10 Locally Loved Restaurants We Said Goodbye to in 2022

(SPOT.ph) The year 2022 brought about countless improvements for local F&B. We’ve seen countless new dining spots enter the scene, not to mention food lovers dining out (many on a much more regular basis compared to the past two years). But the fight isn’t over. A number of restaurants sadly had to bid us goodbye for different reasons; some just shut down temporarily for renovations, others are closing their doors for good. May this be a reminder to continue supporting your favorite spots to help keep them alive.

Also read: 10 Notable Restaurants We Said Goodbye to in 2021

These are 2022's saddest restaurant closures:

Marufuku

Marufuku was a go-to for quality Japanese fare—think fresh and clean-tasting sashimi, umami-filled Kaki Motoyaki, Charcoal Sumiyaki Udon, and more—in Ortigas. Fans and regulars (us included!) were thus saddened to hear about their closing in January. "It has been our honor to serve you," they wrote in a Facebook post. In the same post, the 10-year-old establishment hinted about a possible reopening; let’s just say if you know, you know.

Caffe Puccini

An OG of The Fort Strip since 2004—yup, before the 2010s restaurant boom of BGC—Caffe Puccini was known for their satisfying Italian dishes, among them a winning Risotti Seppia. They announced in January that they’d officially closed permanently. "We sincerely thank you for your business and kind support, and we will definitely miss you."

CHINO MNL

Hong Kong’s CHINO came to our side of the continent in 2018, bringing with them their signature Mexican-Japanese bites that include tacos, ceviche, and hefty rice plates. Come March this year, they bid goodbye, explaining to SPOT.ph that their rental was over and they "decided not to continue leasing the space." That being said, they’re likely to reopen soon as the restaurant is on the lookout for a new space to move to.

Le Petit Soufflé

The unlikely—but apparently harmonious—tandem of French and Japanese cuisines came together at Le Petit Soufflé, which opened at Century City mall in 2015. With an eclectic menu of brunch plates, pasta, and sweet and savory soufflés in a space brimming with modern countryside vibes, they became a hit especially with the young and IG-savvy crowd. In June of 2022, however, they announced their permanent closure. Before officially saying adieu, they held a 50% off sale on selected items, which let loyals have their last fill of signatures like their Croque Madame and Soufflé Pancakes.

Alfredo’s Steak House

Rumors of the more-than-40 year old Quezon City institution’s closure began spreading in 2020.  These were relegated as mere rumors at the time, but the well-loved steak spot did eventually close by the end of June this year. As of writing, there's no official word about whether they’ll be reopening soon—but it doesn’t hurt to keep your fingers crossed.

Conspiracy Garden Café

Established in 2003 by musicians Gary Granada, Noel Cabangon, Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, and Cynthia Alexander, Conspiracy Garden Café was a haven for students, artists, musicians, poets, activists, and so on. The café-bar would play host to various gigs and have works of art on display, alongside serving up Filipino chow and boozy drinks. They made the heartbreaking announcement that they’d be closing for good, and held their final live on July 31. "Last live… And last night at this place," the bar wrote in a Facebook post. "After 19 years, Conspi bids farewell. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat."

Elbert’s Pizzeria + Elbert's Upstairs Bar

You could count on Elbert’s Pizzeria to deliver when the hankering for proper Napoli-style pizza struck while in the Salcedo Village area. The pizza shop—which makes use of Caputo 00 Pizzeria Flour for their pizza dough, and an Italian-made oven for firing the pies up—sadly announced they’d be closing by the end of August this year.

Elbert’s Upstairs Bar in BGC, on the other hand, was a go-to among folks who know—and appreciate—a good drink. Its under-the-radar location and swanky interiors added to their mysterious, brooding appeal, but it was their excellent takes on classic cocktails that ultimately earned them their share of distinguished regulars. The Upstairs Bar closed in mid-November.

Not all is lost for these establishments, however, which are both owned by Elbert Cuenca (of Elbert’s Steak Room). Cuenca shares they’ll soon be opening the Elbert’s Collective—a "full-service all-day restaurant" and one-stop shop for his previous concepts (Elbert’s Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Elbert’s Diner, Elbert’s Pizzeria, and Elbert’s Upstairs Bar) in Salcedo Village.

Yardstick, Legazpi Village

You can’t underestimate Yardstick’s impact on the specialty coffee scene locally. The café first opened in Legazpi Village, Makati in 2013—and apart from brewing up excellent cups of joe, they’d also sell merch and equipment and hold classes that allowed enthusiasts to learn more about the art of great coffee. This OG spot closed in November year, with Yardstick posting it was “time to say goodbye to [the branch] in its current iteration.” The owners thankfully explained to SPOT.ph that they’re just closing “for renovations.” While waiting for their reopening, you can drop by their second branch in MOA Square or their smaller semi-outposts in Salcedo Village’s Cartel Coffee Deli and The Podium’s The Daily Cut.

Ramen Daisho, Mandaluyong

Ramen Daisho was among the earliest players in the local ramen scene, opening right around the time that trend would boom in 2013. It didn’t take too long before they’d gain a stream of fans, what with their bowls of ramen that were thick, hearty, and full of umami. It was a sad day as they announced they’d be permanently closing their OG branch in Mandaluyong by mid-September, though they assured us they’d be moving to a new location “to serve you better." In any case, their second branch in Makati remains open.

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