5 best upscale restaurants in the metro that are worth every penny
In its own right, Manila has become one of the biggest culinary destinations in the Philippines.
Aside from its beauty, the Pearl of the Orient has been visited for the endless options it has for dining. While most of their price tags are quite average, there are some upscale restaurants that could make you spend a fortune—and when you do, it’s nice to somehow have the idea that it will be worth every penny.
Below are some of the best upscale restaurants in the oh-so-vibrant PH capital, as recommended by the members of the Best of the Best Manila Facebook group.
Toyo Eatery
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Pasong Tamo Extension (Open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
Talk about upscale dining and Toyo Eatery would easily come to mind. This Filipino restaurant, which was named one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019 and 2021, “plays with elements of Philippine language and heritage, resulting in dishes that are steeped in the country’s identity, marrying familiar local flavors with modern presentations.”
Chef Jordy Navarra usually makes use of traditional cooking methods, with a la carte offerings as well as tasting menus consisting of at least three dishes. Top favorites include Banana Catsup, Bangus + Silog, and Tomato Meringue Amuse-Bouche.
Grace Park
G/F One Rockwell, Rockwell Dr., Makati City (Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
In this culinary innovation by Margarita Fores, Asia’s best female chef in 2016 who has been at the forefront of delicious Italian restaurants in the country, the Filipino chef showcases farmhouse cooking through a variety of dishes with a bounty of flavors and textures.
Grace Park has weekend specials featuring the goodness of Negros Organic Lechon served with rice (P680/P1,260). It can even take on different forms: from sisig (P690) to sinigang (P650) and even sisig tacos (P550).
Among its bestsellers are the Ilonggo Batchoy (P450), Bone In US Prime Rib-Eye (P4,800), and Cubao Soy-Garlic Lambchops (P770).
Hapag
201 Katipunan Avenue, 1800 Quezon City (Open from Thursdays to Sundays, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Nestled along the bustling Katipunan Avenue, Hapag provides a cozy place for foodies who appreciate the warmth of good food and good company.
Just from its name, which translates to dinner table in English, you would get a feel of what it aims to offer: “a modern but culture- and tradition-rich food from well thought of menus.” The Hapag team, consisting of chefs Thirdy Dolatre, Kevin Navda, and Kevin Villarica, celebrates the Filipino cuisine with a ten-course tasting menu priced at P3,800 per head.
Included in the lineup are Pan de Kalinga; snackbox with chicken inasal crackers, champorado at tuyo, keso at kabute tartlet, empanada, and soy caramel kutsinta; kinilaw na malasugi sa pakwan, LuzViMinda, inihaw na sugpo sa miso, uni arroz caldo, and kinaskas for appetizer; binusog na manok, pinasingaw na lapu-lapu, and inihaw na baboy for the main course; tropical fruit salad, buko tart, and choc nut for dessert.
Cirkulo
900 Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, Makati (Open from Mondays to Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Nothing beats a classic restaurant like Cirkulo, which opened back in August 1995 with tapas and sangrias as the menu’s stars. Chef J. Gamboa, who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America, “maintains the Spanish favorites that have given Cirkulo devotees reason to still put the restaurant on top of their dining list.”
Curious about their offerings? Go for their signature dishes on your first visit, such as the Slow-Roasted U.S. Beef Belly with horseradish cream sauce and the Paella Montaña with Portobella mushrooms, whole roasted garlic, truffle oil, and asparagus.
Another suggestion: order the usual tapas and paellas as you can’t go wrong with these hits.
Romulo Café
Tomas Morato, Makati, and Alabang (Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Sandie Squillantini took inspiration from her grandfather, former United Nations secretary-general Carlos P. Romulo, for the establishment of Romulo Café. Alongside her husband Enzo, they decided to fill each branch with photographs of him showing the highlights of his life and his multi-faceted career.
Who are behind its stunning interiors? None other than its owners, restaurateur Yong Nieva and interior designer Ivy Almario.
With the goal of “serving good old-fashioned Filipino food” in mind, each dish is crafted with love and “heaps of nostalgia.” For first-timers, you should try Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, featuring roasted chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, chorizo, and peas. Another bestseller is Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare made of oxtail and tripe stew in a peanut-based sauce that’s best enjoyed with steamed vegetables, bagoong, and rice.
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