SOUTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the South!

2015 Update: 10 Most Romantic NEW Restaurants in Manila for Valentines 2015!

(Image credit: agencyby / 123RF Stock Photo)

Most couples decide where to go on a romantic date based on:

• LOCATION. Whatever is most convenient to both and how much travel time is needed.
  This blog post showcases the Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the South in the following areas: Pasay, Makati, BGC, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Laguna, Tagaytay, and Cavite.

• TYPE OF AMBIANCE. This could be private dining, intimate, garden restaurant, far away from everyone, or a surprise getaway.

• CUISINE. The most romantic cuisines are usually French, Italian, European, Continental, and Filipino. Make sure there are options for vegetarian and healthy options in the menu.

• BUDGET. For a typical romantic date, you’ll spend anywhere from P1,000 to P3,000/head–depends on what base you are in. Ask ahead if the restaurant accepts credit cards.

Here are the Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the South (as featured in Southern Eats 2013):

Related Blog Posts:

• 2,000th Blog Post: Discover NORTHERN and SOUTHERN EATS!
• SOUTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the South (for Valentines)!
• NORTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the North (For Valentines)!

1. ANTONIO’S. Continental Garden Restaurant | Tagaytay

ANTONIO’S TAGAYTAY

Antonio’s is simply the Most Awesome Restaurant in the Philippines. It is the only Filipino restaurant to rank consistently in the Top 20 List of the Miele Guide to the best restaurants in Asia.

Address: Purok 138, Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City
Mobile: +63 917 899-2866
Website: http://www.antoniosrestaurant.ph/ 

Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday
Lunch 11.00am to 2.00pm
Dinner 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Closed on Mondays

Note: Reservations can be made two months in advance. Credit Cards Accepted.

Antonio’s Dress Code is strictly smart casual. No T-shirts and flip-flops. 

Related Blog Posts: 

• Nothing beats an Antonio’s Dinner @ Tagaytay!
• Antonio’s, Tagaytay — Still the Best
• BREAKFAST at ANTONIO’S: Welcoming 2013 with a Yummy Bang along the Ridge!

 

2. SALA. European | Makati City

 

SALA RESTAURANT

Most Raved about Fine European Dining by Chef Colin Mackay. They say if Michelin guide would come to Manila, this would be one of the first ones to be rated.

Address: G/F LV Locsin Bldg, 6752 Ayala Ave Ayala Center, Makati
Telephone: +632 750-1555
Website: http://www.salarestaurant.com/
Operating Hours:
Note: Credit Cards Accepted 

Related Blog Post: Sala’s Makati Reincarnation

 

3. LA GIROLLE. French Intimate Dining | Bonifacio Global City

RESTAURANT LA GIROLLE

An intimate French dining restaurant by Chef Amando Ian Padilla hidden in Bonifacio Global City.

Address: 2nd Floor Blue Sapphire Building 30th Street, 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Mobile: +63 917 8035423
Telephone: +632 478 4119
Email: groupegirolleinc@yahoo.com.ph 
Facebook: Restaurant La Girolle
Operating Hours: 
Mondays to Fridays (Lunch and Dinner)
Saturdays (Dinner only)
Sundays (Closed)
Note: Credit Cards Accepted  

Related Blog Post: La Girolle’s Tasting Menu by Chef Ian Padilla

 

4. MARCIA ADAMS. Italian Garden Restaurant | Tagaytay

MARCIA ADAMS’ TUSCANY PLACE

Enjoy the romantic Tuscan ambiance of Marcia Adams’ Garden in Tagaytay. 

Address: J.P.Rizal St, Brgy Sikat, 4123 Alfonso, Cavite
It is located along the border of Tagaytay and Alfonso, Cavite across Ville Sommet. 
Mobile: To reserve, text Marcia at +63917 801 1456
Email: marciasresto@gmail.com 
Facebook: Marcia Adams’ Restaurant

Operating Hours: 
Mon-Fri by appointment (24-hrs notice)
Please book on weekends to ensure table availability
Note: Cash Only

Driving Directions:
To go to Marcia’s, just drive all the way to Tagaytay and turn right at the Tagaytay Rotonda.
Go all the way to Alfonso, Cavite. You will pass by the restaurants along the Ridge, the Mendez intersection, and the turn to Antonio’s.

You turn right when you see the Tagaytay Arch with Pineapples, and Residence Inn on your left. You should see a sign leading to Ville Sommet. You will see the entrance of Marcia Adams’ place on your left.

Download the Marcia Adam’s Map | Download the Marcia Adams Menu

Related Blog Post: Marcia Adams’ Tuscany

 

5. MASSETO. Continental | Makati City

MASSETO

Discover Chef Tippi Tambunting’s Gourmet Creations in the heart of Makati with an extensive Wine Cellar by Premium Wines. 

Address: SB Cards Building, Mezzanine Level, 114 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Telephone: +632 810-3565, +632 338-0929
Mobile: +63 918 811-8088
Email Address: info@masseto.com.ph
Website: http://www.masseto.com.ph/
Facebook: Masseto Restaurant and Wine Bar
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Note: Credit Cards Accepted 

Parking Tips:
Masseto is along Valero, near the Starbucks on VA Rufino (or Herrera). You can go to Ayala, turn right on De La Costa, then turn right on Valero. Masseto will be on your left, two buildings before VA Rufino. You can park in front.

However, I prefer to pass by the back street (San Agustin St.) and park beside the building of Masseto. San Agustin is one-way going to Buendia/Ayala direction and the parking entrance is along this street. After you pass by VA Rufino (formerly Herrera), the parking area should be the first open parking lot on your left.

You won’t really see a lot of action happening from the outside, but you’ll definitely see a lot of drivers waiting for their bosses. 🙂

Related Blog Post: Tippi Tambunting’s Masseto

 

6. CHATEAU HESTIA. European Garden Restaurant | Tagaytay

CHATEAU HESTIA GARDEN RESTAURANT

Luxuriate in a chateau-inspired setting in the middle of a garden by Johannes Zegethofer.

Address: Purok 5, Brgy. Bukal, Silang, Cavite, Philippines 4118 (near Tagaytay City)
Mobile: +63 929 711-3289
Contact:  Johannes Zegethofer +63 918-9305372
Email: info@chateauhestia.com, dine@chateauhestia.com
Website: http://www.chateauhestia.com/
Facebook: Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am to 10.00pm
Note: Credit Cards Accepted 

Download the map going to Chateau Hestia

Related Blog Posts: 

• a Chateau Hestia Birthday Celebration
• Chateau Hestia Happiness (Ultimate Tagaytay Tour 5 of 8)

 

7. MY MOTHER’S GARDEN. Continental Garden Restaurant | Pasay City

MY MOTHER’S GARDEN

A by-reservation-only romantic dining spot by Malu and Letlet Antonio Veloso, in the home of national artist for architecture Pablo Antonio.

Address: 2650 Zamora St., Pasay City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 831 8407
Contact: Malu Antonio Veloso (+63 917 600 8886)
Letlet Antonio Veloso (+63 918 702 2125) 
Website: http://mothersgarden.multiply.com/ 
Facebook: My Mother’s Garden
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Note: Cash Only 

Driving Directions:
From Makati, drive along Edsa until you almost reach Taft Avenue. Almost near the LRT Taft Avenue Station overpass, you will see a small eskinita with Metropoint Mall at the corner. Turn right on that small street right before Taft Avenue and follow the jeepneys turning into the two-way Zamora St. Just drive on until you see 2650 Zamora St.

Related Blog Post: My Mother’s Garden, Formerly Called Garden Room

 

8. THE GOOSE STATION. European | Bonifacio Global City

THE GOOSE STATION (pronounced as De-Gus-Tation)

The down-to-earth Degustation Restaurant by celebrity chef couple Rob and Sunshine Pengson. It was named after Rob, whose college monicker was “The Goose”, and after Sunshine’s love for foie gras (duck liver).

Address: W Tower, 1117 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Telephone: +632 556-9068
Mobile Number: +63 917 854-6673  (GOOSE)
Attire: Smart Casual
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday Lunch: Doors Open 11.30am, Last Orders 2.00pm
Monday to Saturday Dinner: Doors Open 6.00pm, Last Orders 9.30pm
Website: http://thegoosestation.ph/ 
Note: Credit Cards Accepted. 

Download Location Map

Related Blog Post: The Goose Station’s Degustation

 

9. CHAMPETRE. French | Bonifacio Global City

CHAMPETRE BOUTIQUE AND RESTAURANT

The reincarnation of Je Suis Gourmand with a French country ambiance by French chef Marc Aubry.

Address: Ground Floor, Net One Center, 26th St. corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Telephone: +632 815-8801 to 02
Email: queries@champetreboutique.com
Website: http://www.champetreboutique.com
Facebook: Champetre Boutique & Restaurant
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 11.00 am to 10.30pm 
Note: Credit Cards Accepted. 

Related Blog Post: 

• Cassoulet, escargots bourguignon, foie gras by the slab–French countryside menu in Manila by Clinton Palanca
• Aidan’s Je Suis Gourmand Birthday Dinner

 

10. L’ENTRECOTE. French | Bonifacio Global City

L’ENTRECOTE MANILA

A one-of-a-kind steak-frites dining experience by Chef Martin Kaspar.

Address: Forbes Town Center, Unit A Bellagio 2 Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Basement parking across the restaurant and valley parking available.
Telephone : +632 856-4858
Email : info@lentrecotemanila.com
Website: http://www.lentrecotemanila.com/
Facebook: L’entrecote Burgos Circle Forbes Town Center
Operating Hours: 
Sunday to Thursday: 11.00am to 11.00pm
Friday and Saturday: 11.00am to 1.00am
Note: Credit Cards Accepted.

Related Blog Post: L’Entrecôte, Manila: Steak and Fries Every Time You Visit? 

 

11. MASSIMO’S FARM. Italian/Mediterranean Garden Restaurant | Cavite

MASSIMO’S FARM

Feast on European cuisine by Chef Hazel Lu-Galvez in Massimo’s Farm in Silang, Cavite.

Address: J. Toledo Street, 4118 Silang, Cavite
Mobile: +63 917 520-8887, +63 927 847 5034
Email:  info@massimosfarm.com
Website: http://massimosfarm.com/
Facebook: Massimo’s Farm
Twitter: @massimosfarm
Operating Hours: By Reservation Only
Note: Cash Only 

Download Map to Massimo’s Farm

 

12. KASBAH. Moroccan/ Mediterranean | Bonifacio Global City

 

KASBAH THE FORT

Delight in the romantic, Moroccan-inspired ambiance of Kasbah, where they serve Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine.

Address: 7th Avenue Corner Katipunan Circle,  Fort BonifacioBonifacio Global City, Taguig (Former Red Kimono Location)
Telephone: +632 553-4499
Mobile: +63 917 205-8802 
Facebook: Kasbah The Fort
Website: www.KasbahBoracay.com

Related Blog Post: KASBAH’s Moroccan Cuisine from Boracay to BGC!

 

13. VILLA CAFE. Filipino | Makati City

Note: This restaurant is now closed 🙁

VILLA CAFE

 A Kapampangan restaurant serving heirloom recipes by Chef Sau Del Rosario and Chef Jam Melchor.

Address: 7427 Glory Building, Yakal St., San Antonio Village, Makati
(located a few buildings before I’m Angus and Santis)
Email: villacafe11@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 917 434-3143
Telephone: +632 478-2659
Contact: Chef Sau directly at +63 917 556 0917 or chefsau@yahoo.com
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.00am to 1o.00pm
Facebook: Villa Cafe
Website: http://villacafe.biz

Related Blog Post: Villa Cafe Kapampangan Resto by Chef Sau & Chef Jam

 

14. LE BISTRO D’AGATHE. French | Makati City

LE BISTRO D’AGATHE

 Try French home-cooking by French chef Patrice Delobbe in a cozy ambiance.

Address: 1154 A Lacuna St. cor. Rodriguez Avenue, Bangkal, 1233 Makati (former location of Fat Michael’s)
Email: lebistrodagathe@gmail.com
Telephone: +63947 519-2148 
Facebook: Le Bistro D’Agathe
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Monday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Note: Cash Only

Related Blog Post: Le Bistro d’Agathe – Puerto Galera’s Famous French Bistro replaces Fat Michael’s

 

ABOUT SOUTHERN EATS

Southern Eats is a restaurant guide based on the recommendations of Our Awesome Planet.

The book features the restaurants that we have discovered and grown to love. These are the restaurants that can serve as the perfect backdrop for special family gatherings, a romantic date with your special someone, or the perfect bonding moments with your friends.

There are three criteria that we followed in coming up with this inaugural list of Southern Eats’ restaurants in Manila:

1. It is not commercialized.
There is magic in knowing that what you are enjoying is not mainstream. These restaurants are typically not based in the hotel or in the mall. It is not a local chain or foreign franchise that expanded around Manila. On certain occasions though, we give in and include the original stores of local restaurants that somehow evolve to be chains as long as they still haven’t lost the magic of what made them stick.

 

>> Browse the inside pages of Southern Eats.

Southern Eats is available in Major Bookstores for P150 each.

Related Blog Posts:

• 2,000th Blog Post: Discover NORTHERN and SOUTHERN EATS! 
• SOUTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the South (for Valentines)!
• NORTHERN EATS: Manila’s Top 14 Romantic Restaurants in the North (For Valentines)!

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Follow @antondiaz and Like our Official Facebook Page: Our Awesome Planet 🙂 
If you have tips on awesome food and travel destinations, please email me at anton@diaz.ph.

Full Disclosure: We paid for our meals. I wrote this blog post myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I have no business relationship with any restaurant mentioned in this post or any organization promoting it. As a policy, I don’t receive compensation from food and travel places we feature in the blog. 

P.S. Check out the Parallel Blog Post on the Romantic Northern Restaurants.