16Before the pandemic, Pinoys often dined indoors where they can enjoy air conditioning after the heat outdoors. Now, with dangers of COVID-19 infection lurking in closed premises, indoor dining is becoming less popular, while al fresco dining is becoming the norm. While we can’t do anything about the heat from the sun, the beautiful view and occasional refreshing breeze will make up for it. Check out these places around the metro you should visit to enjoy al fresco dining.
Las Casas Quezon City
Location: 134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar brings their unique Spanish heritage experience from Bataan to Quezon City. The spacious courtyard surrounded by 18th-century architecture is the perfect location for al fresco dining, and the lush trees and greenery all around is sure to bring fresh air to your dining spot. Las Casas’ great ambiance and amazing food make it a great romantic dining destination for couples looking to rekindle the romance, especially at night when the stars are out. For more information, you may contact Las Casas Quezon City at +63 917 136 6796 or +63 933 822 4522 or visit their website.
Le Village
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Location: E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue cor. Cordillera Street, Brgy. Doña Josefa, Quezon City
Owned by the same minds behind Fruitas, Le Village is a big lifestyle food park with a relaxing ambiance and picturesque environment where you can enjoy al fresco dining under the trees and stars. From brick oven pizza and burgers to flavorful lechon and unlimited chicken wings, you can order from over a dozen different food stores to enjoy a whole lot of variety. For more information, you may visit their Facebook page.
Makati Street Meet
Location: Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
Makati’s Street Meet isn’t a place you can visit anytime like the other al fresco dining options on this list. This one is a monthly dining event where the infamous Rada Street closes for a day and restaurants set up tables and chairs along the road for an al fresco dining experience. These restaurants include Nikkei Nama Bar, Wildflour, Din Tai Fung, Sarsa Kitchen+Bar, Tosu, Guagua’s Best, Chicago Pizza & Pasta, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. For more information, you may visit their Facebook page.
Rockwell Goes Streetside
Locations: Lopez Drive, Makati; One Rockwell, Makati; and Santolan Town Plaza in San Juan
Rockwell is bringing their chic and elegant restaurants to the roads in this hip and fun streetside set-up. Rockwell would be holding these streetside dining at three locations, where you can have your pick from the various restaurants around the area. The streetside experience is available every weekend in accordance with the government restrictions and guidelines. For more information, you may visit their Facebook page or check out their menu here.
My Street High Street
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Location: 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Another streetside experience that would speak to city people is My Street High Street, Bonifacio Global City’s street-side dining experience. They closed off the whole of 5th Avenue during the weekends to make way for this initiative and allow restaurants to set up tables and chairs and serve guests al fresco. More than that, they’ve also invited our local farmers to sell all sorts of market goods, allowing our displaced farmers to earn a living in this difficult time. So yes, you could definitely enjoy a meal after you do your produce shopping! For more information, you may visit their Facebook page
Skypark Lawn & Courtyard
Location: Level 5, SM Aura Premier, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Not a fan of streetside dining? Why not take your al fresco dining experience up to the sky? SM Aura Premier’s Skypark Lawn & Courtyard is located on the fifth floor of the mall, where you’d be surrounded by high-rise towers and a beautiful view of the cityscape. Gazebo-style dining spots are found all over the place, so you’d be able to have a sense of privacy while dining outdoors. For more information, you may visit their Facebook page
The Roofdeck Garden
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Location: Roofdeck, The Podium, Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong
A bit on the smaller side, the Podium isn’t as crowded as other malls, especially since it’s filled with high-end brands. So if you’re looking for a place for indoor dining, this might be one of the better options. But if you want to be on the sure and safe side, the Podium also offers their Roofdeck Garden surrounded by high-rise buildings and a small spot of greenery. For more information, you can book a table at the Roofdeck Garden through +63 915 096 4007 this form or you may visit their website or Facebook page.
Sunset Bar by Sofitel
Location: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
The Sunset Bar is Sofitel’s quintessential outdoor dining venue specializing in grilled barbecued dishes perfect for your unwinding time during the weekends. During the holidays, they’ve opened an extension to the Sunset Bar called The Food Truck, where tables and benches are placed around a grassy area and surrounded by ‘food trucks’ serving a variety of food options. It’s a quaint al fresco dining getaway fit for catching up with family and friends. For more information, you may visit their website or you can book a table here.
Where else have you tried dining out?
