Where to Eat in Manila

The funny thing about Manila is that I truly appreciated its cuisine and food offering when I traveled a bit this second half of the year. Blame it on a big appetite or just really curious taste buds, really, but I think Manila's got game when it comes to variety and culinary quality. I am by no means, a food blogger, or a food writer and I recognize how hard it is to be one.

As a confessed picky eater, I am not fan of anywhere that requires lining up or filled with massive groups of people, so I guess that's my considerations when it comes to food.

I am not usually in the mood to talk about my favorite restaurants but since my big boss at work and a friend from Amsterdam asked for some recommendations, especially they're new in the city, I'm compiling my favorites. These are my top restaurants, but feel free to jump in and suggest!

Duck & Buvette, 2/F Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City | (02) 631-0675
I've rhapsodized about D&B for a long time now and if you ever have a craving for maple candied bacon, the best duck confit in town, and truffled roasted cauliflower.
This is a good place to go to if you don't mind coming to the Shangri La Mall, which is my second top mall in the PH. My first is Powerplant Center.
Poco Deli, 21 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig, (02) 477-4332. I had a massive craving for bacon slab and rice with egg and Poco Deli, in its simplicity, is the best place to go for that. I especially loved the truffled pasta dish and the homemade gorgonzola ice cream. I took home a cup of red velvet ice cream, too!
Shrimp Bucket, Ground Floor, Grand Hamptons Tower 1, 31st Street, corner 2nd Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, (02) 550 2898
My first meal at Shrimp Bucket was actually not shrimps, but pan seared fish in soy ginger. Recently, I went to the UP Town Center branch and had a taste of the salted egg shrimps. OH MY. SARAP!
Alqueria, Mega Fashion Hall, Megamall. Best Spanish resto according to my Amsterdam-based cousin and I agree! Sarap their gambas, sangria and not too many people when I was there.
Your Local, Esteban St, Makati City. What I loved so much was Your Local's minimalist, well-curated design. It was far from tacky, which Manila has a lot of. It reminded me of my other favorite restaurant, Wildflour, at BGC, which had wooden interiors and typewritten menus. While I am in no foodie, Your Local's short, well chosen menu is much appreciated in a world of too many choices. So I chose pomelo salad and salmon donburi. YUM!
Wildflour, Net Lima, Bonifacio Global City. It used to be my go to lunch place when I'm feeling extra special, back that time I worked at Sun Life. I loved their mimosas, their kimchi rice, the steak, the breads. I don't think one can order anything bad from this restaurant!
Las Flores, G/F One Mckinley Place, 25th St., Bonifacio Global City (In front of Pacific Plaza). Also one of my go-to restaurants if I have visitors, even now that I'm already in Colgate. Love, love the cocktails, the authentic Spanish vibe, the paella, the fish. Everything :)
Eat Fresh, 691 Jose Abad Santos St., Greenhills, for Chinese street food. Ah, my favorite recent discovery! Be in casual clothes when you come though. Also, there's not a lot of parking slots, here, too!
El Chupacabra for the best Mexican street tacos in town. This one is kinda like a street resto but amazing food, nonetheless.

Where to Go For Filipino Food in Makati, The Fort:

Sarsa, Bonifacio Global City | Modern Filipino food
Sala Bistro, in Greenbelt. For fancy schmancy comfort food dining, come here.
Sentro 1771, Serendra, for the best top Filipino food.
Kabila, Museum Cafe, Greenbelt
Romulo Cafe, Jupiter St., Makati City
Pino, Pipino in Jupiter St.
Wooden Spoon, Powerplant Center
Namnam, Greenbelt, Makati City
Mesa, Greenbelt 5