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Manila’s Best Eats 2026
Navigating the sprawling food scene of Metro Manila in 2026 requires a taste for both the ancient and the avant-garde. From the world’s oldest Chinatown in Binondo to the sleekest tasting menus in the financial district, discover the diverse flavors that make Manila the most exciting food destination in Asia this year.
Manam Comfort Filipino
Manam Comfort Filipino (Photo by @manamph)
Manam Comfort Filipino is a 2026 must-visit for its masterful balance of traditional heritage and playful innovation. Recently recognized with a Bib Gourmand in the inaugural 2026 Michelin Guide Philippines, Manam is world-famous for its House Crispy Sisig—widely considered the best in the city—and its inventive Sinigang na Beef Short Rib and Watermelon, which offers a refreshing twist on the classic sour soup. What truly sets Manam apart for travelers is its flexible portion sizes (Small, Medium, and Large), allowing solo diners and big groups alike to sample a wide array of flavors.
Manam
SM City Manila, 659 4th St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Kantina Manila
Kantina Manila (Photo by @kantinamanila)
Kantina Manila is a 2026 standout for those seeking massive flavor on a "student-friendly" budget. This vibrant eatery is a local legend in Manila's University Belt, boasting a near-perfect reputation for its diverse menu that blends Filipino comfort with international favorites. Diners flock here for their best-selling Beef Tapa Rice Meal, served with garlic rice and egg, and the indulgent Buttered Bagnet Sisig, which offers a decadent, crispy twist on the classic Filipino pulutan.
Kantina Manila
1037 Tolentino St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines
Gerry's
Gerry’s (Photo by @gerrysrestaurant)
Gerry’s (formerly Gerry’s Grill) remains a premier 2026 destination for authentic, no-frills Filipino comfort food. This iconic restaurant is legendary for its Inihaw na Pusit (grilled squid) and Sizzling Pork Sisig, which locals often elevate with a raw egg on the hot plate for a creamier finish. Originally conceived as a place for "pulutan" (bar snacks) and beer, it has evolved into a family-favorite institution known for its generous portions and signature dishes like Crispy Pata and Beef Kare-Kare.
Gerry’s
4th Floor, SM City Manila, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
24 Chicken
24 Chicken (Photo by @24chickenph)
24 Chicken is a 2026 staple for students and budget-conscious foodies craving high-quality Korean fried chicken. This no-frills, counter-serve gem is famous for its boneless chicken thigh pieces, which are praised for staying remarkably juicy and crispy even after delivery. The undisputed star of the menu is the Jack Daniel's chicken, featuring a signature sweet and smoky glaze, followed closely by the spicy Yangnyeom with Garlic and the crowd-favorite Snow Cheese.
24 Chicken
2155 Legarda St, corner Recto Ave, Manila, Philippines
Soban K-Town Grill
Soban K-Town Grill (Photo by @soban.ktown)
Soban K-Town Grill is a standout in 2026 for its elevated take on Korean barbecue. Inspired by the vibrant K-Towns of Los Angeles and New York, Soban is famous for its 6-Flavor Samgyupsal, which features premium pork belly marinated in unique blends like wine, coffee, and honey garlic. Unlike traditional "unlimited" joints, Soban focuses on meat quality and creative fusion, offering crowd favorites like Korean Tacos (K-Tacos) and the indulgent Beef Bone Marrow Soup.
Soban K-Town Grill
Unit 50-60, G/F, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil Wing, 1004 Adriatico St, Ermita, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines
SEVA Dining
SEVA Dining (Photo by @seva.dining)
SEVA Dining has emerged as one of the most exciting "New American" destinations in the 2026 Manila food scene. Recently honored as a Michelin-Selected restaurant, SEVA—meaning "selfless service"—offers an intimate, speakeasy-style atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city's frantic pace. The menu is a masterclass in global fusion, with the Spicy Vodka Rigatoni with Burrata and the Octopus with Chermoula and Longganisa leading as crowd favorites. For those seeking bold, innovative flavors, the NY Strip with Shao Kao spice and the Lavender Crème Brûlée provide a refined yet unpretentious experience.
SEVA Dining
2F, LYH Building, 714 Jose Abad Santos, San Juan City, 1500 Metro Manila, Philippines
Gallery By Chele
Gallery by Chele (Photo by @gallery.bychele)
Gallery by Chele is a crown jewel of the 2026 Manila dining scene, recently honored with One Michelin Star and the Philippines' first Michelin Green Star for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Led by the visionary duo of Chef Chele González and Chef Carlos Villaflor, the restaurant serves as a "gastronomic temple" where traditional Filipino ingredients are reimagined through modern Spanish-European techniques. Diners are treated to immersive tasting menus, such as the acclaimed "Tree of Life", which explores the versatile flavors of the local coconut, alongside signature bites like the Scallop Tart and Sour Ribs with black garlic.
Gallery By Chele
5/F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner, 39th St, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Helm by Josh Boutwood
Helm by Josh Boutwood (Photo by @helmmnl)
Helm by Josh Boutwood has made history in 2026 as the first and only restaurant in the Philippines to be awarded Two Michelin Stars. This intimate, 24-seat "culinary theater" is led by the British-Filipino visionary Chef Josh Boutwood, who crafts ever-evolving, themed tasting menus that reflect his multicultural heritage. Whether exploring the "Monochromatic" color-themed menu or a nostalgic journey through elevated street food, diners are treated to masterfully precise dishes like the A5 Wagyu with beetroot and the fan-favorite Egg with potato espuma and sago.
Helm by Josh Boutwood
3rd floor, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Ave, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Kusina Sea Kitchens
Kusina Sea Kitchens (Photo by @hiltonmanila)
Kusina Sea Kitchens is a standout in 2026 for its upscale reimagining of traditional Filipino seafood dining. The restaurant's crown jewel is its "Dampa-style" interactive station, where guests select the freshest "catch of the day"—from prawns to mud crabs—and have them prepared a la minute to their exact preference. Beyond the sea, the buffet features eight specialized kitchens, including a celebrated Filipino station serving heritage favorites like Sizzling Sisig and Signature Lechon, as well as a dedicated Halal-certified section.
Kusina Sea Kitchens
1 Newport Blvd, Pasay City, 1309 Metro Manila, Philippines
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