FOOD: 10 amazing restaurants in Filippines
In a country like the Philippines with its very well developed Tourism industry, a number of authentic coastline resorts and some very wonderful and scenic vacation spots, it should not be surprising that all the other aspects of running a tourist attraction have developed remarkably.
While it is normal to expect stiff competition in the hospitality sector, one aspect of any club, hotel or resort that has the maximum effect on the popularity of an establishment, is the quality of its food because this is where the supremacy of one joint over another is established.
Being a gourmand, it becomes extremely difficult for a lover of good taste and flavors to make a partial decision; you will be amazed at the fantastic taste of one particular dish served in a minute joint whose other preparations are mediocre at best.
We tried to classify the best restaurants in the Philippines but our research was inconclusive since there were too many competitors and the variety of the foods served were so many that we decided to give up the numbers game; we just picked a handful of the most popular joints without any attempt to provide ranks for the top 10 restaurants of Philippines so, here they are:
Abacá
Location: Lapu-Lapu City , Cebu’s Mactan Island, Punta Engaño Road,
Cuisine: Mediterranean plus
The food offered here is some of the best that would make any chef proud; the team of Abaca is the pride of Patrick McCarthy who keeps presenting the guests with awesome Mediterranean dishes with a number of innovations. Whether you have a sweet tooth or you love newer cocktails, the fare that is put up is one of the best. Lunch and dinner are served here.
Antonio’s
Location: Purok 138, Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City, Cavite,
Cuisine: Continental / Mediterranean
Antonio is the name of the Fantastic chef whose name is almost folklore in the Filipino Islands. The ambience lends the serenity of a rural setting which heightens the finger licking experience. “Tony Boy” is justifiably proud of the fine dining gem that he provides those who have the patience to drive all the way to enjoy the delicious food lacing it with the best wines surrounded by the lush-green country.
The Lechon de Leche is a proud permanent favorite; a bevy of rich side dishes completes the dining experience.
Blackbird
Location: Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati City
Cuisine: Modern European / South-East Asian
Chef Colin Mackay’s latest presentations reflect his awesome grasp and expertise on the menu that he cooks up; the historical setting makes the dining experience something to remember. The Nielson Tower houses this former International airport, the first one in the region and an array of traditional and contemporary dishes making it a top dining outing. Take a romantic partner or a houseful of kids, there is something for everybody.
Burnt Butter Ice Cream and Dry Rubbed Wagyu Hanger Steak complement the Blackbird Burger.
Caruso Ristorante Italiano
Location: 210 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air, Makati City
Cuisine: Italian
It is acknowledged as one of the most genuinely Italian dishes that take youn back to some of the best Italian cuisine the highlight of which are the Pizzas baked over stone and some of the finest Pastas.
It boasts of an open kitchen with many favorites with the Margherita With Mozzarella Bufala in particular.
It opens at 11:30 AM till 3 PM in the after
The next shift starts at 6 PM in the evening to 11 PM.
Wildflour Café + Bakery
Location: V Corporate Center, 125 L. P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Cuisine: International
The dining place has the habit of always being full with the New Yorker ambience hijacked by constructing the space to resemble a New York loft. The fantastic aroma of delicious food and warm breads being baked assails your nostrils if you are in the vicinity. It attracts the expats and the corporate crowd during lunchtime.
The products are miraculously available at all times.
The seating and ambience is cozy and marvelous.
Vask
Location: 5/F Clipp Centre, 11th Avenue cor. 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City,
Cuisine: Spanish
Vask is a highly cherished fine dining restaurant which keeps reflecting the concepts of history, arts and travel; it is a veritable center that depicts different aspects of Filipino arts and culture; the only restriction id that of space since it can only seat about 20 guests.
The Spanish chef, Gonzalez has come up in the field by working in some of the top restaurants in the world. The innovations in his cuisine are well known and his partner in the ownership of Gallery Vask is Calma. Some of the dishes are truly unique like his two options in food. They are a longer version with about 16 plates while there is also a shorter abridged version. Sticky rice in mango is a hot favorite of this gallery.
Terry’s Bistro
Location: G/F BCS Prime Bldg., 2297 Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati City Salcedo Village › Ground Floor, One Lafayette Square, 132 L. P. Leviste Corner Sedeno Street, Salcedo , Makati City
Cuisine: Spanish
This is an old-timer from Makati that has seen much water flow under the bridge; this is another restaurant that provides the authentic food that expatriates from Spain miss while abroad; but, not in Manila.
The ever-changing additions to this restaurant’s dishes are quite well received but the old favorites like tapas and pintxo take the cake by their constant demand. If its Spanish food that you crave in manila, just make a beeline for Terry’s Bistro that offers clients exactly the food they need.
The best quality Spanish dishes are the handiwork of the chef and owner Juan Carlos de Terry; through his Spanish flavors, he keeps the Spanish flag flying high.
The Tasting Room
Location: Crown Towers, Aseana Avenue cor. Roxas Blvd., Parañaque City
Cuisine: Modern European Haute Cuisine
This restaurant is for those homesick European who want to taste the genuine flavors of European food. It was amazing to learn that William Mahi the chef de cuisine imports all those rare herbs and condiments that lend exotic tastes to his dishes which can, at best, be referred to as state of the art.
His deep understanding of various styles and foods of different ethnicities empowers him to come up with the novel dishes that are the reason for his name and fame.
Cru Steakhouse
Location: G/F Manila Marriott Hotel, No. 10 Newport Blvd., Newport City Complex, Pasay
Cuisine: Steaks
It is not very difficult to admit that the mouths of a million gourmands start watering at the very mention of Manila Marriott Hotel’s rare steakhouse; there is no doubt that this simple dish has been so vastly researched, experimented and served that it will match some of the best in the world.
The joy of a well-cooked steak can only be surpassed if it accompanied with a specially hand-picked wine; just walk in, consult your hosts and settle down for an experience which you would come back to again and again, an again.
Believe me friends, in the 16.30 hours of its daily functioning; it spreads the gospel of the steaks convincingly. Whether it is Baked Angus Prime Rib Steak, Macaroni-Truffle, or any other preparation, you are bound to take the taste of a lingering steak home for the whole day.
Whether it is starters, sidings, salty or sweet, you will keep coming back for more. The Fries, Rissottos, Truffles and Grills are just the thing that your taste buds ordered.
Crystal Dragon
Location: UG/F City of Dreams Manila, Crown Towers, Aseana Avenue cor. Roxas Blvd., Parañaque City
Cuisine: Cantonese / Chinese
For all those lovers of the flavors the Chinese (or Cantonese) and presenting some amazing and rare recipes cooked in just the way that traditional chefs and cooks dictated, Crystal Dragon has much higher firepower than most other outlets.
And, even the settings are genuinely authentic though this is a genuine Chinese joint in the City of Dreams, Manila; transports you to the land of the through its awesome flavors.
Umrao Singh Umraoz.wordpress.com
Written for: Lars-Magnus Carlsson www.thephilippinepride.com
