Summer Dining in Manila: 13 Best Restaurants for an Unforgettable Experience

Introduction

Ah, it’s time for summer dining in Manila! The sun is high, the mangoes are ripe, and the city is pulsating with life. This is the ideal season to delve into the dynamic culinary landscape that our cherished city presents. From the lively streets of Makati to the tranquil vistas of Tagaytay, a gastronomic adventure is poised at every corner.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for the next big thing, a balikbayan yearning for a taste of home, or a tourist eager to experience the flavors of the Philippines, this list has got you covered. I’ve handpicked 13 of the best restaurants to dine in this summer, each offering a unique dining experience that’s as exciting and diverse as our archipelago.

From the comforting flavors of Italy at A Mano to the luxurious indulgence of Lusso, the vibrant Thai tasting menus at Benjarong to the innovative Filipino cuisine at Metiz, there’s something for every palate. So, grab your fork and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will take you across the globe, right here in the heart of Manila.

So, ready to beat the heat and dive into some of the best dishes Manila has to offer? Let’s go!

Mecha Uma

Ever had one of those summer days in Manila when you’re craving something extraordinary, something that’ll make your taste buds do the tinikling? Well, that’s when you head to Mecha Uma. This place is a sushi lover’s dream come true. Their sushi omakase is like a summer blockbuster – full of surprises, packed with action, and leaves you wanting more. Each piece of sushi is a work of art, crafted with the precision of a jeepney driver navigating through rush hour traffic. And the quality? It’s as top-notch as the view from the top of the Manila Bay sunset.

So, if you’re looking for a sushi experience that’s as thrilling as a ride on the Pasig River ferry, Mecha Uma is your ticket to sushi heaven.

A Mano

Picture this – it’s a balmy summer evening in Manila, and you’re craving something that screams comfort, but with a dash of la dolce vita. Where do you go? A Mano, of course! This Italian gem in the heart of the city has been my go-to for those nights when only the best handmade pasta will do. And let me tell you, their Neapolitan pizzas are a thing of beauty – fresh from the brick oven, they’re a slice of Naples right here in Manila. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

Their cocktails are as playful as a summer fiesta, and the desserts? They’re the kind of sweet treats that would make even the strictest Lola forget about her diet. So, if you’re looking for a taste of Italy this summer, A Mano is your passport to la bella vita!

Mōdan

Imagine this: it’s a sizzling summer day in Manila, and you’re yearning for a culinary adventure that’s as cool as a halo-halo but as exciting as a jeepney ride through the city. Enter Mōdan, the modern Japanese restaurant that’s been making waves in the local food scene. Here, every dish is a journey through Japan, with unusual pairings that are as surprising as finding a traffic-free EDSA on a Monday morning. And the textures? They’re a symphony in your mouth, each bite more exciting than the last.

The best part? Their communal 12-seater table. It’s the perfect place to gather your barkada for a summer feast. So, if you’re looking for a place to escape the summer heat and dive into a plate of modern Japanese fare, Mōdan is your go-to spot.

Antonio’s

Now, if you’re up for a little road trip, buckle up and head to Tagaytay City. Nestled amidst the cool breeze and stunning views is Antonio’s, a place that’s as close to a fairy tale as you can get without a magic carpet. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a serene summer escape from the hustle and bustle of Manila. Picture a romantic old-world mansion surrounded by picturesque gardens – it’s like stepping into a Filipino telenovela, but with way better food.

The international favorites on the menu are as elegant as the surroundings, making Antonio’s the perfect place for those special summer occasions. And trust me, once you’ve dined under the Tagaytay sky at Antonio’s, your summer dining bar will be set sky-high.

Lusso

Now, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself this summer (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), Lusso is the place to be. This French-Italian gem by chef Margarita Forés is like a luxurious summer villa, offering dishes that are as indulgent as a day at the spa. Imagine savoring fresh truffles that are as earthy and aromatic as the soil after a summer rain, caviar that’s as exquisite as a sunset view from Manila Bay, and foie gras that’s as decadent as a designer baro’t saya.

Lusso is not just a restaurant; it’s a summer treat that’s as delightful and refreshing as a scoop of your favorite sorbetes. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your summer dining, Lusso is your ticket to la dolce vita.

Metiz

Ah, summer in Manila. The sun is shining, the jeepneys are honking, and the craving for something fresh and exciting is as palpable as the anticipation for the next Pacquiao fight. That’s where Metiz comes in. This culinary hotspot is like the cool sea breeze on a hot summer day – refreshing, invigorating, and oh-so-welcome. Metiz is not just a restaurant; it’s a revolution, turning Filipino food on its head and giving it a fresh spin that’s as thrilling as a ride on the Pasig River ferry.

Using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, chef Stephan Duhesme crafts dishes that are as deeply rooted in our culture as the balete tree, but with a modern twist that’s as unexpected as a sudden downpour in May. So, if you’re looking to explore the innovative side of Filipino cuisine this summer, Metiz is your culinary map. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure that’s as exciting and diverse as our beloved archipelago.

Gallery by Chele

Now, if you’re a food adventurer like me, always on the hunt for something that’s as unique and exciting as a jeepney ride through EDSA during rush hour, then Gallery by Chele is your next stop. This restaurant is like a culinary map of the Philippines, highlighting local ingredients and using global techniques that are as innovative as the jeepney modernization program.

It’s the perfect place to explore the flavors of the Philippines during the summer, offering dishes that are as diverse and vibrant as our beloved archipelago. So, if you’re looking to embark on a gastronomic adventure this summer, Gallery by Chele is your culinary jeepney, ready to take you on a delicious journey.

Toyo Eatery

Now, if there’s one thing we Filipinos know how to do, it’s celebrating our culture – and that includes our food. And when it comes to a place where Filipino culture and cuisine shine brighter than the summer sun, Toyo Eatery is it. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey through our archipelago. With a focus on indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods, each dish is a love letter to our heritage. Imagine enjoying a summer meal that’s as familiar as your Lola’s adobo but presented in a way that’s as exciting and new as the latest teleserye twist.

That’s what you get at Toyo Eatery. So, if you’re looking to celebrate the flavors of the Philippines this summer, make a beeline for Toyo Eatery. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Kazunori

Imagine this: it’s a typical summer day in Manila. The heat is on, and you’re craving something that will transport you to the cool, serene landscapes of Japan. That’s where Kazunori comes in. This Japanese haven is like a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear koi pond amidst the bustling city. From udon that’s as comforting as a Tagaytay breeze, to donburi that’s as satisfying as a well-deserved siesta, and tonkatsu that’s as crisp as a freshly ironed barong, Kazunori has it all.

And let’s not forget the sushi omakase – it’s an exquisite journey through the Land of the Rising Sun, right here in the heart of Manila. So, if you’re looking for a summer escape without leaving the city, Kazunori is your culinary bullet train to Japan.

China Blue by Jereme Leung

Picture this: it’s a balmy summer evening in Manila, and you’re yearning for a culinary journey that’s as exciting as a tricycle ride through the city’s bustling streets. Enter China Blue by Jereme Leung. This place is like a culinary dragon dance, offering creative interpretations of Chinese cuisine that are as vibrant and exciting as the Binondo Chinatown during Chinese New Year.

And the view? It’s a panoramic spectacle of Manila Bay that’s as breathtaking as the sight of hundreds of parols lighting up the night during Simbang Gabi. So, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a summer dinner with a view that’s as stunning as Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s lava walk, China Blue by Jereme Leung is your spot.

Blackbird at The Nielson Tower

Now, if you’re like me and love a bit of history with your meal, then Blackbird at The Nielson Tower is your next stop. This place is like a time machine, whisking you away to a bygone era with its stunning art deco interiors that are as elegant and timeless as the Manila Cathedral. But it’s not just about the aesthetics here. The Asian-European fare is as refined as a well-tailored Barong Tagalog, making it a great place to escape the summer heat.

So, if you’re looking to cool down this summer while enjoying a meal that’s as sophisticated as a night at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Blackbird at The Nielson Tower is your spot. Trust me, it’s a dining experience that’s as memorable as the view from the top of the Mayon Volcano.

Hapag

Ah, summer in the Philippines. The sun is shining, the mangoes are ripe, and the craving for something truly Filipino is as strong as our love for karaoke. That’s where Hapag comes in. This place is like a culinary balikbayan box, offering dishes that begin with a deep understanding of native ingredients and Filipino techniques. Each dish at Hapag is a celebration of our heritage, as comforting as a bowl of Lola’s sinigang on a rainy day, but with a twist that’s as surprising as a sudden summer downpour.

It’s the perfect place to experience Filipino cuisine in all its glory during the summer. So, if you’re looking to satisfy your cravings for homegrown flavors while basking in the summer sun, Hapag is your go-to spot. Trust me, it’s like a fiesta for your taste buds!

Benjarong

Picture this: it’s a sweltering summer day in Manila, and you’re yearning for a culinary escape that’s as refreshing as a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Palawan. That’s where Benjarong comes in. This Thai haven, nestled in the regal Dusit Thani Manila, is like a Songkran festival for your taste buds. Offering vibrant Thai tasting menus that are as colorful and exciting as the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Benjarong is the perfect place to spice up your summer dining.

So, if you’re looking for a refreshing change this summer, Benjarong is your tuk-tuk ride to the Land of Smiles, right here in the heart of Manila.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our culinary journey, it’s clear that summer dining in Manila offers an array of unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of Makati to the serene landscapes of Tagaytay, each restaurant on this list provides a unique taste of the city’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a foodie, a balikbayan, or a tourist, these 13 handpicked restaurants promise a gastronomic adventure that’s as diverse and exciting as the archipelago itself. So, grab your fork, beat the heat, and dive into the best dishes Manila has to offer this summer.

Bon Appétit!