Go Gastronomic at these New Food Stops in Manila!

We Filipinos are admired for our notable desire and passion for food. From the streets to the finest restaurants, we always find ourselves excited and drooling over all sorts of food—as if each of them is a gourmet meal. It’s safe to say that this love for food is one of the reasons why we are named as one of the happiest people in the world. We find not only comfort but also great happiness in eating; it is a form of therapy for most of us.

With that in mind, we collated a list of new restaurants in Metro Manila to look out for in case you go out with a growling tummy and want to find a fresh place for a happy food remedy.

This new restaurant in Ortigas brings the taste of Jamaican cuisine to Manila for the first time. Wagga Wagga is serving the latest international flavor to break the usual taste and aroma the Filipinos got used to.

While being family friendly, the resto can also be the new favorite hangout place for yuppies after a tiring day’s work because they serve a wide selection of liquors. Here’s another tip: they bottle-keep, which means they can store your unfinished bottle under your name and allow you to claim it when you get back next time.

Location: Meralco Commercial Complex, 88 Meralco Ave. cor. Julia Vargas Ortigas, Pasig City

Opening Hours: Mon – Thu, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Fri, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Sat, 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM | Sun, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Note: Wagga Wagga in Ortigas has closed since June 30, 2016 and will transfer to a new location soon. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Venice Piazza in Taguig welcomes a new restaurant to be among those that surround their latest attraction, the Venice Grand Canal. Rice & Dough just opened on March 8, and started offering the best (that’s their claim!) sushi and pizza that will satisfy everyone who craves for proteins and carbohydrates.

You can do-it-yourself (DIY) your pizza or sushi and name it as you please for PhP495. Another dish you might want to try is their World War Roll, which is served on a flaming bowl. This costs PhP399 per serving.

Location: Venice Grand Canal, Taguig City, Philippines

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

We all love hot chicks, don’t we? A new restaurant in UP Town Center serves chicken and other favorites that will tickle our taste buds.

Chicken is ubiquitous in this place, but Lucky Chick serve munchies and salads as well. Although they have pork and beef alternatives to chicken, they would like to be prominent in serving quality chicken. What’s exciting about this restaurant is you don’t need to save the best for last. Yes, we are referring to chicken skin! They are serving thin strips of crispy chicken skin for PhP 120.

Location: UP Town Center, Katipunan, Quezon City

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Did you know that Japan can be an hour’s drive away from your home? We are talking about Ichiba Japanese Market which opened in Pasay City early this year. They make the Japanese farm-to-table dining experience possible for the first time in the country. Ramen, tempura, karaage, takoyaki, yakitori, and more Japanese foods are being grilled and served sizzling hot to customers.

Location: 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM to 12:00AM | Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Café Enye serves Spanish flavors in the busy sphere of Eastwood. They are known for serving dishes in large portions of brunch meals, from pasta to steak. Aside from that, they have a bar that has a wide selection of beverages. Their creatively furnished interior can also make the customers come back for more. They are open until 11:45 PM.

Location: G/F Excelsior Building, Eastwood Avenue, Libis Quezon City

Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM

This new addition to Tasteless Restaurant Group flaunts super chicken sandwich on their entire menu. Those who are looking for a quick lunch can go to FowlBread to satisfy their cravings. Gyoza and garlic noodles are served as well. Their craft beers and cocktails are a perfect complement to umami chicken.

Location: Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig, City

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Caring is sharing. That is the motto of this new dining place in Jupiter Street in Makati. Cuore is an Italian word meaning “heart,” which, according to the owners, is a perfect description of this place because everything they serve comes with love.

Guests can be fascinated while choosing what to eat because of their wittily named menu items, like Love Me Tender for a grilled chicken dish and Cry Me A River for smoked salmon panini he restaurant serves appetizers, main courses, desserts, and refreshments, among others. They also hold music events and art exhibits occasionally.

Location: 1-C Valdelcon Building, #20 Jupiter Street, Bgy. Bel-Air, 1209 Makati, Philippines

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM

A new branch of Saint Marc Café has recently opened in Robinsons Place Manila. The restaurant is popular for serving desserts and coffee. One all-time favorite is the Tochiotome Chococro, a croissant filled with chocolate and strawberry inside. Worthy to mention that they are the very first to bring Chococro in Manila in 2014.

Location: G/F Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays , 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Art-inspired activities are getting all the hype these days. Mosaic by the Creek, a new restaurant in Marikina, can be an ideal bonding place for family and friends because they offer mosaic workshops. Guests can craft their masterpiece while satiating their appetite with a serving of Mosaic’s specialty dishes. The workshop fee costs PhP880 for the materials. One of their staff will give basic instructions and then let the guests work on their mosaic.

Location: 22 Major Dizon St., Marikina City

Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays,, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM

The South is truly a haven for foodies. Those who are up for a gastronomic adventure can now visit Bread and Botany in Parañaque. The name of the restaurant may sound veggie-themed, but it is actually a sandwich shop. Their menu is composed of otherwise common sandwiches, all crafted with a twist. Aside from sandwiches, they also have burgers, pasta, and desserts—not necessarily garnished with herbs.

Location: 2/F The Prime Building, 115 Aguirre Avenue, Parañaque City

Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM