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.

***

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/

Where to Eat in El Nido: Best Cafes, Restaurants, and Budget-Friendly Meals

ABBEY:  El Nido is not just about limestone cliffs and island hopping. It also has a growing food scene that is worth exploring. From cozy cafés to satisfying Filipino meals, here are some places we enjoyed during our stay.

Lazy Hammock Cafe - Despite still showing signs of wear after a recent typhoon, Lazy Hammock Cafe welcomes guests with genuine warmth. The staff were friendly and chatty while preparing our drinks, which instantly made the place feel comforting. My cappuccino was velvety and creamy, with just the right espresso kick. What made the visit extra special was the surprise ice cream treat when they found out it was my birthday. The matte yellow ice cream served on a black cone perfectly matched El Nido’s sunny vibe and was a refreshing way to cool down from the heat.

Inasal Eats Co - We did not eat here just once, but twice. That alone says a lot. The smoky flavor of their grilled chicken is exactly how inihaw na manok should be. Juicy, well-seasoned, and satisfying. Pair it with java rice and dip it in toyo-calamansi, and you have a simple yet very comforting meal.

Gorgonzola Pizza and Pasta - This large pizza place is easy to find. Just walk a few minutes along C. Hama from Townsquare and you will spot it right away. We ordered three 24-inch pizzas: 5 Cheese, Beloved Margherita, and Bianca. After a long van ride from Puerto Princesa, these pizzas did not stand a chance with my siblings. The wood-fired slices are flavorful on their own, though adding chili flakes or chili oil makes them even better. Even without meat options, the flavors are impressive. Still, I cannot help but imagine how good these pizzas would be with pepperoni or sausages.

Aubrie’s - I usually take my coffee with regular cow’s milk, so I did not realize Aubrie’s served plant-based milk until my oat milk latte arrived. To my surprise, it tasted really good and you would hardly notice the difference. Their second floor offers a beautiful view of the beach and Cadlao Island. We ended our island hopping day here and caught a lovely sunset, making the experience even more memorable.

Molave - We arrived early at Lio Beach, and Molave was one of the few places already open. Instead of going for the buffet, we chose their à la carte breakfast. I ordered skinless garlic longganisa, best paired with vinegar, along with egg and rice, all served in a pizza pan. I also had a cappuccino on the side. It felt like a classic Pinoy almusal, simple, filling, and satisfying, and a great way to start the day by the beach.

A taste of El Nido — from budget-friendly inasal and wood-fired pizza to specialty coffee and beachside meals

 

WILL: Every trip to a tropical destination like El Nido, Palawan isn’t complete without exploring the local food scene. While we initially expected cheap meals because El Nido is a province, reality hit us fast — food here can easily cost ₱400 per meal.

That said, we found several restaurants and cafes in El Nido that are worth every peso. Here are the places we personally tried and highly recommend.


➡️Lazy Hammock Cafe – Best Coffee Near Vanilla Beach
We’re not coffee experts, but after living in Singapore, we can immediately tell when coffee is watered down. 

With Lazy Hammock Cafe, our expectations were low — a ₱140 Spanish Latte in El Nido felt too cheap to be good. But surprise! This cafe absolutely delivered.
   •Smooth and well-balanced coffee
   •Consistent quality
   •Friendly and joyful baristas
If you’re around the area, this is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy good coffee, and stay lazy for an hour or two.

➡️ Inasal Eats Co – Budget-Friendly Food in El Nido Town
Let’s be real — food in El Nido isn’t cheap. So when we saw Inasal for ₱199, we knew we hit the jackpot. 
   •Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken
   •Amazing char
   •Unlimited rice option for only ₱219
It was so good and affordable that we came back the next night. This is one of the best cheap eats in El Nido.

➡️ Gorgonzola Pizza and Pasta – Popular Pizza Place in El Nido
This place caught our attention because it was packed, even during low season. That’s always a good sign.
What do they offer?
🍕 Huge wood-fired pizzas
   •Large pizza costs around ₱1,100++
   •Perfect for sharing
   •Chili oil enhances the flavor beautifully
We ordered three pizzas and were completely full for the night. This is a vegetarian pizza place.

➡️Aubrie’s – Refreshing Drinks and Non-Dairy Coffee Options
Many people hesitate with almond or oat milk because of the aftertaste, but no complaints here — which means they passed the test.
After island hopping under the sun, I went for their Banana Shake (₱200) to cool down and recharge.
✔ Refreshing
✔ Naturally sweet
✔ Perfect after a long day
A great stop if you’re looking for light drinks and dairy-free options in El Nido.

➡️Molave – Resort Restaurant at Lio Beach
Molave is a resort restaurant located in Lio Beach. They offer a breakfast buffet, but we found their set meals more appealing.
What we ordered:
   •Beef Tapa (₱350) – tender meat and generous portion
   •Banana Shake (₱200) – simple, fresh, and satisfying
This is a great option if you want a relaxed dining experience by the beach.

Final Thoughts: Is Food in El Nido Worth It?
After trying all these places, we can confidently say — they didn’t cheat our money.

If you’re traveling to El Nido and wondering where to eat, these cafes and restaurants offer:
   •Good value for money
   •Satisfying portions
   •Great flavors
Perfect for travelers who want to enjoy El Nido beyond island hopping.

***

Lazy Hammock Cafe

(I) https://www.instagram.com/lazyhammockcafe/

Inasal Eats Co

(F) https://www.facebook.com/inasaleatsco.elnido/

Gorgonzola Pizza and Pasta

(I) https://www.instagram.com/gorgonzola.ph

Aubrie's Plant-Based Vegan Cuisine

(F) https://www.facebook.com/aubrieselnido/

Molave El Nido

(F) https://www.facebook.com/MolaveElNido/

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Manam’s Twist on Traditional Filipino Cuisine - From Bibingka to Watermelon Sinigang

ABBEY: I’ve seen a lot of post about Manam and I got curious on how good their Filipino dishes are. We went to their Gateway Mall 2 branch and ordered crispy palabok, bibingkang galapong and coffee. 

I disregarded the delay and my follow-ups (but I hope no need for that in the future) when I saw how they serve the palabok; the crispiness is being melted with rich orange sauce from a pot. So aesthetic. And the taste is at par with its presentation. The bibingka has a fluffy and soft texture. Best paired with coffee. Authentic Pinoy merienda. 

We liked the food that we visited the branch at Ayala Malls Manila Bay with our family. For lunch, we had kare kare, fried chicken, this time the black ink palabok along with the classic and beef short rib sinigang with watermelon. Yes, with watermelon. Kind of should-not-be-on-the-mix but I’m telling you it elevates the flavor. Truly Manam lives up to is mission to serve Filipino cuisine to provide good food, nostalgia, patriotism boost and comfort. 

Manam’s Twist on Traditional Filipino Cuisine - From Bibingka to Watermelon Sinigang

Manam’s Twist on Traditional Filipino Cuisine - From Bibingka to Watermelon Sinigang

WILL: In Manila, the trend of all-you-can-eat buffets is widespread, with many restaurants offering similar selections. However, we were thrilled to discover something refreshingly different through Korina’s YouTube channel—Manam’s innovative twist on Filipino dishes.

Our first visit to Manam wasn’t planned. We were simply looking for a spot for Abbey’s afternoon coffee when we stumbled upon Manam’s Cubao branch. We decided to try their bibingka and palabok, and what an afternoon treat it was! The flavors were exceptional, leaving us eager for more.

Unable to resist, we returned for a meal — but now with our family. This time, we ordered a variety of dishes: the original and squid ink palabok, their renowned watermelon sinigang, kare-kare, and of course, fried chicken. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing Manam’s creative approach to Filipino cuisine. Their commitment to refining and reimagining traditional flavors is evident in every bite.

Manam offers great value for money and is highly recommended for those looking to experience Filipino cuisine with a twist. We can’t wait for our next visit!

***

Manam Comfort Filipino 

(W) http://manam.momentfood.com/

(F) https://www.facebook.com/ManamPH/about

Eating Well, Feeling Good at Blake's Wings & Steaks in Trinoma QC

ABBEY: We’ve been anticipating our visit to Blake’s Wing & Steaks as our kuya recommended it. We gathered the family there for dinner. No reservations. Our host gave us a big table enough to sit us comfortably. 

Our order included nachos, chicken wings (honey chipotle, Korean Snowing Cheese, truffle parmesan), pesto and carbonara pasta, and their signature pork ribs. I like the honey chipotle as flavor didn’t overpower the taste of the chicken. The pesto pasta can improve if more basil is on it. The pork ribs are fall off the bone however don’t mistake the fat with juiciness. Also it is slathered with the sauce; like the char though. I admit we order too much and have them to go.

The servings are for sharing.

Eating Well, Feeling Good at Blake's Wings & Steaks in Trinoma QC

WILL: When chatting with my eldest brother, I asked him for a restaurant recommendation, a place he thought would be good for us to dine in. He suggested Blakes. Initially, we planned to go to the SM North branch, but its location under an escalator made it seem noisy and awkward. So, we opted for the Trinoma branch, which is more serene.

My brother was right; their servings are huge! Haha. Now, how's the taste? It appears that every dish is excessively sweet, especially their Blakes Signature Pork Ribs. I only took two bites and gave up on it. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the flavored chicken and pesto pasta.

Is it recommendable? Definitely worth a try.

***

Blake's Wings & Steaks 

(W) blakes.ph 

(H) 10AM – 9PM 

(A) Level 1, Garden Restaurants, TriNoma, EDSA, cor North Ave, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City 

(T) (02) 7005 8917 / 0917 700 3840 

DEAR JOE: VISTA MALL MALOLOS COFFEE, FRUIT SHAKES AND PASTRY PARADISE

ABBEY: Once you enter Dear Joe, it feels like you've been transported to a patio shaded by the surrounding plants, creating a very homey atmosphere.

I ordered their mango drink, and the sweetness of the fruit's aroma filled my nose as I approached the counter. It didn't disappoint; it was sweet, cold, and had just the right amount of sourness.

In addition to their drinks, Dear Joe also offers cakes, cronuts, brownies, and muffins. 

My curiosity was piqued by the wax-sealed envelope on the wall. Apparently, you can send snail mail right from Dear Joe. How nice! You can enjoy the cafe experience, write about it, and send your thoughts to your friends.

DEAR JOE: VISTA MALL MALOLOS COFFEE, FRUIT SHAKES AND PASTRY PARADISE

WILL: I am astounded by the café scene in Manila today. There are many new players offering a variety of coffees and drinks to their diners. One of the cafés that caught my attention is Dear Joe.

The ambiance of the surroundings is quite homely. It feels as if you are visiting a friend's house. They also have a unique concept of writing and sending letters. They provide you with everything you need: cards, envelopes, and even free postage for your letters all around the Philippines.

Now, let's talk about their drinks. I went there to try their fruit smoothies, and it seems like they excel in selecting the finest fruits for their customers. I made sure to check if they had added sugar to my dragon fruit drink, and they confirmed that they didn't. It's all-natural.

Dear Joe is a truly unique café. If you're looking for a place to relax, make sure to visit Dear Joe and support local businesses!

***

Dear Joe 

(W) https://www.facebook.com/dearjoephl

(H) 7am-10pm daily.

(A) Level 2, Vista Mall Malolos

Discover Red's Fried Chicken: A Crispy Adventure Supporting a New Business in the Philippines

ABBEY: I really want to try Red’s Fried Chicken not only because I’m craving for chicken but also to support the business of our friend. We opted for thigh and leg buckets but both of them has original flavors only and the latter is sold out. So we got the flavoured wings. 

For Php 699 we have 30 pieces of wings in these sauces: butter, garlic parmesan, honey-glazed, salted egg, and Sriracha. Perfect for dinner along with friends. 

The business chat replies quickly and ensure that our order is correct. The meat is tender and cooked just right. I liked the sriracha for the heat and garlic parmesan for indulgence without guilt. Hahaha.

Discover Red's Fried Chicken: A Crispy Adventure Supporting a New Business in the Philippines

WILL: Abbey is a chicken lover, but due to the recent steep increase in chicken prices in Singapore, we've been buying chicken less frequently for our meals, even when dining out. This is the primary reason we treated ourselves to fried chicken during our vacation in the Philippines.

We opted for Red's Chicken, which is owned by one of our schoolmates. Supporting local businesses is something we take pleasure in.

So, how was it?

• Price Point: A set of 30 pieces of flavored fried chicken for only Php699 is quite affordable, especially for larger groups.
• Communication: The communication regarding payment and delivery was straightforward and efficient.
• Taste: The chicken was wonderfully crispy, and the flavors were satisfying, leaving you craving for more.

We wholeheartedly recommend it! We hope that both the quality and price will remain consistent, despite the ongoing trend of rising inflation.

***

Red's Fried Chicken

(W) https://www.facebook.com/redsfriedchicken/

(H) 

(A) 9-J Nightingale street corner Skylark, Zabarte Subdivision Brgy Kaligayahan, Quezon City, Philippines, 1124

(T) +63 917 520 1436