What does Metropolitan Manila have to offer?
The best realities
Best Restaurants and Diverse Nightlife
From sunrise to sunset, Manila’s metropolis pulsates with excitement. It stands as the heart of the nation, throbbing with life. Thousands of tourists flood its lively and bustling streets each year, and some choose to return again and again. There are even those who decide to stay here permanently and refer to it as the gem in the heart of Southeast Asia.
This is how we welcomed the new year in the Philippines – amazing!!
The Metropolitan Manila, commonly referred to as Manila, encompasses not only the country’s capital city but also several other cities. It is divided into four districts: the Capital District which is Manila itself, the Eastern District of Manila including Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, CAMANAVA District, an acronym for the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, and the Southern District which includes Las Pinas, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Muntinlupa, Pasay, and Paranaque.
So, what can you find on this side of the Metropolitan? Well, as the title suggests, excellent realities, diverse cuisine, and vibrant nightlife await you.
Shopping complexes
As one of Asia’s shopping havens, the shopping centers in the Metropolitan area can easily compete with those of its neighbor, Hong Kong. For those seeking a variety and abundance of shopping options, Manila is undoubtedly one of the best places for shopping around the globe. Hard-core bargain hunters like yourselves, put on some lightweight clothing, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, and let’s go shopping!
Map and location of the mall
Glorietta – This popular shopping complex is a wholesale area that offers both local and international brands. With over 500 stores, it is located in a spacious and accessible area in the heart of Makati. Its massive central activity area is characterized by special events and exhibitions, ranging from high-fashion shows and concerts to bazaars with branches like SM Makati, MRT, and Landmark.
Greenbelt – Looking for luxury brand stores like Lacoste, Nine West, and Hermes in Makati? You don’t need to look far – the malls of Greenbelt are the answer. The mall complex includes five interconnected malls that serve the wealthier residents (and visitors) of Manila. Located in Ayala Center, it features an impressive variety of boutiques and high-end stores, from the newest international brands to popular local designers.
Map and Location of the Mall
The Greenhills Shopping Center (GREENHILLS) is located in the city of San Juan. This shopping complex boasts over a thousand stores and stalls and attracts a fairly respectable number of bargain hunters. For those who are not brave enough to navigate the bustling streets of Divisoria in Manila, where cheap products clutter the streets, the GREENHILLS shopping center offers a significant portion of the bazaar within Central Plaza. At V-Mall, you can find computer stores and other specialty shops. The Lifestyle Center is dedicated to sports products and furniture stores, and in the Bridgeway stores, you can find gadgets at ridiculously low prices.
Map and location of the mall
Lucky Chinatown is a luxurious shopping center that may not seem related to the Divisoria area, but don’t worry; they simply transformed Building B to showcase a variety of affordable products for wholesale and retail. Lucky Chinatown simply makes your shopping adventure easier and allows you to purchase luxury and affordable items all in one place.
Map and location of the mall
Market! Market! – Shopaholics are drawn to the convenience of shopping in original and external malls. The outer part of the market includes fresh produce, plants, and flowers. There is also a fast-food center for hungry shoppers. For those who enjoy shopping through windows or need to buy specific items, head to the central and integrated mall.
SM Malls – These massive malls live up to their slogan, “We’ve got it all for you!” Two of the most famous branches are Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City and Megamall in Mandaluyong City, both of which have earned their place among the largest shopping centers in Asia. These two centers redefine the shopping experience by offering a variety of family leisure activities. With a wide range of different attractions for all ages, Mall of Asia has become a tourist destination.
If you’re looking for convenience and fixed prices, you can’t go wrong or get confused. There’s no need for special bargaining skills in these places. All prices are fixed. These enormous shopping centers are virtually located in every part of the metropolitan area and beyond, offering everything you would find in a mall, from children’s clothing, women’s bags and shoes to the latest gadgets and simple jewelry. These colossal structures essentially provide buyers with everything they want or need under one roof, all at relatively reasonable prices.
Map and location of the mall
TIENDESITAS in Pasig – Located in the open air, it serves as the hub for all local and quality products. Owned by the same company that owns GREENHILLS, it houses a variety of sales stalls and shops similar to those found in GREENHILLS and DIVISORIA but under a “local” roof. It was established to cater to the higher-end market in Manila, but to everyone’s surprise, the prices are reasonable. The structure of the stalls closely resembles traditional Filipino huts but with modern comfort.
Map and location of the mall
168 Mall – Located in Divisoria, a true treasure trove for everything you need and don’t really need but buy anyway, all at incredibly low prices. This wholesale and retail shopping center is a must-visit, especially for bargain hunters whose haggling skills will be put to the test here. The best time to go is in the morning when the shops are just opening. By midday, you’ll know it’s time to leave with your overflowing shopping bags, depending on how crowded it gets.
Restaurant Recommendations
One great advantage of staying in Metropolitan Manila is the proximity to food outlets – whether it’s shared fast food stalls or local restaurants serving home-cooked meals. But if you’re tired of the usual KFC chicken and want to explore less adventurous street food stalls, you can find several restaurants here that we’ve gathered for you, which will surely delight your taste buds.
Be sophisticated and treat yourself properly…
Isabelo Restaurant:
Address: 11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina City.
The restaurant offers delightful dishes from the excellent Italian cuisine. The owner and chef, Portia Baluyot, have transformed the family-owned place into a rustic garden restaurant. The restaurant specializes in meat dishes, including wood-fired oven-roasted pigeon, grilled pork, and a beef Bourguignon. The young chef can prepare a complete meal, including her refreshing and unique dessert, a sorbet. As befitting a restaurant of its kind, it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance.
Van Gogh Is Bipolar:
Address: 154 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City.
As someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder like the artist Van Gogh, the owner of the restaurant, Jetro Rafael, sought a remedy for his mental condition. After discovering specific foods that improved his mental well-being, he began working on his ideas and culinary experiments. Thanks to his friends who encouraged him to share this type of diet with the public, the Van Gogh Is Bipolar restaurant was established. In the evening, his home turns into a restaurant full of character in the style of the past. Just like the owner, the dishes served here are named after famous individuals who were diagnosed as bipolar. Among them are Eggs Excel Rose, Larry Flint’s Cabbage Crisis (salads), Jim Carrey’s Sardines in Organic Rice, President Clinton’s Lamb Chops on the Scale, and Mel Gibson’s Dark Sin (beverages).
Cupcakes by Sonja’s
Address: First level Serendra Piazza, 11th Avenue, Taguig City.
As someone who started the cupcake craze a few years ago, it seems that Sonja Ocampo hasn’t stopped for a moment. She has already opened her second branch at Glorietta 2 in Makati. In addition to a variety of cupcakes with different flavors, Sonja also offers delightful desserts such as chocolate chip cookies, various types of pies, and snacks.
Spiral Buffet Restaurant –
Address: Sofitel Pasay City
A buffet restaurant that has much to be proud of, this restaurant features 21 stations – stalls that specialize in serving various dishes. Behind each stall stands a chef who interacts with the diners and informs them about the day’s offerings. The restaurant sets a very high standard for the buffet dining experience.
Tito Chef
Address: Adelfa Street, President’s Avenue BF Homes, Paranaque City
A restaurant that locals highly recommend, located in the southern district of the metropolitan area. It serves international dishes that you must definitely try.
Pipino Vegetarian Food –
Address: 38 Jupiter Street Makati City Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, this restaurant offers a perfect meal filled with delicious meatless options. The variety of healthy food extends to the desserts offered by the restaurant, all of which are egg-free and dairy-free. A range of cupcakes and cookies for vegans in various flavors is displayed next to the service counter, ready for your selection. And, above all, they also serve homemade ice cream!
Even on a limited budget (perhaps after a shopping spree), you can still dine at the following restaurants…
Pan de Amerikana – Address: 92 General Ordonez Street corner Maroon Street Marikina Heights, Marikina City
A small bakery known for its giant and delicious wheat bread and ensaymadas.
Charlie’s Grind and Grill – Address: Along Kapitolyo, Pasig
Thick and flavorful burgers, no need to say more.
Dek A Thai – Address: 5955 corner Fermina and Enriquez Streets Kalayaan Avenue Poblacion Makati City
Owned by a Filipina mother and Thai father, nicknamed “Peb,” with two branches in Makati. Primarily serving office workers in the area and residents of the central business district, this restaurant brings its ingredients directly from Thailand and, with a Thai chef, it couldn’t be more authentic.
Image credit: http://mojackosworld.blogspot.com
Sieg’s Diner
Address: Dona Soledad Avenue, Better Living Paranaque
Offering a selection of Western and Asian dishes, Sieg offers its guests an enjoyable meal at reasonable prices. It’s a family-friendly place, bustling mainly on weekends, so it’s advisable to visit during the week.
Le Ching Teahouse
Address: Greenhills Shopping Center
Offers authentic Chinese dishes in the ambiance of Manila’s old town.
Bars/Clubs
As soon as the sun sets, the city invites you to go out and celebrate the night as if it were 1999, or simply enjoy a drink or two in an intimate atmosphere. You can indulge in a choice from the variety of bars and entertainment venues offered to you!
URBN MAKATI
Address: 11th Floor, 7842 Makati Ave, Poblacion, Makati
URBN Makati is a recently opened establishment, swiftly establishing itself as a must-visit clubbing destination and earning recognition as the metro’s most prominent club. It’s the go-to spot for individuals who appreciate excellent cuisine, music, dancing, star-studded events, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Their original location can be found at 62 Timog Avenue in Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City.
Hard Rock Café
Address: Levels 3 and 4 Glorietta 3 Ayala Center, Makati
An American restaurant that is a safe choice for those looking for good music, large portions, and a good selection of wines.
Pasig City
12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub
Address: Estancia Mall Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig
It is known for hosting live music performances by iconic local artists. The venue has gained a reputation for being a great place to enjoy live music, whether it’s rock, pop, jazz, or other genres. It also provides a well-rounded experience for visitors. A bustling restaurant with a variety of signature drinks, cocktails, and pica-pica (finger food) can add to the overall enjoyment of the venue.
If you’re a fan of live music and are in the Philippines, 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub is certainly worth checking out for a memorable night of music and fun.
70’s Bistro
Address: 46 Anonas Street Project 2, Quezon City
The virtual fortress of Filipino folk/rock music for decades, it can be compared to CBGB in New York or the legendary Blackhawk Bar. This bar hosts a diverse and eclectic music scene of folk, rock, reggae, and alternative, a gathering place for the bohemian (and rockers) scene when they want to enjoy the sounds of local legends like Noel Cabangon, Lolita Carbon, Asin, Cooky Chua, and others in a more intimate atmosphere.
Taguig area
Xylo at the Palace
Address: Uptown, 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila
Xylo holds the coveted position as the #1 premier nightclub in the Philippines, having hosted internationally acclaimed DJs and the finest local talents on its decks. With ultra-exclusive VIP bottle service, live performers, and cutting-edge lighting and sound systems, Xylo offers a clubbing experience that rivals the world’s best.
Xylo welcomes guests from Wednesday to Saturday, starting at 10 pm.
Israeli restaurant in Manila
Chabad House - Kosher restaurant in Manila.
Chabad House in Makati welcomes you with a smile, friendly conversation, and excellent food. The restaurant at Chabad House is open all day and offers free meals on weekends (Friday and Saturday).
This is the Facebook page of Chabad House – click on the image to visit the page.
To visit the Chabad House website, go to http://www.chabad.ph/.
To Chabad House, there are several branches in the Philippines.
Manila, Subic , Clark, El Nido, Boracay, Siargao.
Recommended Italian restaurants.
L’OPERA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
The Fort Entertainment complex, 26th st. corner 7th Ave, Bonifacio Global city. Taguig city.
CAFFE PUCCINI
Unit 12, The fort Strip 28th st., cor. 7th ave., Bonifacio Global city. Taguig city.
Serendra shopping center, between 11th ave., and Mckinley Parking, Taguig city.
Recommended Day Tours
Recommended hotels in Manila
