LIST: Must-visit coffee shops for the next time you head out
One thing's for sure, a good cup of Joe makes everything better. Whether you need a pick-me-up to help you power through the day or a frothy latte to last an afternoon's worth of chika, coffee is a must.
With more cafés opening in the Metro in the past few months, it’s safe to say you won’t run out of choices anytime soon. Some of these spots offer both classic and intriguing takes on the beverage, while others make sure that you come for the drinks and stay for the vibe.
Here are some recently opened cafés to check out on your next coffee run.
Omotesando Koffee
This coffee shop from Japan opened its first Philippine branch at Power Plant Mall in December 2021. They are known for their cube motif, which you could spot on the door’s handle, that square o in the word “koffee,” and the minimalist bar counter, among other design elements.
Take your pick from Omotesando Koffee's hot and iced drinks that range from P150 to P250, and soon, a Japanese coffee house-inspired food menu to go along with your beverage. Their signature Iced Cappucino (P235) is not your usual as they finely blend espresso, milk, and ice, resulting in a rich and creamy drink.
Three Squares Cafe + Bar
Located at The Alley at Karrivin Plaza is Design Story, a furniture shop that’s home to global brands HAY, &Tradition, Stellar Works, and Verpan. Apart from stylish furniture and accessories, you’d find a café-slash-bar right smack in the middle of the store called Three Squares Cafe + Bar.
Get your caffeine fix with their Cafe Con Leche (P180), which has double espresso, condensed milk, farm-fresh milk, and nutmeg; or any of their Iced Shaken drinks like Americano (P100), Latte (P180), and Mocha (P180). If you need more than just coffee, their menu also has pasta, toasts, sandwiches, and desserts.
EST Japanese Bakery & Cafe
This bright and cozy café at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark Garden is from the same folks behind Grand Castella, a Taiwanese shop serving fluffy sponge cakes called castella. You can get these cakes at EST as well as savory toasts and sandos made with their homemade nama shokupan or fluffy Japanese fresh bread. Pair their baked goods with their selection of beverages like Cafe Mocha, Flat White, and Matcha Latte, all priced at P150 each.
Convenience Coffee Shop
Along Apolinario Street in Makati City is a homey café called Convenience Coffee Shop. Here, they encourage guests to “sit down, slow down, drink coffee.”
At the moment, their menu only has seven drinks that range from P100 to 150, among which are Sweet White (P140 hot, P150 iced), a creamy mix of espresso, milk, and condensed milk; and Energy (P140), an iced concoction of cold brew and ion supply beverage. They’re open all days of the week except Tuesdays.
The Coffee Academics
With a name like The Coffee Academics, it’s not surprising that the store encourages guests to approach their baristas and ask away about all things coffee. This chain from Hong Kong offers a variety of coffee and croissants, as well as all-day breakfast and mains.
Don’t miss their Coffee Conette, where you can enjoy Piccolo (P240), Mocha (P250), or Matcha Latte (P275) in a dark-chocolate handmade cone. You can find their branches at High Street South Corporate Plaza, Bonifacio Global City and along Don Carlos Palanca Street in Legazpi Village, Makati.