4. Cherchio
76 Scout Limbaga Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 3pm, then 6pm to 12mn | Friday and Saturday from 11am to 3pm, then 6pm to 2am
(02) 351 5279
Find yourself in the mood for fusion cuisine that’s a bit closer to home? Then Cherchio is the place to go. Throw your diet aside and treat yourself to oven-baked crispy pata, or if that’s too indulgent, try their pumpkin malunggay soup—just make sure to pair it with their Singaporean crispy squid heads, which are sure to have you raving about them (not to mention craving for them) for weeks.
3. Purple Yam
603 Nakpil Corner Bocobo Street, Malate, Manila
(02) 523 3497 | 09267133523 | Facebook
Open Friday & Saturday from 7pm to 11pm, Sunday from 11:30am to 2pm
Budget per head – P2,500
Run by Amy Besa and husband Romy Dorotan of Cendrillon fame, Purple Yam resides in a restored building from the 50s—Besa’s own childhood home in the Nakpil-Orosa neighborhood. Their grilled squid paella will have you salivating at the mouth, along with their chorizo and crab claws. While their menus change, the restaurant has been dubbed “serious dining” as compared to fine dining. One thing is sure, however: you can definitely look forward to their halo-halo bar.
Pro-tip: Watch out for their leche flan, which is made with carabao milk!
2. Patio Vera
70 General F. Santos Street, Calumpang, Marikina City
(02) 239 0615 | Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 12mn, Friday to Sunday from 11am to 12mn
Budget for two – P800
Patio Vera is perfect for a night out with your significant other, owing to the fact that their food is served in a romantic garden setting. If bae is otherwise occupied (or you’ve yet to meet them), comfort yourself with their seafood paella, which is made with saffron. Their sinigang na lechon kawali with shrimp is sure to make you forget all about the tempermental weather, while their chicharon sisig will more than raise your spirits. And because the restaurant is located in Marikina, your bill will be served in a stiletto!
Toyo Eatery
GF, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Magallanes, Makati City
0917 720 8630 | Facebook
Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 11:30pm
Budget per head – P1,000 for three courses, P2,900 for the tasting menu
Tucked into Karrivin Plaza, Toyo Eatery is surprisingly cozy despite its (totally cute and Instagram-worthy) industrial vibe. While a bit on the pricey side, Toyo’s patrons come back for seconds and thirds—even when the menu hasn’t changed yet! Take note that you can also order ala carte. Diners rave about their barbeque, which is the perfect flavor match to the signature Toyo rice—fried with chicharon. Cap off your meal with their unique cassava cake, and your tastebuds will throw a party to thank you.
What are your favorite Pinoy fusion restaurants in the Metro? Share your foodie finds in the comments section!
