It’s February at last, which can mean only one thing: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! The month of love is always a busy one for weddings, but whether you’re getting married, dating a new sweetheart, or celebrating with a long-time partner, February is always a good excuse to celebrate love. We put together some restaurant suggestions for a romantic night out! Since we know how difficult it can be to get around the Metro, we grouped our suggestions by area. You might want to stick to your neighbourhood to avoid traffic (V-Day falls on a FRIDAY this year!) or perhaps make a little trip to somewhere fresh. Either way, we hope this list helps you make your decision, stat!
An elegant space with soft, romantic lighting and a gin bar that could make anyone swoon, M Dining makes the perfect spot for a romantic evening. From the menu, we recommend the beef cheeks!
Address: 3/F, Alegria Alta Building, 2294 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 8810 3565
A Japanese kaiseki located in Makati’s business district, Kyo-To is the place to go if you’re looking for serenity and a feast for both the eyes and the tongue. The chef, Ryohei Kawamoto, was the former Japanese ambassador’s personal chef, so you can expect nothing but the best. Kaiseki is the Japanese version of degustation, so expect a multiple-course menu that changes regularly.
Address: 119 C. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
For Reservations: (+632) 805 7743
Chefs Chele González and Carlos Villaflor are the masterminds behind the food at this chic restaurant in BGC. The plating at Gallery is art in itself, and that’s on top of them serving delicious courses that keep you on your toes. Nothing beats a restaurant that provides the conversation pieces for your date! They do a variety of interesting dishes you will not have heard of before, but a delightful twist that will still be familiar to all in some way is the Adlai Caldo.
Address: 5/F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner, 39th St, Taguig, Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+63) 917 546 1673
A classic in the Metro’s restaurant scene, L’Opera serves the most comforting Italian cuisine in a date-worthy setting. Get the carpaccio. Definitely have a pizza. And of course, get a spaghetti to share with your date for that perfect Lady and the Tramp moment!
Address: The Fort Entertainment Complex 26th cor. 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 888 92784
You absolutely must get a seat at the Chef’s Table in Mecha Uma. There you can watch as the seasonal ingredients are transformed into amazing dishes. While the menu changes often based on said ingredients (flown in from Japan), their dessert menu is pretty reliable. Order the Matcha Lava to end your sweet night. Share it, of course!
Address: G/F RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 25th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+63) 919 084 5537
You probably know the Manila Hotel’s branch of this famous restaurant, but did you know that Cowrie Grill’s Greenhills outpost looks just as lovely? The classic Prawn Thermidor and Baked Alaska are on the menu here, of course.
Address: Promenade Greenhills, Missouri St, San Juan, 1503 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 8463 1993
Tales of Xiu’s honey glazed prime cut char siu have traveled far and wide. It’s something you can’t miss when dining at this upscale Cantonese restaurant.
Address: 115 Connecticut St, San Juan, 1502 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 8650 7189
An old staple of San Juan…in a new location in San Juan! Don’t be surprised if your parents went on dates in Cafe Ysabel–it’s one of the most charming places to share a meal. Hearty, homey food greets you every time. For Valentine’s Day, there are three different set menus to choose from. We’re eyeing the set with Mango Jubilee for dessert. Yum!
Address: 175 M. Paterno St., San Juan
For Reservations: (+632) 8725 5089 or (+63) 995 590 5515
Get the feeling of dining in a hidden paradise at Lemuria, nestled within Horseshoe Village in Quezon City. It’s the perfect date place not only because of the good food, but really in large part because of its quaint look. Warm yellow, beige, and orange walls and printed tiles combine with lush greenery
Address: 5 Julieta Circle, Horseshoe Village, Quezon City, 1112 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 8724 5211
Built inside Chef Nins Laus’ ancestral home, this QC gem of a restaurant has been serving Katipunan couples for a few years now. It’s cozy, classy, and the tasty fusion menu is far from boring. There’s a gazebo in the garden you can have your meal in. Book early and you might just snag it for you and your date!
Address: 66 Esteban Abada St, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 8426 0301
You absolutely cannot go wrong booking the Champagne Room at the Manila Hotel for Valentine’s Day. It’s historic, beautiful, and they serve champagne. Need we say more? Perhaps the one other thing that bears mentioning is that you should definitely consider capping the night off at the Tap Room, Manila Hotel’s bar.
Address: Manila Hotel Lobby, 1 Roxas Boulevard One Rizal Park, Manila, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
For Reservations: (+632) 527 0011 loc. 1300
Raved for its authentic Latin flavors and great ambiance, Waterside at Solaire will make both your date and dining experience a memorable one! Their Paella Valencia is highly recommended as well as their off-menu Sangrias. Take note that they try to change up their menu at least thrice a year, so you’ll surely be back for many more dates to come with your significant other!
Address: 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, Paranaque City 1701,Metro Manila, Philippines
For Reservations: (+632) 8888 8888
Set atop the hills of Antipolo, Tahanan Bistro overlooks expansive forestry and the Laguna de Bay. Floor to ceiling sliding doors in the dining ensure that every table gets a little of the view. It’s a smaller bistro that seats 45 in total, so book your 5-course menu ahead and make a trip out of your date!
Address: 22 Loresville Drive, Lores Farm Subdivision, Antipolo, 1870 Lalawigan ng Rizal
For Reservations: (+632) 925 880 1487
Considered a “hidden gem” in Rizal, Burrow Cafe can be the perfect setting for a cozy date! Surrounded by its lush greenery and rustic atmosphere, you and your partner can let go all of your worries in this charming hideaway. Be sure to reserve ahead of time though so you can guarantee a seat!
Address: 113 Beverly Hills Ave, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Antipolo, 1870 Rizal
For Reservations: (+63) 917 622 9795 or visit their website
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