The most romantic restaurants in Manila

When it comes to planning your Valentine's Day date, food is of utmost importance. Slaving away in the kitchen to prepare a special meal for your loved one is a sure way to impress, unless of course you don't know how to cook. In that case, you could just get a table for two at a romantic restaurant. 

 

Spot.PH's list of the 10 most romantic restaurants in Manila features idea date destinations for couples who can't go out of town, "whether you're going on a critical first date, celebrating that nth anniversary, popping the big question, or just going out to eat great food with your Valentine."

 

Fifth on the list is Cafe Ysabel in San Juan, Mandaluyong City. Chances are, your parents may have fond memories of this classic date place, which has been around since 1982. "After over two decades, Cafe Ysabel still remains one of the metro's top dining and date destinations not only because of its great food, but also because of an ambiance unlike no other," SPOT said.

 

Housed in a refurbished 1927 ancestral home, Cafe Ysabel has period furniture and romantic lighting to set the mood. The extensive menu includes comfort dishes like Braised Lamb Shanks and Poulet Adolfo. According to SPOT, the place is perfect for "a laid-back dinner date followed by a few beers and a proposal, perhaps? Get this: Some tables in the cafe are known as the "yes" tables—go figure."

 

Fourth on the list is Lolo Dad's Cafe in Malate, Manila. Unless you're looking for it, you might miss this restaurant as you drive down Quirino Avenue. It's an unlikely spot for a fine dining destination, but the dishes at Lolo Dad's, from the kitchen of multi-awarded chef Ariel Manuel, are "flawless," according to Spot.PH.

 

"Herbes de Provence-crusted rack of lamb, lemon roasted lobster and scallops, and confit of duck leg and roasted duck breast are a few of the excellent dishes in Lolo Dad's repertoire," Spot.PH said. It's the perfect place to bring your foodie Valentine, but be prepared to spend P3,000 each, they said.

 

Third on the list is Manila Hotel's Champagne Room, which Spot.PH described as the perfect setting for a classy dinner date, with its crystal palm trees, tasseled ceiling fixtures, floral upholstered chairs, fine china, and art deco interiors. "Unlike most fine dining date places that have dim lighting, this establishment's brightly-lit dining area casts a warm glow, making everything appear more beautiful—possibly, even your date," Spot.PH said.

 

With dishes like escargot and foie gras, the Champagne Room is known for its fine French cuisine. "If you're popping the question, celebrating your 10th anniversary (yes, you need to earn this dinner), or out to impress, the Champagne Room is highly recommended," Spot.PH said. For food and champagne, be prepared to spend about P3,000 per person. 

 

Second on the list is Ninyo on Esteban Abada in Loyola Heights, Quezon City. A home away from home, this restaurant's cool and intimate vibe is perfect for a relaxing night with good food and wine. "Each plate that comes out of the kitchen looks and tastes like it was made with love," Spot.PH said, mentioning standouts such as the Coffee Crusted Tuna and Salmon Tataki and U.S. Hanging Tender Steak.

 

After a meal of French-Japanese fusion dishes by Chef Niño Laus, you could head to the dimly-lit wine lounge on the second floor. According to Spot.PH, Ninyo is perfect for "a getting-to-know-you date or a secret rendezvous with your special someone." You should be prepared to spend P1,000 per person, or you could try the Valentine's Day 12-course degustation menu for P2,500.

 

Number one on the list is Lemuria on Julieta Circle, Horsheshoe Village, Quezon City. "Hidden in a residential neighborhood in San Juan, the rustic restaurant sits on top of a wine cellar and conveys a unique charm and cozy vibe," Spot.PH described Lemuria, an excellent place to sample elegant French-Mediterranean cuisine. 

 

Their gourmet dishes, which include roasted duck breast with potato Lyonnaise and US short-ribs Bourguignon, go well with a bottle of wine straight from the cellar of Brumms Wines. According to Spot.PH, Lemuria is perfect for "an indulgent dinner to celebrate an anniversary or an upscale date night." For a complete dinner, be prepared to spend around P2,500 per person. 

 

For the full list of romantic restaurants in Manila, see the article on Spot.PH. —Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News