2/14/2019 Update: Manila’s Most Romantic Restaurants: Valentine’s Edition 2019!
Most couples decide where to go on a romantic date based on:
- LOCATION. Whatever is most convenient to both and how much travel time is needed.
This blog post showcases the Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the North in the following areas: Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina, Antipolo and Pampanga. - TYPE OF AMBIANCE. This could be private dining, intimate, garden restaurant, far away from everyone, or a surprise getaway.
- CUISINE. The most romantic cuisines are usually French, Italian, European, Continental, and Filipino. Make sure there are options for vegetarian and healthy options in the menu.
- BUDGET. For a typical romantic date, you’ll spend anywhere from P1,000 to P3,000/head–depends on what base you are in. Ask ahead if the restaurant accepts credit cards.
Here are the Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the North (as featured in Northern Eats 2013):
Related Blog Posts:
1. LOLO DAD’S. Continental | Manila
Note: This restaurant is now closed 🙁
LOLO DAD’S
The best fine dining degustation restaurant in Manila!
899 President Quirino Avenue cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila
Telephone: +632 522-2941, +632 526-7151, +632 524-2295
Website: http://www.lolodadscafe.com/
Facebook: Lolo Dad’s Cafe, Malate
Operating Hours:
Monday: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Tue – Sat: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Note: Credit Cards Accepted.
2. LA COCINA DE TITA MONING. Spanish/ Filipino | Manila
LA COCINA DE TITA MONING
It’s the pioneer in by-reservation-only private dining experience by Suzette Montinola set in Old Manila charm.
We require reservations only because we want everything to be perfect for you.
Address: # 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel District, Manila
Telephone Number: +632 7342146, +632 7342141
Mobile Number (from Overseas): +63 917 – 538-3490 look for Suzette Montinola
Mobile Number (from Manila): +63 917 – 531-5203
Email address: talktous@lacocinadetitamoning.com, lacocina@pldtdsl.net
Website: http://www.lacocinadetitamoning.com
Facebook: La Cocina de Tita Moning
Note: All lunches and Dinners are strictly by reservation. Credit Cards Accepted.
Related Blog Post: A memorable dinner @ La Cocina de Tita Moning
3. VIEUX CHALET. Swiss/ European | Antipolo
VIEUX CHALET
Swiss-inspired Romantic Dining on a hill in Antipolo by Susan Hassig with an awesome view of Manila at night.
Address: Taktak Road, Antipolo City
Telephone: +632 697-0396,
Mobile: +63 917 856-5175
Email: srhassig@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.vieuxchaletswissrestaurant.com
Facebook: Vieux Chalet
Note: Accepts Cash
Driving Directions:
Go up to Antipolo via the Sumulong Highway and you have to drive way past the Padi’s point and Cloud 9 (you’re just half way through the Sumulong highway). Your first landmark is the banker’s subdivision on your right where after seeing it, you need to turn right on the first intersection after Banker’s. Go along the road and you need to turn right to Villa Christina/ Mari Arcway. This is a narrow street so don’t be surprised. You should start to see signs of Vieux Chalet, if not just go straight and there will be a sign that would show you to go up a steep hill. You should be able to see Vieux Chalet or St. Moritz Cottage on your left.
Related Blog Post: Are you a Vieux Chalet virgin?
4. IL PICCINO TRATTORIA. Italian | San Juan
IL PICCINO TRATTORIA
Italian-inspired Home-Cooked Private Dining by Chef Natalia Moran.
Address: 162 Alfonso XIII Street, San Juan City, 1500
Telephone: +632 964-8034
Mobile: +63 917 829-1900
Email: gruppoilpiccino@gmail.com
Facebook: Gruppo Il Piccino
Operating hours: By Reservation Only
Related Blog Post: IL PICCINO TRATTORIA Valentine 🙂
5. LEMURIA. Continental/ Mediterranean | San Juan
LEMURIA
European Gourmet Fine Dining with an extensive Wine Collection by Klaus and Kitt Shroeder.
Address: 5 Julieta Circle, Horseshoe Village Quezon City
Telephone Numbers: +632 724-5211 +632 722-2185
Operating Hours:
LUNCH By exclusive booking only
DINNER Tuesday-Sunday 6:00 pm-11:00 pm
Reservations strongly recommended
E-Mail Address: lemuria@brumms.com.ph
Website: http://www.lemuria.com.ph, http://www.brumms.com.ph
Facebook: Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant
Note: Credit Cards Accepted
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Related Blog Post: Lemuria’s Mystic – a Romantic Restaurant in the Metro
6. BRASSERIE CICOU. French Bistro | San Juan
BRASSERIE CICOU
Homey French Bistro by Chef Cyrille Soenen.
57 Annapolis St. Greenhills, San Juan
(Beside Istituto Culinario and Montessori School)
Telephone: +632 661-9200
Mobile: +63 917 885-8841
Operating Hours:
Tuesday Dinner: 3.00 pm-10.00 pm
Wednesday to Saturday: 12.00 nn to 10.00 pm
Sunday, Brunch to Dinner: 10.30am to 10.00pm
Website: http://restaurantcicou.wordpress.com/
Related Blog Post: BRASSERIE CICOU: Best Family-Friendly French Bistro in Manila!
7. NINYO. Fusion Cuisine | Quezon City
NINYO
Romantic Dining set in an ancestral home of Chef Nino Laus.
66 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City,
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Telephone: +632 426-0301
Mobile: +63 917 530-2580
Website: http://www.ninyo.ph
Facebook: NINYO Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge
Related Blog Post: Sa In Yo and In Yo Turns 1!
8. CAFE JUANITA. Filipino | Pasig City
CAFE JUANITA
Eclectically Romantic Filipino Dining created by Doc. Vasquez
Address: No.2 United Street corner West Capitol Street, Brgy Kapitolyo, Pasig.
Telephone Number: +632 632-0357
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Related Blog Posts:
9. CHEF BAMBI’S DAMASO RESIDENCIA. Private Dining | San Juan
CHEF BAMBI SY GOBIO’S DAMASO RESIDENCIA
Private Dining at Chef Bambi Sy Gobio’s Swiss Chalet Home in Greenhills.
Address: 311 Ortigas Avenue, Swiss Chalet House
Second to the last house before Connecticut.
Red Roof, Green Shutters, Brown Gate, Parking Inside.
Mobile: +63 917 848-0620
Telephone: +632 502-0106
Email: damaso@skybroadband.com.ph
Operating Hours: By Reservation Only
Related Blog Post: Chef Bambi Sy Gobio’s Private Thanksgiving Dinner @ Damaso Residencia 🙂
10. ISABELO. Italian | Marikina
ISABELO GARDEN RESTAURANT
A rustic Italian private garden restaurant by Portia Baluyut in Marikina.
Address: #11 Isabelo Mendoza St. San Roque, Marikina City
Telephone: +632 510-6914
Mobile: +63 917 814-6824
Website: www.IsabeloGarden.com | Isabelo Facebook Page
Facebook: Isabelo Garden Restaurant
Email: isabelogardenrestaurant@gmail.com
Operating Hours: Open from 6pm onwards / Monday – Sunday Dinner by RESERVATION ONLY. Strictly NO WALK-INS.
Note: Cash Only
Driving Directions: You need to get lost to discover the place. 🙂 Once your dinner reservation is confirmed, Portia will send you the map (but we still got lost since we’re not familiar with Marikina.)
Related Blog Post: Isabelo, Marikina’s Secret Restaurant
11. MAIMEE’S GARDEN CAFE. Private Dining | San Juan
Note: This restaurant is now closed 🙁
MAIMEE’S GARDEN CAFE
A homey private dining at Maimee’s Garden in San Juan.
Address: 20 E. Jacinto St., Little Baguio, San Juan, 1500 Manila
Email: maimeesgardencafe@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 917 500-6208 (Mayette Clemente, M.D.)
Telephone: +632 724-1538, 579-1788
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maimeesgardencafe
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursdays: 11.00am – 2.00pm and 5.00pm – 9.00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11.00am – 2.00pm and 5.00pm – 11.00pm
Sunday: 11.00am – 2.00pm and 5.00pm – 9.00pm
Monday: Closed.
Note: Cash Only.
Driving Directions:
From Greenhills Shopping Center, drive along Wilson St. and turn right into Jose Abad Santos (with Alex III as the landmark). After three blocks, turn right into V. Ibanez St. (after Ristras and Little Store). Turn right into E. Jacinto (which is the second corner after Barasoain St.).
Related Blog Post: Maimee’s Garden Cafe: Little Baguio’s Little Secret
12. BELLINI’S. Italian | Cubao eXpo
BELLINI’S
A quaint Italian Restaurant offers authentic yet affordable Italian cuisine by Roberto Bellini.
Address: Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao Quezon City, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Telephone: +632 913-2550
Facebook: Bellini’s Italian Restaurant
Note: Credit Card Accepted
Related Blog Post: Bellini’s, 10 Years After…
13. 14 FOUR CAFE. Filipino/ Continental | Taytay, Rizal
14 FOUR CAFE
Home Private Cafe by Niki Sambili beside a furniture showroom in Taytay, Rizal.
Address: 144 Magnolia Lane, Gregoria Heights Subdivision, Bgy San Isidro 1920 Taytay, Rizal
Phone: +63 999 888-0144
Email:info@14fourcafe.com
Website: http://www.14fourcafe.com
Facebook: 14 Four Cafe
Twitter: @14FourCafe
Related Blog Post: 14 FOUR CAFE by Niki Sambile: Taytay’s Secret Cafe
14. CASA ROCES. Filipino/ Spanish | Manila
CASA ROCES
Homey Filipino/Spanish Food served in an Ancestral House near Malacañang Palace.
Address: 1153 JP Laurel cor Aguado St. San Miguel, Manila
(near Malacañang Palace Gate #4) see map
Telephone: +632 735-5896 • +632 488-1929
Email: reservations@casaroces.com
Website: http://www.casaroces.com/
Facebook: CASA ROCES
Operating Hours: Open daily 7.00am to 9.00pm
Note: Credit Cards Accepted.
Related Blog Post: A Casa Roces Birthday
ABOUT NORTHERN EATS
Northern Eats is a restaurant guide based on the recommendations of Our Awesome Planet.
The book features the restaurants that we have discovered and grown to love. These are the restaurants that can serve as the perfect backdrop for special family gatherings, a romantic date with your special someone, or the perfect bonding moments with your friends.
There are three criteria that we followed in coming up with this inaugural list of Southern Eats’ restaurants in Manila:
1. It is not commercialized.
There is magic in knowing that what you are enjoying is not mainstream. These restaurants are typically not based in the hotel or in the mall. It is not a local chain or foreign franchise that expanded around Manila. On certain occasions though, we give in and include the original stores of local restaurants that somehow evolve to be chains as long as they still haven’t lost the magic of what made them stick.
2. It has a unique concept.
The restaurant offers a differentiating concept, which is a combination of good and consistent food, nice ambiance, and friendly service. It may be a hole-in-the-wall, a garden restaurant, a home converted into a private dining, or just a simple place to eat and yet end up being a destination restaurant that foodies can’t stop talking about.
3. It has an inspiring story.
Most of these restaurants have an interesting story to tell. In our dining adventures, we found out that the personality, the story and passion of the owners are usually big factors on how their food comes out. If you dig deeper, you’ll find out that sometimes it isn’t just the menu that keeps people coming back. The “why” of these restaurants can explain why people take that long trip or happily endure the long wait.
>> Browse the inside pages of Northern Eats.
Northern Eats is available in Major Bookstores for P150 each.
Related Blog Posts:
- 2,000th Blog Post: Discover NORTHERN and SOUTHERN EATS!
- SOUTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the South (for Valentines)!
- NORTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the North (For Valentines)!
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Follow @antondiaz and Like our Official Facebook Page: Our Awesome Planet 🙂
If you have tips on awesome food and travel destinations, please email me at anton@diaz.ph.
Full Disclosure: We paid for our meals. I wrote this blog post myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I have no business relationship with any company mentioned in this post or any organization promoting it. As a policy, I don’t receive compensation from food and travel places we feature in the blog.
P.S. Check out the Parallel Blog Post on the Romantic Southern Restaurants.
i want to go to Vieux Chalet, is it near Villa Cristina…wht are their specialties?
great option but may i know which is best place? im looking forward to your response.
@Meleneth – Yes it is near Villa Cristina. I like their pasta and meat dishes.
@Candace – The list is arranged based on our favorites. All of them are the best but with different character.
thanks for share good images with blogs.
Hi! Is this still available in bookstores? If not, where else can I get a copy?
Thanks!
This should still be out in the bookstores. You can ask National and they can check which store do they have stocks of this book.
Anton
this is such a nice read.
I am wondering do you know any restaurant that offers a sweet dance for your love one.
something like dinner with live performer where you can have a first dance with your date.
thanks.
more power..
ive been tracing a restaurant we went to years ago. Its a French restaurant with a French name of course. its in ortigas. Ive been searching in the internet to recall its name. maybe anyone can recall it? please please help