LIST: 5 places where you can eat alone comfortably in Metro Manila
Fellow introvert foodies, unite!
Dining with the crowd can be tiring, especially when you love having your alone time. But don’t get it wrong. Eating out alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It's perfectly fine to give yourself the time and care you deserve by doing things on your own.
So go ahead, King/Queen, and spend your hard-earned money on the restaurant of your choice, without having to consult anyone else before deciding where to eat.
Here are five restaurants where you can eat alone in relative peace and comfort and where you won't find yourself awkwardly at a stranger across the room.
Bad Café
If it's 'bad,' then why is it so good?
Contrary to its name, Bad Café was built through a blossomed passion and love for coffee by couple Brian and Dianne. The term "Bad" stands for both of their names.
The place has a lot of options when it comes to eating alone. Do you prefer sitting in front of the window watching the busy street? Or in front of your barista? Plus, did I mention that it is also a pet-friendly cafe? If you prefer having alone time with your fur babies, this café is perfect for you.
Bad Café is famous for its brunch meals, coffee, and unique but tasty desserts.
For the price of P130, you can get their Espresso (double shot) or Americano. Other bestsellers include their Affogato (Espresso with Ice cream) or their Homemade Cola (Soda made with orange, lemon, and cinnamon) for only P190.
Packed with ham, eggs, and cheese, on a homemade pretzel bun, their Breakfast Sandwich is perfect for breakfast/Brunch for only P 240. If you crave something unique, try their Calamansi Pie for only P200.
163 Legazpi St (Windsor Tower, GF) Legazpi Village, Makati . Open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Daily
Ramen Shokudo
Craving for comfort food on a rainy day? Experience authentic Japanese dining without leaving the country.
Most Japanese restaurants are naturally perfect for people who want to eat alone. Japanese restos often have a long counter or bar with multiple chairs facing only one person, the chef. You can admire your chef's cooking skills and eat your food in silence (without having to share food with anyone) at this resto.
For those in a rush, you can also get a Bento Box on the go, perfect for your lunch break, with a minimum of P500 for delivery.
Ramen Shokudo's most famous meal includes Chicken Karaage for P275, Katsudon for P329, and a wide variety of Toriton Ramen. Such as Shoyu for 380, Miso for P400, Shio for P380, and Tan Tan Mien for P400. The resto often has great deals and promos, so check out their social media accounts!
Ramen Shokudo. 401 Banawe Ave 1114 Quezon City. Open from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm (Monday to Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday), 10:00 am to 8:30 pm (Friday)
Gubat QC
Why talk to people when you can just be one with nature?
Gubat QC proudly presents their "Pagkaing Gubat" in a charming garden restaurant where you can enjoy eating surrounded by greenery. Since the place is small and hidden, you won't mind dining here alone. You'll also appreciate the secluded set-up if you're a messy eater, as meals here are served kamayan style, with no utensils.
This zero-waste gem offers authentic Filipino food such as Lechon Kawali for P230, Beef Tinapa for P175, Tuyo for P115, and much more. They also serve Ala Carte meals suitable for 1-2 people with their Dinakdakan meal for P210 and merienda meals.
They also a variety of desserts but they encourage their customers to ask what they are available for that day. You can also find a unique Dragonfruit craft beer being served here.
Nothing beats quality alone time with nature, and good food.
Gubat QC. Diliman Bonsai Society, CP Garcia, Diliman, Quezon City. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Tetsuo
Who says being alone means you can't party or have a great time?
Take yourself on a date and go to either of the branches of Tetsuo in Loyola Heights or Poblacion. While Tetsuo is best known for its fried chicken, you can't judge a restaurant by its menu alone.
Tetsuo's dimly lit interiors, neon light sign, and vibe with a skateboard on the wall, and at one branch, a DJ booth, is made for low-key solo dining sessions.
Since Tetsuo is a Japanese-inspired restaurant, guests can also sit at a counter or long table and enjoy meals in relative privacy.
Their most popular dish includes Karaage and Rice for P152, Torched Salmon Bowl for P256, Karaage +Soba for 232, Hot Chicken for P224, and more. Feel the vibes the place, and catch up on your emails and social media updates while waiting for your food to be served.
Tetsuo. 88 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Mondays to Sunday). 8483 Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Mondays to Sunday)
Hapag Private Dining
Want to take yourself out to a fancy dinner to celebrate a special occasion? Well, the Hapag Team has got you covered!
The team under Hapag aims to "the world table the Filipino cuisine; to bring honor to our land by using local produce that lives and grows in our mountains, jungles & seas."
Hapag envisions bringing and producing a fusion of modern, traditional, and cultural food from their well thought menus.
They have an eight-course tasting menu for P3,000 per person (VAT inclusive + P 1,400 person for beverage pairing) that includes Pen de Kalinga, Sinuglaw, Oyster Bonete, Laing stones, and others. They also offer different beverages, ranging from wines, beer, lambanog, vodka, and more.
Of course, this is not your typical everyday restaurant, but it's always nice to treat yourself once in a while.
Hapag Private Dining. 201 Katipunan Avenue, Project 4, Quezon City. Open from 1:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) take-away, 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (Thursday to Sunday) Dine-In. Lines open from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.