Located in the heart of Makati, Vito Cruz is a bustling area known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and diverse culinary scene. As a foodie’s paradise, Vito Cruz offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Filipino cuisine to international flavors, this area is a melting pot of culinary delights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in Vito Cruz, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that make this area a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Traditional Filipino Cuisine
When it comes to traditional Filipino cuisine, Vito Cruz has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From classic dishes to modern twists, these restaurants serve up authentic flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Must-Try Restaurants
Here are some of the top restaurants in Vito Cruz that serve traditional Filipino cuisine:
- Barrio Fiesta – This iconic restaurant has been a staple in Vito Cruz for decades, serving up classic Filipino dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon.
- Max’s Restaurant – This popular chain has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of Filipino favorites like fried chicken, sisig, and liver sauce.
- Barbecue House – For a taste of traditional Filipino barbecue, head to Barbecue House, which offers a variety of meats grilled to perfection.
Specialties
Each of these restaurants has its own specialties that are must-try:
- Barrio Fiesta: Try their famous lechon kawali, a crispy fried pork belly that’s a staple in Filipino cuisine.
- Max’s Restaurant: Don’t miss their signature fried chicken, which is marinated in a secret blend of spices and herbs.
- Barbecue House: Order their signature inihaw na pusit, a grilled squid dish that’s a favorite among locals.
Hidden Gems
For a more authentic experience, head to these hidden gems that serve traditional Filipino cuisine:
- Isdaan – This small restaurant specializes in fish dishes, offering a variety of fresh catches cooked in traditional Filipino style.
- Pinoy Kitchen – This cozy eatery serves up home-style Filipino cooking, including dishes like chicken adobo and beef sinigang.
- Manang’s Chicken – This popular food stall serves up crispy fried chicken and other Filipino favorites at affordable prices.
International Cuisine
Vito Cruz is also home to a variety of international restaurants, offering a range of flavors and cuisines to suit every taste:
Asian Cuisine
For a taste of Asia, head to these restaurants: (See Also: Where to Eat in Newtown? Top Hidden Gems)
- Shabu Shabu – This Japanese restaurant offers a unique dining experience, where you can cook your own meat and vegetables in a hot pot.
- Thai Basil – This Thai restaurant serves up spicy and sour dishes like tom yum soup and green curry.
- Kimchi House – This Korean restaurant offers a variety of spicy kimchi dishes, including kimchi stew and kimchi fried rice.
Specialties
Each of these restaurants has its own specialties that are must-try:
- Shabu Shabu: Try their signature hot pot, which features a variety of meats and vegetables cooked in a savory broth.
- Thai Basil: Order their famous pad thai, a stir-fry dish made with rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein.
- Kimchi House: Don’t miss their spicy kimchi stew, a flavorful dish made with kimchi, pork, and tofu.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine
For a taste of the Middle East and Mediterranean, head to these restaurants:
- Shawarma House – This Middle Eastern restaurant serves up delicious shawarma sandwiches and other grilled meats.
- Mediterranean Kitchen – This restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes like falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh.
- Lebanese Restaurant – This Lebanese restaurant serves up traditional dishes like shawarma, kebabs, and falafel.
Specialties
Each of these restaurants has its own specialties that are must-try:
- Shawarma House: Try their signature shawarma sandwich, made with grilled lamb or chicken and topped with tahini sauce.
- Mediterranean Kitchen: Order their famous falafel, a crispy and flavorful chickpea patty served in a pita bread.
- Lebanese Restaurant: Don’t miss their shawarma, a delicious and flavorful dish made with grilled lamb or chicken and served with tahini sauce.
Cafes and Bakeries
For a sweet treat or a quick coffee fix, head to these cafes and bakeries:
Must-Try Cafes
Here are some of the top cafes in Vito Cruz:
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – This popular coffee chain offers a wide range of coffee drinks and pastries.
- Starbucks – This global coffee chain has a location in Vito Cruz, offering a variety of coffee drinks and snacks.
- Bo’s Coffee – This Filipino coffee chain serves up high-quality coffee and a variety of pastries and sandwiches.
Specialties
Each of these cafes has its own specialties that are must-try:
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Try their signature iced coffee, made with cold-brewed coffee and served over ice.
- Starbucks: Order their famous pumpkin spice latte, a seasonal drink made with espresso, pumpkin puree, and spices.
- Bo’s Coffee: Don’t miss their Filipino-style coffee, made with strong brewed coffee and served with a sweet and creamy sauce.
Bakeries
For a sweet treat, head to these bakeries: (See Also: Where to Eat in Ayala Center Cebu? Foodie Guide)
- Goldilocks – This popular bakery chain offers a wide range of Filipino-style desserts like ube halaya and leche flan.
- Red Ribbon – This bakery chain serves up a variety of sweet and savory pastries, including cakes, bread, and cookies.
- Conti’s Bakeshoppe – This Filipino bakery chain offers a range of traditional Filipino desserts like ube cake and leche flan.
Specialties
Each of these bakeries has its own specialties that are must-try:
- Goldilocks: Try their famous ube halaya, a sweet and creamy purple yam dessert.
- Red Ribbon: Order their signature mocha cake, a rich and decadent dessert made with chocolate and coffee.
- Conti’s Bakeshoppe: Don’t miss their ube cake, a moist and flavorful dessert made with purple yam and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Food Courts and Markets
For a quick and affordable meal, head to these food courts and markets:
Must-Try Food Courts
Here are some of the top food courts in Vito Cruz:
- Greenhills Shopping Center – This popular mall has a food court that offers a variety of Filipino and international cuisine.
- Robinsons Place – This mall has a food court that serves up a range of Filipino and international dishes.
- SM City – This mall has a food court that offers a variety of Filipino and international cuisine, including fast food chains and local eateries.
Specialties
Each of these food courts has its own specialties that are must-try:
- Greenhills Shopping Center: Try their famous sisig, a Filipino dish made with chopped pork’s face and served with a raw egg.
- Robinsons Place: Order their signature lechon kawali, a crispy fried pork belly that’s a staple in Filipino cuisine.
- SM City: Don’t miss their famous chicken inasal, a Filipino dish made with grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs.
Markets
For a unique shopping experience, head to these markets:
- Greenhills Shopping Center – This popular mall has a market that offers a variety of Filipino and international goods, including food, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Robinsons Place – This mall has a market that serves up a range of Filipino and international cuisine, including fresh produce and prepared foods.
- Salcedo Market – This market offers a variety of Filipino and international goods, including food, clothing, and souvenirs.
Specialties
Each of these markets has its own specialties that are must-try: (See Also: Where to Eat in Manchester? Top Foodie Spots)
- Greenhills Shopping Center: Try their famous balut, a Filipino street food made with fertilized duck eggs.
- Robinsons Place: Order their signature ube halaya, a sweet and creamy purple yam dessert.
- Salcedo Market: Don’t miss their famous lechon kawali, a crispy fried pork belly that’s a staple in Filipino cuisine.
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve taken you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in Vito Cruz. From traditional Filipino cuisine to international flavors, this area has something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and affordable meal or a more upscale dining experience, Vito Cruz has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Top Picks
Here are our top picks for the best places to eat in Vito Cruz:
- Barrio Fiesta – This iconic restaurant serves up classic Filipino dishes like adobo and lechon kawali.
- Shabu Shabu – This Japanese restaurant offers a unique dining experience, where you can cook your own meat and vegetables in a hot pot.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – This popular coffee chain offers a wide range of coffee drinks and pastries.
Final Thoughts
Vito Cruz is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this area has something for everyone. So come and explore the best places to eat in Vito Cruz, and discover the flavors and cuisines that make this area a must-visit destination.