4. Grissini Ristorante
Lot 3, Block 4, Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, Santo Niño, Marikina City
(02) 275 8578 | Facebook
Open every day from 11am to 10pm
Budget for two – P700
Ask for restaurant recommendations in Naga City, and the name Grissini Ristorante will most likely come up. This authentic Italian restaurant has been a favorite in Naga for years. And now, even those from Luzon can get a taste of their fresh, no-shortcuts fare. The plane ticket requirement has been replaced with a road trip to Marikina.
For first timers, you can’t go wrong with the Quatro Formaggio Pizza, Tagliatelle Nero and Ossobuco Milanese.
3. Naxional South American Diner
(02) 946 3419 | Facebook
Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 12mn, Sunday from 8am to 10pm
Budget for two – P1000
The creation of Naxional was inspired by Coppelia—a Latin American restaurant in New York. This 24-hour diner offered customers a taste of unique, flavor-packed food from countries south of the U.S. border. Raymond Magdaluyo wanted Pinoys to experience that, and Naxional became the avenue. He got Vanessa and Daniel Matsunaga onboard, and their Brazilian roots made the menu even better.
Don’t leave without trying the Classic Feijoada, Salpicao en Fuego and Steak Elote.
2. 7101 Culture + Cuisine
(02) 616 7336, 0917 809 4830 | Facebook | Website
Open Mondays to Fridays 10am to 8pm | Saturdays & Sundays from 1am – 6pm
Budget for two – P1000
7101 isn’t your ordinary Filipino fusion restaurant. It’s a culinary and hospitality hall that advocates for cultural heritage appreciation. There are four food sections here, each reflecting distinct a part of Filipino cuisine: Kanto, Dampa, Talyasi and Himagas.
The menu is familiar and unexpected at the same time. You might order Pinoy classics, but be served with reimagined dishes. How do Tonkatsu Bicol Express, Chocolate Binagoongan and Bangus Caesar Salad sound?
1. Pablo
GF Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita
Cheesecake-lovers, rejoice! The world’s best cheesecake is finally (for real, this time) setting up stores in Manila. Excuse us for the lack of details above, but the only information out is that the first store is opening on the 15th of September. Mark your calendars, folks.
Japan’s world-famous cheese tarts will undoubtedly solicit long lines. That will give you time to contemplate whether you want it rare (gooey) or medium (fluffy). And when it’s finally your turn to taste a piece of heaven, go hoard other sweet treats like soft-serve ice cream, pudding and Millefeuille.
Any other recent restaurant openings we should gift ourselves with? Sound off below!
