Best-kept (not so secret) secrets - foodie gems!

HA HA.  There is a reason there are no Philippine restaurants in other countries.  Most of the food is not very good.  Those hidden gems must be the only ones in the Philippines.  I have tried many many restaurants throughout the Philippines and gave up.  Nothing is more fun in the Philippines.

Why? Is everything good only in Manila? What about Cebu?
Manila is one large "Dust Bowl".

Perhaps she is only paid to write about Manila restaurants.

Funny thing is that all the restaurants that she list, no Pinoy foods. All international.  If in the Fort, I do like Abe's and Sentro. They are more Pinoy fusion and I think they all belong to the same franchiser. But reasonably priced and good. Try the Lamb adobo at Abes.

Handlebar is not owned by an Aussie. Majority owned by Pinoys.

I wrote about Manila restraunts as my blog was under Manila lesuire.. not paid, sorry buddy just trying to share the good experience. My whole reason for starting to write on this blog was to help others avoid the hits and misses I've had. Cafe Ysabelle isnt intertnational,nor Mom and Tinas -  but yes,my taste does go that way seeing thats the food I enjoy the most Maybe checkout my post on Shopping, you will find plenty about Philippine business there!

arty5987 wrote:

Why? Is everything good only in Manila? What about Cebu?
Manila is one large "Dust Bowl".

Arty perhaps you can share your experiences with us about Cebu?

Maybe her post about Manila is because that's where she is duh

@morefuninthephilippines dont mind these ignorant peepz... they obvioulsy just have nothing better to do than share negativity... I really love cafe Ysabelle it is one fine restaurant which are very hard to find in this country... I think the fact that they have a culinary school there really shows in their foods taste and presentaton. I will also check out the others you have listed... thanks for sharing!

so, aside from smart-arse comments, does anyone else have some favourite places they would like to share?

Abergines in the Fort is one of the best hid secrets for continental. If you love Antonios in Tagaytay, will like Abergines. Only downside is that service is spotty.  Had to ask way too many times for service the last two times.

Also another sad development is Terry's off Chino Roces. Used to be a good tapas place but has gone way off. Maybe location is poor so the food has gone way downhill. Ok for small dishes, but the paella was way burnt and dried out, and they said thats the way it should be served.  The Terrys in Podium is better for meals.

dhnindc wrote:

Abergines in the Fort is one of the best hid secrets for continental. If you love Antonios in Tagaytay, will like Abergines. Only downside is that service is spotty.  Had to ask way too many times for service the last two times.

Also another sad development is Terry's off Chino Roces. Used to be a good tapas place but has gone way off. Maybe location is poor so the food has gone way downhill. Ok for small dishes, but the paella was way burnt and dried out, and they said thats the way it should be served.  The Terrys in Podium is better for meals.

I love Antonios & Abuergines! good picks!

one must love margarine and shortening a lot, to love conti's baked products. and that one is not me.

for fine dining: goose station, aubergine, cav, sala thai: people's palace, japanese: sereina, mexican: chiuaua. chinese: mandarin palace. buffet: 101, casual: shabu shabu, chilli's, texas road house. turkish: argos, greek: me iranian: can't remember name but the one in greenhills. of course good old: bubba gump. for cheap seafood: dampa on macapagal, fancy crabs: red crab, best burgers: malcolm's. make sure to visit the food bazaars, that is where hidden gems are. especially legazpi and salcedo markets.

sorry indeed no local food, because I am not a big admirer. looking forward to hear your suggestions.

I love the buffets in the restaurant and find Buffet 101 to have the best value for money. Yakimix is also nice and a bit cheaper. Ilang-Ilang cafe in Manila hotels has a superb fish buffet on friday, but is expensive. Here is a list [link moderated] of other options.

Go try Vikings. Its a Buffet restaurant. They have different cuisines there, from Chinese,Japanese, Italian etc. Awesome food! You wouldn't be disappointed. They have several branches round the metro. The one that I visited was their branch in Mall of Asia. or if you are looking for a Buffet Restaurant that caters Filipino food try Dad's they have a branch in SM Mega Mall, Glorietta Makati and in Malate. Cheers!

yeah I also heard very good things about vikings. will try soonest.