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Top 10 Fun and Unique Restaurants to try when you visit the Philippines!

If you are planning to visit the Philippines in the future, you can try these food destinations that serve not just good food but amazing dining experience as well.

We Filipinos are well known for our love of food. This is clearly observed during Filipino parties and gatherings where Filipinos always have abundance of food on the table for everyone to share.

Some of the reasons why I always love coming back to the Philippines is to see a lot of new and exciting places in the country and be surprised to taste tons and tons of luscious food and native delicacies each place has to offer. Endowed with 7,101 islands, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches, scenic attractions, historical landmarks and cultural festivities to name a few. Bundled with the famous Filipino hospitality and happy spirit, we always say, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!”

During each visit to the Philippines I always make sure that I get to experience something different. Of course I still would go to my all time favourite restaurants and places such as Jollibee, Palawan and Boracay, to name a few. I love to search for something new and bring back new stories to share to my families and friends here in Canada.

Filipino foods and restaurants evolve to catch up with the fast changing global trends. Some of the existing restaurants in the Philippines added twists to their dining services to attract the demanding Pinoy foodies. Also there are a lot of new restaurants that pop up all over Philippines that offer fun, crazy and unique dining experiences for their customers. I made my top 10 latest and fun dining destination list that I recommend you try when you are in Manila and around the metro. (I will for sure do another article that will feature food destinations in other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) But for now, I do not want to overwhelm you with mouthwatering information because I know it is hard to resist. I hope the following list will give you enough justification to visit Philippines and make you crazy excited to try them.

10. GERRY’S JEEPNEY

This restaurant features one of the Philippines most famous mode of transportations, the JEEPNEY. The restaurant have more than five beautifully painted jeepneys with cool interior decorations customized with tables and chairs that lets you eat inside the jeepney. How cool is that? They also have wooden tables and chairs in their main dining area. If you are lucky enough, you and your group can dine inside the jeepney right away , however because this place is so popular and they do not take reservations, the line-up is mad long. But the bright and colourful decorations of the place will surely invite you to stay. They offer authentic Filipino dishes such as Sisig, Binagoongang Lechon with Pritong Talong, Pinakbet and variety of Boodle combos. The restaurant is located at 154 Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, QC.

9. AIR SUMMIT GOURMET

This is the newest restaurant on the list, it just opened early this year. It is a fine dining restaurant inside an airplane. Yes inside an airplane! This unique dining restaurant took off with their soft opening last February 12, 2016. They offer international cuisines and serves alcoholic drinks as well. The servers are dressed like flight attendants and the interior of the plane looks exactly like a business class Boeing with added decorations such as fresh flowers, high end chandeliers, and beautiful linens, all for added fine dining feeling. They are also open to cater for special occasions such as weddings and debuts. Who would not want to have their special event reception happen inside an airplane? Coolest thing ever! The restaurant is located at Brgy. Dapdap Tayabas City, Quezon.

8. CAFFERA PHOTO CAFE

If you love Art and Photography, this cafe is for you! This small hangout place is perfect for people who loves coffee and desserts and at the same time love to see amazing photos of amateur and professional photographers. The cafe is decorated with photography related stuff. All their drinks are served using different lens mug topped with whipped cream and a mini edible camera that is too cute to eat! I highly recommend their Tiramisu Frapperture and Chocodamia Frapperture! Prepare to take home added calories and amazing bonding experience with your family and friends. Caffera is located at 2nd Floor Dona Zenona Suites, 54 Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.

7. GOGH IS BIPOLAR

Ok Folks, this next restaurant is not your ordinary restaurant because this place is a sanctuary for your mind and body. They aim to feed your body and satisfy your mind and soul. If you are looking for a place that offers experience beyond food then Gogh is Bipolar is the place to be. Once you get to the place, they will offer you tea which they called Holy Water. They give you a handbook that serves as your bible that will instruct you on what to do. The waiters and waitresses are called life servers. You will get a chance to choose and make your own tea, pick and wear a hat and write about love on their Red Love Wall. They offer to do “rituals” with you depending on what you ordered from their menu. You will get a chance to write a letter to your loved ones too while waiting for your food! They also have a little museum for arts. This place is Instagram worthy, from their decor to the food itself. After a good three course meal, the staff will say goodbye to you with warm hugs and wishes. The restaurant only take reservation, so call ahead before going. They are located at 154 Maginhawa St. in Quezon City.

6. CAT CAFE MANILA

Pet cafes are starting to get really famous in Asia and the Philippines has been on top of the trend. Several new cat cafes opened in Manila where you can dine and pet these very cute furry friends. One of them is Cat Cafe Manila where their main goals are to share awareness for responsible pet ownership, to continue to love and protect animals and finally stop animal cruelty at the same time give pet-lovers time to dine and drink with some cute company. Cat Cafe Manila is located at 2nd floor 189 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. They only accept reservation.

5. BARKIN BLENDS DOG CAFE

It is not just cats that have their own cafe, our adorable doggies too! This place offers delicious foods and drinks that are named after dogs. Among their bestsellers are Marley N’ Cheese, Bonnie Burrito and Biwwy’s Burger Steak. They house cute and friendly dogs that you can cuddle and play with. You can come here to ease a stressful day or you can come visit because you are not allowed to have a dog in your house. These dogs need warm hugs from you, they also look at the camera for a selfie. Barkin Blends Dog Cafe is located at 91 Rose Alvero St, Katipunan, Quezon City.

4. NBA CAFE

Hello basketball fanatics! This place is for you! NBA Cafe Manila is the first ever sports bar restaurant in Manila that caters to all avid basketball fans. This is also the first NBA Cafe in the world and they chose Manila to be the location because they know how Filipinos love basketball and it is the most popular sports in the Philippines. You will be amazed with the interior of the restaurant as it is surrounded by NBA displays, unique and authentic NBA memorabilia and jerseys and balls signed by your favorite basketball players. They have gigantic TV monitors that lets you to watch NBA games with your friends while having gorgeous meals and drinks. They serve classic American cuisine with a slight Filipino twist. NBA Cafe is located at Skypark SM Aura in Fort Bonifacio Manila.

3. MOVIE STAR CAFE

Calling all movie lovers! If you want to have a good meal with entertainment, I recommend this place for you! Located at Seaside Boulevard at SM Mall of Asia, this movie- themed cafe and restaurant is a sure hit for all ages! They have buffet and ala carte menu. The food is named after famous movies and it is a combination of Filipino and International cuisines. The whole restaurant is surrounded by movie posters, memorabilias and life-size super heroes and villains statues. Bring your whole family to watch their outstanding shows and the kids to see their favourite characters come to life. The servers are dressed up as movie characters such as Spiderman, Joker, The Avengers and so on and guests are free to take pictures with them.

2. GRAND CAFE LAVENA

Located on the beautiful The Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig, this 17th Century inspired cafe will take you to Italy in an instant. I highly recommend you to visit this romantic place with your love ones. The cafe is beautifully decorated with Venetian inspired interior, Murano glass displays, and elegant dining tables and chairs. The staff are dressed in their 17th century costumes. The owner and the chef are Italian, so you will be guaranteed an authentic experience. They serve full course dinner and also desserts and cappuccinos. After your meal, spend your day cruising along the “Venice Canal”, then shop some Venetian masks and souvenirs afterwhich you head to “Manila’s” very own love bridge where you can purchase your own love lock, write your name and your partner’s name and lock it in the bridge. This place is really romantic, so don’t forget to bring your sweetheart with you!

1. CAFFE PIANSA

Do you want to feel what it is like to be in prison? Not merely close to a real jail, but this prison themed cafe will surely give you chills and excitement as they welcome you to the first ever prison cafe in Manila. Get your camera ready because the whole restaurant is a great photo opportunity! Prepare to be impressed with the restaurant’s layout and design, the walls have posters of different death methods and torture devices. The idea of eating inside a jail cell, being surrounded by electric chairs and garrote chair, being served by the staff dressed as prisoners are just purely smart and creative! Their menu is named after famous dead men and terrifying death methods! After your meal, you can take your own mug shot from their wall! The restaurant aims to give customers the “uncomfortable” yet exciting dining experience. Another great thing about this place is that their food is surely guaranteed to be far more delicious than the best real prison meals we can imagine! Caffe Piansa is located at 57 Dragon Street, Midtown Subdivision, San Roque, Marikina City.

There you are folks! Have you chosen which one you will be thrilled to try when you visit the Philippines? What is your favorite theme or setting amongst the list? I hope this made you feel excited to go soon! Remember, wherever you decide to go, don’t forget to take home the experience and share the memories with your family and friends here in Canada! It’s more fun in the Philippines!

Written by: LESLIE CORONA
Facebook Page: The Bored and Hungry Blogger

Top 10 Fun and Unique Restaurants to try when you visit the Philippines!

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