you excited to come back to the Philippines and indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine? 🇵🇭

As a balikbayan, one common problem is time—we only have a few days to explore different provinces and taste their local food.

Good news: Manila brings the flavors of the Philippines to you.

Restaurants in Mall of Asia, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and nearby lifestyle hubs now offer Filipino specialties from different regions, plus Western comfort food. If you’re wondering where to eat in Manila, here are some restaurants worth your time and money.

1. Nono’s – Comfort Food with a Homey Feel
**Mall of Asia / Ayala Malls Manila Bay

I ordered Nono’s Homestyle Chicken and Waffles (Php 555), and it did not disappoint.
- Waffle texture: crispy on the outside, chewy inside
- Chicken: tender and juicy, not dry at all
What I loved most was the homey ambiance and their exceptional service—the staff was attentive without being intrusive. This is one of those places you’ll definitely want to come back to.

2. Casa Reyes Bistro – Classic Filipino Dishes Done Right
**Ayala Malls Manila Bay

We were seated outside, and surprisingly, it wasn’t too hot or humid. Service took a bit longer, but that’s expected—Casa Reyes is not fast food, and everything is made to order.
I ordered their Crispy Pata (Php 1,195) à la carte.
- Plenty of meat (good for 3 people)
- Crispy skin, flavorful inside
- Great value for the price
Unlike other versions, Casa Reyes’ Crispy Pata is generous and satisfying. Definitely worth indulging in when craving classic Filipino food.

3. Lechoneria – A Surprise Favorite for Kare-Kare
**SM Mall of Asia

When you hear Lechoneria, you expect lechon—and yes, that’s their specialty. But what truly caught my attention was their Kare-Kare Baka Set (Php 555).
And wow. Thick, rich peanut sauce, Deeply flavorful and Comforting and nostalgic.
Grabe, nakakamiss ang ganitong klaseng kare-kare. The thickness was just right, and the flavor really hit home.
Keep it up, Lechoneria—your kare-kare is outstanding.

If you’re a balikbayan, tourist, or local foodie with limited time, these restaurants make it easy to enjoy Filipino cuisine without traveling far.

Whether you’re at Mall of Asia, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, or Newport Manila, you’ll find dishes that bring comfort, nostalgia, and great flavors—all in one city.

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Nono's Comfort Kitchen & Bakery

(W) https://nonos.ph/

Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino

(W) https://www.casareyesbistrofilipino.com/

Lechoneria Lechon Belly and Filipino Favorites

(F) https://www.facebook.com/Lechoneria.PH/