A Mano stands out as our preferred Italian dining destination in Manila, boasting a commitment to handcrafted excellence and curated by renowned restaurateur Amado Fores. The recent addition of their Gateway 2 branch not only places them in the heart of their family’s Cubao lifestyle enclave but also brings a more welcoming service compared to their Rockwell or BGC outlets. People often asked me what’s our Top 5 restos in Manila, and this is one of them because it is proudly local, faithfully Italian and with a Filipino service attitude.
Here is our recommendation for your next family dining or reunion with foodie friends:
- ABOUT A MANO
- Antipasti (To Share)
- Primi (Pasta)
- Pizze (Pizza)
- Secondi (Mains)
- Dolci (Dessert)
- FINAL THOUGHTS
ABOUT A MANO
A Mano proudly holds its place as one of the premier tenants in the upscale lifestyle wing of Gateway 2 mall. Inside, an intimate dining area allows patrons to witness the culinary artistry, complemented by a cozy private dining space catering to a group of 6-8pax. The outdoor section, with its air-conditioned comfort, provides a delightful “alfresco” ambiance. Notably, the service is marked by a warm and inviting demeanor, with a mix of experienced staff from Rockwell and fresh faces from the local neighborhood.
A MANO @ Gateway 2 Mall
📍Gateway Mall 2, 28 General Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City,
☎️ +63 917 888 1415
📩 ciao@amano.ph
∞ @amano.ph
∞ a mano
🌏 amano.pickup.ph
⏰ Sunday to Thursday 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Related Blog Post: A MANO // Best Restaurant in Rockwell (Review)
The menu takes you on a journey throughout Italy, serving as an excellent food ambassador for Italian cuisine in Manila.
A MANO MENU:
• Antipasti, Insalate, Fritti, Zuppe, Primi (Pasta & Risotto)
• Pizze(Pizza), Secondi (Mains), Contorni (Sides)
• Dolci (Desserts)
• Spiriti (Spirits)
• Vini (Wines)
• Cocktails
• Drinks
Antipasti (To Share)
🫕 Fonduta Di Taleggio E Tartufo (₱480)
Italian Cheese Fondue, Truffle Oil
Smooth and cheesy fondue with crostini and grissini. It’s not too thick, so you can enjoy it without getting too full. The subtle truffle hint adds to awaken your taste buds.
🧀 Fiori di Zucca Ripieni di Ricotta (₱350)
Squash Flowers stuffed with Ricotta, Bagna Cauda (Italian Anchovy-Garlic Dip)
A lighter vegetable appetizer filled with ricotta cheese and served with a savory, garlicky dip. It’s a hit with kids!
Amaretto Sour (₱350)
Disaronno Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup
Sweet yet balanced, this is an excellent aperitif that will satisfy Amaretto Sour enthusiasts.
Tuscan Sangria (₱450)
Red Wine Toscana, Rhum, Mixed Fruit, Soda Water, Simple Syrup
Not enough to give you a buzz, but quite satisfying with its fruity notes, red wine and rum kick.
Primi (Pasta)
🍝 Garganelli Bianco (₱770)
Truffle Butter, Cream, Peas, Prosciutto di Parma
Our preferred pasta is adorned with a balanced mix of truffle butter and thinly sliced Parma ham, creating a delightful contrast to cut through the creamy texture. The tube pasta is generously coated with the sauce, making it easy to eat and good to share.
🍝 Tagliatelle al Nero con Fruitti Di Mare (₱740)
Squid Ink Tagliatelle with Seafood, Toasted Breadcrumbs, EVOO
Ever since Rache and I started dating, she has always enjoyed squid ink in her pasta. We love the combination of squid ink flavor, chunks of shrimp, and toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. It’s good and satisfying.
Pizze (Pizza)
🍕Straiciatella (₱865)
Tomato Sauce, Salami Piccante, Mozzarella di Bufala
We love A Mano’s pizza, baked in a Neapolitan style with a soft middle and toasted ends. It’s topped with tomato, salami, and Stracciatella made from fresh cream and mozzarella shreds. To enjoy it, simply fold a large slice, making the cheese delightful to bite into.
🍕Bianca (White Pizza) (₱810)
Ricotta, Mozzarella di Bufala, Parmigiano-Reggiano Crema, Side of Chili Honey
We typically order one red and one white pizza for variety. It is sliced into 6 pieces, making it perfect for our family to share one slice each. The white version is topped with ricotta and has a delightful contrast with chili honey. It’s so cheesy that you can savor it in just 2-3 bites.
Secondi (Mains)
🐔 “Chicken Parm” with Burrata (₱1,050)
Chicken Parmigiana, Tomato Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata
Chicken parmigiana is topped with tomato sauce and yes — we can’t get enough of burrata.
It is sliced tableside to tantalize your taste buds and thoughtfully portioned for family sharing.
🥩 Bistecca A Mano (₱2,600 – solo)
Florentine-style Steak, Fried Potato Chips, Roasted Garlic Bulb
Steak cooked medium seasoned with salt, garlic and some chips for a perfect celebration!
Dolci (Dessert)
🍦Burrata Gelato Soft Serve (₱260/cup) with Homemade Waffle Bowl (+₱50)
Their renowned burrata gelato is now presented in a crispy homemade waffle bowl, topped with honeycomb for the best Italian gelato experience.
🍰 Tiramisu (₱650)
Tiramisu with Passalacqua Coffee
Creamy tiramisu but with strong hints of coffee and alcohol – just the way I like it.
🍞 Maritozzo (₱160/piece)
Roman Sweet Brioche Bun filled with Whipped Cream
(Classic Panda or Strawberry Cream)
Introducing a new dessert—a simple brioche bun filled with whipped cream and finished with an A Mano chocolate seal. It’s a delightful experience, akin to enjoying a donut with a creamy filling.
Affogato (₱320)
Burrata Gelato Soft Serve, Passalacqua Espresso, Biscotti
My go-to dessert because you can enjoy the gelato with a strong coffee finish.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, this restaurant is among our top choices in Manila, offering excellence in every dish—from antipasti and Neapolitan pizza to Italian pasta, meats, and the exceptional burrata gelato and Italian desserts. With seasonal specialties and enticing new dishes like the Italian Cheese Fondue, “Chicken Parm” with Burrata and Maritozzo, it’s a place that keeps drawing us back. Plan a budget of around ₱1,500 – ₱2,500 per head, depending on the occasion.
Especially at the Gateway 2 Mall, the atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back, devoid of any social climbing atmosphere. Weekday reunions or family celebrations are easily accommodated, and both adults and kids adore the diverse menu, ensuring satisfaction for everyone. The service is cheerful, and the dining experience typically unfolds in four courses: Antipasti, Pizza/Pasta, Main Dish, and Dessert.
Congratulations A Mano and the Gateway 2 team for an awesome experience!
A MANO @ Gateway 2 Mall
📍Gateway Mall 2, 28 General Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City,
☎️ +63 917 888 1415
📩 ciao@amano.ph
∞ @amano.ph
∞ a mano
🌏 amano.pickup.ph
⏰ Sunday to Thursday 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Related Blog Post: A MANO // Best Restaurant in Rockwell (Review)
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Disclosure: Thanks and Congrats to Amado for the better A Mano experience. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. I appreciate the fact that the manager and chefs have been promoted from their Rockwell branch. The staff, in general, seems content and fulfilled with their service charge, and this positively reflects in the quality of their service.
