The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Manila, According to Design Professionals

(SPOT.ph) It’s always fascinating to be let inside the mind of a designer, especially those who design spaces. They allow us to see things we often overlook when we consider a nook, a room, a house, an entire commercial space. When picking restaurants, many of us take food into consideration first, and quite understandably— but a well-designed space has the power to set our expectations, get us in the mood for the culinary experience to come. Many of the guys we interviewed below have designed restaurants before or contributed creatively in the making of one. When we asked what they think are the most visually pleasing restaurants in Manila—we asked each of them for two—we didn’t anticipate it was a going to be a lesson as well in taking note of things we overlook when we enter a dining space, what makes restaurants not only attractive but conducive to pleasure. Here are 25 of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, where the great dining experience begins as soon as you enter.

Design professionals call these places the most beautiful restaurants in Manila:

Eric Paras, interior and furniture designer

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

PHOTO BY Facebook/Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

“A stellar example of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into the historic Nielson Tower,” says Eric Paras of this Makati staple. “The seamless blend of the new modern design and the original art deco style enhances the overall dining experience.” The main dining room is oval in shape and is flooded with natural light during the day. Al fresco seats are available in the garden where you can look up and still read “Manila International Air Terminal” written on the tower.

C Lounge at Conrad Manila

PHOTO BY Conrad Manila

“The thoughtfully designed and bespoke interiors provide you a good view of Manila Bay and its breathtaking sunset—perfect setting for sipping cocktails. An additional treat are the artworks and sculptures in the reception lobby and hallways done by renowned Filipino artists, setting it apart from other newly opened hotels in Manila.” It’s also designed by WOW Architects.

Chat Fores, founder of Chat Fores Design Studio

Champagne Room

PHOTO BY The Manila Hotel

“The space layout is spot on, with the play of circular banquette seats where people can have intimate conversation, and the window arches are adorned with beautiful wrought iron details. I love the French provincial touch on the fabric and the accessories. The crystal palm trees are a nice touch.” Designed by Fores’ former boss, Architect Leandro Locsin, the space features glass palm trees made out of recycled Coca Cola bottles.

Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar

PHOTO BY Racebook/raging Bull Chophouse

“My resto choices lean more towards the classic rather than the trendy. It also has to do with familiarity with restaurants that I visit and frequent. I’m a creature of habit so I tend to go to the same old dining places and order the same dishes.” Of Raging Bull, she says, “I like the black and white patterns on the floor repeated all over in smaller details.” Vaulted ceilings and banquette seating upholstered in leather create an intimate and luxe atmosphere in this hotel restaurant. New York-based design firm AvroKO designed this space using a ’60s aesthetic as major reference point.

Ito Kish—design consultant, furniture designer, founder of Design Food by ITO KISH

Spices

PHOTO BY The Peninsula Manila

The restaurant facing the The Peninsula Manila’s pool and lush greenery is Kish’s top pick for most beautiful restaurant in Metro Manila. “Spices has been around for a while, and every year, they look more authentic. I love the dark wood and the layout.” Balinese-inspired interiors with intricately carved wood lattice over the transom, and orchids etched on the borders of the windows create a rich and transportive space.

Toyo Eatery

PHOTO BY Toyo Eatery

“I love the narrow beam lights and the rest of the lighting: the wood, the concrete walls, and the no-frills look. It’s an interior that does not distract you from enjoying and appreciating the food.” An open kitchen layout that lets the diners experience the energy of the staff is the acclaimed restaurant’s much-appreciated intentional design centerpiece.

Ivy and Cynthia Almario, founders of award-winning interior design studio Atelier Almario

Tsumura

PHOTO BY Facebook/Tsumura PH

The sisters were unanimous in deciding this new restaurant designed by Noel Bernardo at The Shops Ayala Triangle Gardens is the most beautiful in Metro Manila. “Clever juxtaposition of materials, construction details that are not only well thought out but excellently articulates Japanese aesthetics while adding a subtle Memphis vibe. Here and there in the service stations are geometry and color, and in the arches and half arches, which are surprisingly integrated in the mix.” No second choice for the Almario sisters.

Rita Nazareno, co-creative director of Nazareno/Lichauco and creative director of Zacarias 1925

Taqueria Franco

PHOTO BY Patricia Baes

The Polygon-designed space in Legazpi Village is Nazareno’s first pick. It’s the space’s personal touches that make it beautiful for her. “I love the small details like the painting by the fantastic artist Lui Medina of her cousin Chef Miko Calo from decades back. And the small knick-knacks by Garapata and others. Some are personal pieces of the people who run the place so you can see the care and feel the familiarity.

Ginza Nagaoka

PHOTO BY Okada Manila

“If you just close your eyes going through the chaos that is Okada, you get to a nine-seater restaurant that reminds you of small Tokyo restaurants,” Nazareno says. The tight space feels grand with its soaring ceiling and well-proportioned wall art. It’s a minimalist and distilled dining outlet named after its sushi chef Junji Nagaoka, and it serves as a stage for the art and craftsmanship of premium sushi.

Carol Karthe, interior decorator and co-founder of design consultancy agency Ladrilyo

12/10

PHOTO BY Patricia Baes

“I love it for the all-encompasing atmospheric experience that the space gives. It’s cozy—lighting and music are just great! Perfect for a date night,” Karthe says of the Sarah Canlas-designed restaurant. The non-traditional izakaya uses lighting to great effect in creating an intimate atmosphere.

1120 House

PHOTO BY Instagram/bonappetit1120house

“It’s simple at heart. Its modern country style makes you feel at home and welcome.” Designed by Open House Design, it features prominent arched windows. Kitty Bunag of Craftsmith Guild took care of the interiors, thoughtfully using local furniture.

JJ Acuña, designer and founder of JJ ACUNA / BESPOKE

Gallery by Chele

PHOTO BY Facebook/Gallery by Chele

“Gallery By Chele feels natural, easy, refreshing, clean, and balanced. The Capricorn rising in me loves the space’s order, geometry, lighting, staging, and detailing.” Gallery By Chele was designed by the architect Carlo Calma and features walls of warm wood and counters of marble. The furniture is by Kenneth Cobonpue.

Metiz

PHOTO BY Facebook/Metiz

“I really love the curvilinear form of the banquette and the indirect light. The whole banquette is a light feature.” Designed by young architect Justin Guiab who also did Sine Pop. A crackled wall bearing the word Metiz greets diners, and concrete walls that seem to have been intentionally broken give passersby a peek into this restaurant named #48 in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023.

Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran, Principal designer of Moss Design House and Vice President of PIID

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

PHOTO BY Facebook/Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

“It may be the most obvious choice by everyone but I think Blackbird’s success can be largely attributed to how beautifully the interiors was designed. The integrity of the structure and its place in history was well kept which also makes Blackbird such a unique restaurant in the city. Its also one of those spaces where it greatly highlighted the beauty of the structure—its capsule shaped ends, its high ceiling, instead of masking it.” Fernandez also loves how the lobby mixes Art Deco with midcentury pieces, with hints of aviation icons on its finishing. “Its also one of those rare restaurants that is beautiful during the day time and even more during the nighttime. So lighting in Blackbird was well thought of.”

Lusso at Balmori Suites

PHOTO BY Facebook/LUSSO by Margarita Forés

“As a designer of restaurants, there will always be that struggle of using luxe or expensive materials due to obvious costs versus seating capacity analysis. But in Lusso—that has such a small space—it’s nice to see this blend of lush fabrics used for the olive wing chairs, the travertine cladded walls, stone floors and brass trims come to play and you wonder: how much did this cost per sqm!? Haha!” Fernandez-Beltran says she feels transported to an exquisite restaurant in Italy or France in Lusso, and it’s this transportive capability of the space that makes it truly special. “I also love how they kept the high ceiling complemented by a simple dome treatment. A solitary chandelier effectively underscores the space’s statement-making design.”

Rachelle Medina, interior designer and design lecturer at the University of the Philippines

Elbert’s Collective

PHOTO BY Hans Fausto/ SPOT.PH ARCHIVES

“Elbert’s Collective in Makati is a casual dining experience, but I’m so glad that the interiors didn’t fall into the industrial-modern trap. Restaurant design maven Noel Bernardo instead pulled a wildcard theme: 1980s Memphis Design—think early MTV, Miami Vice, Ettore Sottsass with punchy primary colors, geometric patterns, streamlined décor, and a see-through kitchen. It’s such a fun interior!”

Deo Gracias

PHOTO BY Facebook/Deo Gracias

“Deo Gracias in its white, post-war family house in the Scout Area of QC, seemed like it was practically begging for interior designer Eric Paras to work on it. With the house’s 2680 FB Harrison feel, Eric infused it with a sophisticated color palette of seafoam, russet, and mustard, with vintage-y encaustic tile flooring and midcentury wooden screens. The second-floor private dining areas are furnished in a warm, intimate way that makes you feel like you’re dining in a stylish friend’s home.”

PJ Almera, architect with a masters in Contemporary Interior Design

Elbert’s Collective

PHOTO BY Hans Fausto

Coming in with a second vote is Elbert Cuenca’s eponymous Makati restaurant that houses the different concepts he’s created over the years. “Interior design created an overall placemaking impact,” says Almera of what the design for Elbert’s has achieved. “The Memphis take is spot on, with every design detail of the space well-designed and executed without looking too trying hard.”

Kondwi

PHOTO BY Majoy Siason/ SPOT.PH ARCHIVES

Poblacion gem Kondwi designed by artist Leeroy New is Almera’s runner up. “It’s eclectic, artistic and well-curated. The artworks, food and ambiance created an overall vibe,” he says. “I love the fact that it gives you a personal space even if you are in a social place. The lights and the art gives the overall mood a boost.” Art installations and furniture by New are spread throughout while the second floor is dedicated to an art gallery. “I always love going around the 2nd floor gallery either before or after a meal.”

Wilmer Lopez—president, creative director, lead interior designer of Space Encounters

Wong Place

PHOTO BY Facebook/Wong Place

“A modern Chinese restaurant that becomes a dive bar at night. Think Wong Kar Wai deep colors and neon lights but in BGC. The interiors are a mixture of luscious vintage HK and modern (and funny) pop art. The space is also filled with small artsy details. It’s like there’s always something to discover.”

Shaka Café (Salcedo)

“One can immediately tell Shaka serves healthy food because of its interiors,” says Lopez. Shaka touts itself as a “healthy alternative,” serving up meatless burgers, smoothie bowls and vegan meals. “It feels like an open house with mosaic tiles matched with cement and wood, and some plants. The colors are found in the food. Deliciously styled with vegetables and grains that have the colors of the rainbow.”

Brian Ver—architect, designs furniture and spaces, and recently completed Hometown Cafe in Subic

Lusso

PHOTO BY Facebook/LUSSO by Margarita Forés

“The restaurant is compact, warm and has visual weight,” Ver says of the Margarita Fores restaurant in Greenbelt. “I like the little drama on the walls and the chandelier. However intimate and tight the space is, it seems spacious enough for customers to linger.” The chandelier has been with Lusso for 15 years and used to hang at the Peninsula Manila Hotel.

12/10

PHOTO BY Instagram/twelvetenph

The variety of textures here—from charred wood surfaces to stainless steel shelves to the brick flooring—makes for an interestingly tactile experience, says Ver. “The restaurant is dark and mysterious but with a lively semi-open kitchen and a rather busy bar.” 12/10 is located at 8 Rockwell.

Karisa Yee, interior designer and principal designer of KYDS

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

PHOTO BY Facebook/Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

“I love how this space used to hold particular importance in the aviation history.” The Lounge & Bar is lush with tufted velvet furniture and geometric brass detailing on the wood panelling. The elegant, curved staircase is the focal point that leads to the former control tower which can be booked for private dining.

Las Flores, Filinvest

PHOTO BY Facebook/Las Flores

Yee’s runner up for the most beautiful restaurant is another Art Deco and adaptive reuse effort. Formerly the Biological Production Services building back in 1924 and converted into a hospital by the Japanese during World War II, the structure has been restored and repurposed as a restaurant. Its interiors include festive encaustic tiles lined with wooden plank flooring, green booth seating, and tropical wallpaper by Neu Muri Designs. The space was designed by architectural design studio Headroom.

Chippy Ledesma, chief style consultant for Studio Matthew, a house flipping company

Auro Chocolate Café

PHOTO BY Toto Labrador

“The heart of the yin and yang is balance. Auro’s vibe, in my estimation, perfectly expresses two tangents simultaneously, in equal proportions. On one hand there is color, eccentricity, and boldness. In the other corner is restraint, symmetry, and calm. The wood floor and bamboo chairs blend seamlessly with the stoney countertop,” explains Ledesma. “My favorite is the organically-shaped arches, reminiscent of something that nature produced on its own. Last, as someone in love with my country and its many rich materials, this little oasis is overt in its Filipino-ness while elevating our culture and products to a global standard,” she continues.

Casa Buenas

PHOTO BY Facebook/Casa Buenas

“Many designers are deathly afraid of scale, thinking, wrongly, I feel, that the proportions they are used to seeing are what they need to stick to lest they scare their users off. Casa Buenas, not bound by these outdated norms, is a place which draws the eye upwards. While conventionally too tall for its width, I am reminded, in a good way, of being a young girl again when things seemed taller. This illusion, perfectly implemented at this restaurant, is a trick I am completely falling for.” Machuca tiles, capiz fixtures and solihiya furniture are utilized to set the Spanish-Filipino ambience. “Since the decorations, wall textures, and color scheme are still quite minimalist, the spirit of this time was efficiently evoked without becoming too literal.”

Louie Gotinga, principal designer of Siglo Interiors

Lusso

PHOTO BY Facebook/LUSSO by Margarita Forés

The Jorge Yulo designed restaurant makes yet another showing in this list. What Gotinga likes best about its design? “The fluid lines of Lusso mixed with rich textures made with unmistakably expensive and genuine materials. It’s the materials (even the fabrics) fashioned in a mix of contemporary and classic silhouettes. I love the mix of classic furniture and sleek contemporary interior archi elements.”

Uma Nota

PHOTO BY Facebook/Uma Nota Manila

Gotinga describes Brazilian-Japanese restaurant Uma Nota’s interiors as “the great translation/rendition of a prevailing super trend of soft color palette, bringing-nature-in, arches and neotenic forms. [They] got everything done right with the elegantly shaped banquet seats and Dudet armchairs by Cassina. There’s a poetic sense to [the design] with its floating tree in the middle of the dining area.”

Studio Mara, interior and production design studio headed by interior designer Mara Manalo who is behind the design of Assembly Hall in Makati and Moon Cafe in Pampanga

Khao Khai Poblacion

PHOTO BY Facebook/Khao Khai “Thai Chicken House”

“This quaint restaurant in the heart of Poblacion, Makati captures the eclectic novelties and quirks of the local eateries in Thailand. The charm of Khao Kai’s interiors lies in its rawness and simplicity, the vibrant pink walls adorned with varying photographs and string lights, mix matched furniture, scattered beer crates, and a few plants, create a warm, welcoming, and laidback space for their customers. We love how authentic it feels—as if you’re on the streets of Thailand!” says Studio Mara.

Mamou Prime

Another Jorge Yulo-designed restaurant makes the list as Studio Mara’s runner up. “In comparison to Mamou’s other branches, Mamou Prime gives an elevated dining experience with its polished cave-like interiors. The sleek lines and curves were strategically used to define the different functions of the space. Both its simplicity and massing makes it an intimate dining environment.” According to Jorge Yulo Architects & Associates, the space was inspired by Japanese yosegi puzzle boxes. A serpentine floor plan and curved walls symbolize flesh in direct reference to the steak house’s main ingredient.

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