Happy Independence Day! And this one is quite special since it falls on a Sunday, so you don’t have much of a choice but to celebrate our national freedom.
If you’re about to head out for family lunch in a bit or if you’re thinking about where to have dinner tonight, we suggest these restaurants to serve up the best in our local cuisine. Eating with your hands, not necessary.
Toyo Eatery
As we have mentioned before, Toyo is all about food and culinary technique without hype. Take your pick from their Tasting Menu or the Set Menu and enjoy all your Filipino staples in remixed, remastered goodness.
Toyo Eatery. The Alley at Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. Open from 6 p.m. onwards For reservations, call (0917) 720-8630.
Abe
I remember going to Abe when a friend of mine was showing a foreigner acquaintance around the metro. His verdict of the Binukadkad ng Pla-Pla and Klassik Kare-Kare? Well, let’s just say we gave him a reason to visit Manila again.
Abe. G/F, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6 p.m. to 12 mn. For reservations, call (02) 856-0526.
Mesa
A few Christmases ago, my old office decided to make the party into one catered by Mesa. The long line by the Tinapa Rice and the Bagoong Rice was only matched by the people who didn’t leave the Boneless Cripy Pata alone.
Mesa. G/F, P2 Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call (02) 728 0888.
Locavore
Chef Kel Zaguirre may have long ventured out with his other restaurants like Fat and Empingao but Locavore still remains a hit. A must-visit when in Kapitloyo, the menu boasts of local produce and comfort food dishes you can only find in the Philippines. Try their famous sizzling sinigang.
Locavore. 10 Brixton Street, Pasig City. Open from 5 p.m. to 12 m.n. For reservations, call (02) 632-9600.
Manam
If you love the sound of the words “all-day breakfast” and can’t decide if you’re #TeamAdobo or #TeamSinigang, Manam is the place for you. Be sure to order their array of yummy shakes that come in ube, buko pandan, and more.
Manam. G/F, Net Park Building, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call (02) 332-9290.
Sarsa Kitchen + Bar
Known for its Filipino dishes with a Negrense twist, Sarsa is where you’ll understand that chef JP Anglo truly knows his stuff enough to derserve some TV time.
Sarsa Kitchen + Bar. 109 Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, call (0917) 528-0115.
Kabisera
If you are up for some casual dining and enjoy a beef kare-kare with your beer, this is just the place for you.
Kabisera. G/F, Quadrant B4,716, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, call (02) 856-5545
Balay Dako
Today, it might be a good idea to make that long drive away from the city and main festivities. Find Balay Dako in Tagaytay and you’ll find home in traditional Filipino dishes with their homemade blackened onions.
Balay Dako. Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay, Cavite. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations, call (02) 483-4847.
Photo by RG Medestomas
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